Why Dao Siam
What sets careful watchwork apart
Watch repair differs widely in quality and approach. Here is what makes the way we work different from a faster, more transactional service — and why it matters for mechanical timepieces.
Back to HomeAt a Glance
Six things that matter to watch owners
Written before work begins
Every watch receives a written condition assessment before any decision is made. You see what we find in plain language.
No work without agreement
If we discover something unexpected mid-service, we stop and contact you. We proceed only when you have decided.
Heritage competence
Older calibres need different handling. We work on vintage and collectible movements regularly and understand their particularities.
Conservation-minded finishing
Refinishing is carried out only to the extent agreed. Original surfaces, edges, and patina are preserved where you value them.
Prices stated clearly
Service prices are published. You know what you are considering before you bring your watch in.
Work at the right pace
We don't compress timelines to clear backlogs. Movement work takes the time it requires to be done correctly.
Expertise
Sixteen years working on mechanical movements
Dao Siam has been operating in Chiang Mai since 2009. In that time we have worked on a wide range of mechanical calibres — from common Swiss and Japanese movements to less familiar makers whose parts require sourcing or fabrication. The range of watches we see regularly means we encounter unusual problems with some frequency, and know when to proceed with confidence and when to seek additional knowledge.
Our head watchmaker trained in mechanical horology formally and has continued that education through practice with complex and vintage movements. We do not claim competence we do not have — if a particular movement is outside our experience, we will say so clearly.
Formal training in mechanical horology, supplemented by ongoing practice with vintage and complex calibres
Experience with Swiss, Japanese, and lesser-known mechanical movements across sixteen years of workshop operation
Heritage rebuild experience — understanding which components to conserve, which to source, and which can be manufactured
Honest limits — we tell you when a particular task is beyond what we offer, before accepting the work
Condition note provided before any work is agreed — yours to keep whether or not you proceed
Workshop visits welcomed without advance appointment — bring your watch and we'll take a look together
Communication in plain language — we explain technical findings clearly, without assuming prior knowledge
Updates provided if timelines change or something unexpected is found during work
Service Approach
A watchmaker you can speak with directly
In many repair contexts, the person who takes in your watch is not the person who works on it. At Dao Siam, the team is small enough that a conversation with the workshop is a conversation with the craftspeople doing the work. When you ask why something is recommended, you receive a direct, considered answer.
We also try to explain what we are not recommending, and why. A watch that needs only a service does not need refinishing, and we will not suggest it unless you raise it. Our approach is to offer what is genuinely useful, not what fills a bill.
Value
Transparent pricing, clear scope
Our service prices are published on the website and in the workshop. A standard service is ฿4,600, refinishing is ฿8,700, and a heritage movement rebuild begins at ฿14,900. These figures are the basis for what you can expect to pay — not an opening position for negotiation.
If an assessment reveals work that falls outside the standard scope, we will explain why before any additional cost is incurred. You are under no obligation to proceed with any recommendation. The written condition note is provided at no charge.
What our prices include
Full movement clean, lubrication, timing regulation, condition note, service warranty
Case and bracelet work, finish agreed beforehand, dial and crystal protected
Movement study, written plan agreed, wear correction, parts conservation and replacement
How We Compare
A considered service versus a quick turnaround
This comparison is not about price. It is about what a watch owner can reasonably expect from different types of repair service.
| Feature | Typical high-volume repair | Dao Siam |
|---|---|---|
| Condition written down before work begins | ||
| Owner agrees all work before it proceeds | ||
| Heritage and vintage movement capability | Sometimes | |
| Refinishing to agreed extent only | ||
| Prices stated in advance | Varies | |
| Original components returned on request | ||
| Direct contact with the craftsperson doing the work |
What Sets Us Apart
Distinctive features of the Dao Siam approach
Written plan for every heritage rebuild
Before any heritage movement rebuild proceeds, we produce a written plan that describes the work, the parts involved, and the expected outcome. This document is agreed with you — and nothing in it proceeds without your signature of understanding. We know of few workshops that formalise this step.
Replaced parts returned on request
Owners of collectible or inherited watches often want to keep the original components, even those that could no longer function reliably. We set aside and return any replaced parts if you request them. This is not standard practice in most repair workshops.
A workshop open to visiting
You can come to the workshop in Phra Sing during opening hours without an appointment. This is not a drop-box service. We find that a brief in-person conversation about a watch produces better outcomes for both sides than a form or an email chain.
No recommendation without explanation
If we recommend something — a refinish, a crystal replacement, a new mainspring — we explain why. We also tell you what we are not recommending, and why. Some things can wait. Some things don't need doing at all. We consider it part of our work to be straightforward about this.
Recognition & Milestones
Sixteen years of quiet work
2009
Year established in Phra Sing, Chiang Mai
800+
Movements serviced or restored since opening
3
Dedicated team members with specialist roles
60+
Distinct calibre families worked on to date
Northern Thailand Craft Business Recognition
Acknowledged by the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce among specialist craft workshops, May 2025
Watchmaker Certification
Head watchmaker holds certification in mechanical horology from a recognised institution in horology training
Recommended Workshop, Chiang Mai
Consistently recommended by Chiang Mai-based collector and expatriate communities over more than a decade
See these qualities in practice
The best way to understand our approach is to bring a watch in and speak with us. There is no charge for an initial look and a written note about what we find.