Pattaya · Est. 2014
A Workshop Built on Straightforward Work
Gearwright started as a single bench on Beach Road and has stayed that way — focused, unhurried, and careful with every piece we handle.
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Gearwright opened in 2014 with a clear idea: offer watch repair in Pattaya the way it should be done — with the right tools, honest pricing, and a written record of every job. The founder, Khun Somchai, spent ten years working with Swiss movements at a Bangkok atelier before relocating to the coast and setting up the workshop at 145 Beach Road.
The area draws a mix of long-stay residents, expats, and short-stay visitors, and many of them carry watches that matter to them. Gearwright was set up to serve that mix — from a traveller who needs a battery changed before a flight, to a collector who wants a 1970s automatic serviced with care and documentation to show for it.
Over the years, the team has grown to three watchmakers and the range of work has expanded, but the approach has not changed: explain what needs doing, agree on it before starting, and return the watch with notes on what was done.
Our Mission
To keep mechanical and automatic watches running well — and to make the repair process straightforward for the person handing them over.
Transparency before we start
No work begins without a clear agreement on scope and cost.
Documentation on return
Every serviced watch comes back with written notes on what was done.
Genuine accessibility
Walk-ins always welcome. No unnecessary gatekeeping around simple jobs.
Appropriate tools for the job
We use watchmaker-grade equipment for every job, regardless of price point.
The Team
Three watchmakers — each with a specific area of focus.
Somchai Kanchanawong
Founder & Lead Watchmaker
Fifteen years working with Swiss calibres. Handles movement servicing and all restoration work personally.
Nattaporn Phromrat
Watchmaker — Movements
Trained in Japan, specialising in Japanese automatic and quartz movements. Joined Gearwright in 2018.
Wirun Chaiyapong
Watchmaker — Cases & Straps
Focuses on case refinishing, bracelet work, and walk-in battery and strap services. Eight years in the trade.
Working Standards
The protocols and practices we follow on every job — regardless of service type or price.
Pre-Work Assessment
Every watch is inspected and assessed before we quote. You receive a clear explanation of the condition and what is involved.
Proper Parts Only
We use appropriate-grade parts sourced from established suppliers. We do not fit non-matching or cosmetically altered components without telling you.
Timing Verification
Serviced movements are tested on a timing machine across multiple positions before the watch is returned.
Water Resistance Check
Where a case has been opened, we carry out a basic pressure check on reassembly if the watch is rated for water resistance.
Written Job Record
All work is logged. Movement service and restoration customers receive a printed summary when they collect their watch.
Secure Storage
Watches left for service are stored in a locked cabinet. We do not leave customer pieces unattended or accessible on an open workbench.
Watch Repair in Pattaya — What We Know and How We Work
Mechanical and automatic watches require periodic attention to stay in good order. Lubricants degrade over time, small components wear against each other, and movements that once kept accurate time start to drift. A proper service addresses all of this at the source rather than masking symptoms.
Pattaya's coastal climate — high humidity, salt air near the seafront — is harder on watches than people often expect. Gaskets deteriorate faster, metal components can corrode at joint points, and dust from outdoor activity works into poorly sealed cases. Gearwright works on a range of pieces that come in for precisely these reasons, and our team knows what to look for in this environment.
We handle Swiss movements from major brands as well as Japanese calibres from Seiko, Citizen, and Orient. Vintage pieces are welcome — part of the restoration service involves sourcing components through our supplier contacts in Bangkok, Switzerland, and Japan. Timelines for sourcing vary, but we keep customers informed throughout.
For visitors passing through Pattaya, the walk-in battery and strap service is straightforward. You can call ahead to confirm we are open, or simply stop by. For anything requiring the watch to be left with us, we ask for a contact number so we can reach you if anything unexpected comes up during the work.
Ready to drop off a watch?
Get in touch to let us know what you have — or simply walk in during opening hours.
Contact Gearwright