Why Wela Atelier
A thoughtful choice for
your mechanical watch.
There are many workshops that will take your watch and return it. We aim to be the one you'd actually recommend — because you understood exactly what was done, and why.
At a Glance
What you can expect when you work with us
Swiss-trained watchmaker
Our lead watchmaker trained in the watch-producing regions of Switzerland. The techniques and standards learned there inform everything done at Wela Atelier.
Documented work at every stage
You receive a written assessment before work begins and a full service record at collection. The history of your watch's service travels with it.
Transparent communication
Nothing is disassembled, refinished, or replaced without your agreement. You are consulted before each significant decision about your timepiece.
One watchmaker, your watch
From intake to handback, your watch is handled by the same person. There is no hand-off halfway through, and no question about who is responsible for the result.
Workshop-grade equipment
Ultrasonic cleaning, multi-position timing machines, and pressure testing equipment — the same tools used in professional service centres, in a small, careful setting.
Clear, agreed pricing
Prices for standard services are stated upfront. For restoration projects, a written quote is provided before work begins. You will not receive an unexpected bill at collection.
In Depth
Each benefit, explained
Professional expertise with a verifiable background
Watch servicing requires a depth of knowledge that takes years to develop. Understanding how different escapements behave, how oils age differently in various climates, how to read a movement's condition from its wear patterns — this is not something learned quickly. Our watchmaker's training in Switzerland, followed by years of practice on a wide range of mechanical calibres, forms the foundation of the work we do.
- NAWCC membership maintained
- Experience with Swiss, Japanese, and German calibres
- Ongoing access to technical resources and calibre documentation
Professional equipment applied with patience
We use the same core equipment found in dedicated service centres: an ultrasonic cleaning unit capable of handling watch-grade components, a multi-position timing machine for thorough rate analysis, and a pressure-testing apparatus for water-resistant cases. What differs from large facilities is scale — we use these tools on a small number of watches at a time, with close attention to each one.
- Multi-stage ultrasonic cleaning for all movement parts
- Six-position timing measurement and regulation
- Case pressure testing after reassembly where relevant
A service built around conversation
Every watch project at Wela Atelier begins with listening. We want to understand what the watch is, what it means to the owner, and what outcome they are hoping for. That conversation shapes the scope of work — and it continues throughout the process if anything unexpected is found. We do not assume; we ask.
- Initial assessment at no charge
- Updates provided when findings change the scope
- Walk-ins welcome during workshop hours
Pricing that reflects what is actually done
Our prices for standard services — movement overhaul from ฿4,300, dial and case restoration from ฿9,400, antique restoration from ฿14,800 — are stated clearly and do not change without discussion. For complex restoration work, a written quote is prepared after assessment. We have no interest in billing for work that wasn't necessary or agreed to.
- Standard service prices published openly
- Written quote for all restoration projects before work begins
- No hidden additions at collection
Watches that run well, with documentation to show it
A serviced mechanical watch should keep good time across various positions and conditions. We verify this with timing machine data rather than relying on subjective observation alone. The service record we provide includes timing results so the owner has a baseline for future comparison — useful particularly for vintage pieces that may need attention again in some years.
- Timing results documented and provided to owner
- Six-position rate data included in service record
- Service history supports future assessment by any workshop
A Different Kind of Workshop
How Wela Atelier compares
This comparison reflects the general experience reported by watch owners when dealing with volume-focused service workshops versus a dedicated small atelier.
| Feature | Typical High-Volume Workshop | Wela Atelier |
|---|---|---|
| Written assessment before work begins | Often verbal only | Always provided |
| Same person handles the watch throughout | Multiple technicians | One watchmaker |
| Timing machine results provided to owner | Rarely included | Included in service record |
| Owner consulted on restoration scope | Decisions made without owner | Always discussed first |
| Antique part fabrication available | Usually not available | Offered for antique projects |
| Pricing agreed in writing before work | Variable | Standard rates published; restoration quoted |
What Sets Us Apart
Things we do that most workshops don't
Written project assessment, always
Before any disassembly, you receive a written explanation of what was found and what work is recommended. This document is yours to keep, whether or not you proceed.
Hand-fabricated parts for antique watches
When original parts are unavailable, we can make what is needed. This extends the scope of restorations we can take on to watches that most workshops would have to decline.
Patina preserved when that's what you want
Restoring a watch doesn't always mean making it look new. We discuss the approach with each owner and can carry out a service without touching the original dial or case surfaces if that is preferred.
Timing data you can actually use
The timing machine results from your service are included in your service record. This gives you a documented baseline for future comparison — not just a vague sense that the watch "runs well".
Recognition
Professional standing and milestones
11+
Years in horology
340+
Movements overhauled
NAWCC
Member since 2017
CH
Swiss-trained watchmaker
Recognised by the Bangkok Horological Society as a skilled independent conservator, May 2025
Completion of advanced escapement and regulation course, Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie materials programme, 2023
Highly commended in the 2024 Thai Craft & Restoration Awards — Heritage Object Conservation category
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us to arrange an assessment. We'll tell you honestly what your watch needs and what the work would involve.
Request a Consultation