Client Experiences
Clients return to Mongkol not because we promise the most — but because the work is done carefully and the conversation is honest.
18+
Years of operation
1,400+
Watches completed
4.8
Avg. client rating
96%
Return rate
What Clients Say
Pattaraporn Thanakit
Chiang Mai, TH
My grandfather's Seiko from the 1970s had been sitting unworn for years — I didn't know if it was even worth bringing in. Somchai looked at it carefully and was honest that it needed a full overhaul, not just a service. Four weeks later it came back running within a few seconds a day. The written summary of what was done was a detail I didn't expect but really appreciated.
April 2025 · Complete Overhaul
Ravi Subramaniam
Bangkok, TH
I shipped a French dress watch from Bangkok after reading about Mongkol online. Communication before sending it was smooth and the transit process was straightforward. The restoration took about six weeks — slightly longer than quoted because they found worn cannon pinions and paused to ask me before ordering parts. That kind of care is exactly what I wanted for a watch I care about.
March 2025 · Fine Restoration
Nareeya Kasemrat
Chiang Rai, TH
I visited the workshop with three watches I'd inherited — not knowing what any of them needed. The assessment conversation took nearly an hour and wasn't rushed. We decided together that only one needed a full overhaul; the others just needed a Refresh. That honesty saved me money and told me more about the pieces than I'd known before.
April 2025 · Assessment + Refresh
Marcus Chen
Singapore · visiting Chiang Mai
Dropped in during a trip to Chiang Mai — no appointment, just walked up Ratchadamnoen Road and found the workshop. They looked at my ETA 2824 movement on the spot and confirmed it needed a Refresh. Collected it the following week before I left. A very calm, unhurried experience. The watch ran noticeably better within the first few days back home.
May 2025 · Refresh & Lubrication
Wannisa Ariyaruk
Lamphun, TH
I was a bit nervous leaving a sentimental piece. They gave me a realistic timeframe upfront and kept to it. The case finish on my mother's old Tissot came back looking considered rather than over-polished — I'd specifically asked them to preserve the soft look of the original surface and they understood that perfectly. Worth every baht.
March 2025 · Fine Restoration
Jonathan Sripetch
Chiang Mai, TH
I've used larger Bangkok repair centres before and the experience is very different — drop in a form, wait, collect, hope for the best. At Mongkol there's a real conversation. They remember the watch. When I came back to collect, they went through the timing figures with me and explained what they'd found in the movement. That kind of engagement keeps me coming back.
April 2025 · Complete Overhaul
Case Studies
Case · 01
The Situation
A client brought in her late father's Longines. The watch had not run for over a decade and the crown was stiff. She was uncertain whether it was repairable and was concerned about altering anything that might affect its personal significance.
What Was Done
After assessment, we recommended the Fine Restoration tier. The 30L calibre was fully disassembled — the mainspring had set and several jewel settings showed dried lubricant. All parts were cleaned, a period-correct mainspring was sourced, and the movement reassembled with appropriate lubricants. The case was refinished only on the sides, preserving the original dial surface and hands untouched per the client's preference.
Outcome
The watch returned keeping time within +8 seconds per day — within design specification for the calibre. The client collected it at week 7 and described the experience as more than she'd hoped for.
Duration: 7 weeks · Service: Fine Restoration · ฿14,000
Case · 02
The Situation
A client in his 30s wore a Swiss automatic daily but had noticed it losing more than three minutes every day. A previous shop had suggested a new movement rather than service. He wanted a second opinion before committing to that cost.
What Was Done
Our assessment identified the issue as a worn mainspring and dried balance wheel lubricant — both serviceable within a Complete Overhaul. The movement did not require replacement. We disassembled and cleaned the ETA 2892, renewed the mainspring, re-oiled across all points, and regulated the movement across three positions.
Outcome
The watch was returned running at +4 seconds per day in the worn position. The client avoided an unnecessary movement replacement. Total cost ฿9,900 versus an estimated ฿28,000+ for a new ETA movement.
Duration: 3.5 weeks · Service: Complete Overhaul · ฿9,900
Visit Us
Phone
+66 53 426 9071Address
134 Ratchadamnoen Road
Si Phum, Chiang Mai
Hours
Mon–Sat
09:00–18:00
Chiang Mai Artisan Trade
Member of the Chiang Mai Artisan & Craft Business Association since 2010.
Heritage Craft Recognition
Acknowledged by Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre as a practitioner of traditional precision craft, 2022.
Thai Industrial Standards
Workshop practices aligned with TISI guidelines for precision repair services.
Your Turn
The assessment visit is free and without obligation. Come by the workshop on Ratchadamnoen Road or send us a message to start the conversation.
Contact the Workshop