What Customers Say
Real Work, Honest Feedback
A selection of experiences from people who have brought watches to Gearwright — residents, expats, and visitors passing through Pattaya.
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Years Operating
3,200+
Watches Handled
4.8
Average Rating
96%
Return Rate
Customer Experiences
A range of jobs and a range of perspectives.
David Keller
German expat, Pattaya
Brought in a Seiko 5 that had been sitting in a drawer for three years. Movement service took about eight days and it came back with a timing sheet showing it was running within three seconds a day. That is better than it ever ran before. The written summary was a nice touch — I filed it with the watch.
June 2026 · Movement Service
Siriporn Phothong
Pattaya resident
I stopped by for a battery change on my Casio — done in about twenty minutes. The watchmaker also noticed the crown gasket was starting to harden and mentioned it, though there was no pressure to have it replaced that day. I appreciated that. Will come back for a proper service on my husband's automatic.
May 2026 · Battery & Strap
Marc Renaud
French tourist, short stay
I was in Pattaya for a week and my watch strap broke on the second day. Found Gearwright on Beach Road, walked in without an appointment. New leather strap fitted in about fifteen minutes, sized properly without me asking. Simple experience but exactly what I needed.
June 2026 · Walk-In Strap Fitting
Thomas Whitmore
British expat, Jomtien
Brought in my father's 1974 Longines for a full restoration. Somchai was very direct about what was possible and what was not. The case polishing took some discussion — I wanted it to keep some of its age marks and he respected that. Took about seven weeks in total, partly for a part that needed sourcing from Europe. Worth it.
May 2026 · Restoration & Refinish
Nattachai Charoensuk
Chonburi, Thailand
My Orient automatic was running about fifteen seconds fast each day. After the service it was down to four or five, which the watchmaker told me was within the normal range for this movement. Honest expectation-setting, which I found refreshing. The only slight thing was the turnaround was a day longer than estimated, but I was kept informed.
June 2026 · Movement Service
Jan Van den Berg
Dutch visitor, extended stay
I had a Tissot that stopped working during my holiday. Dropped it in, they called me with an assessment the next afternoon. Turned out to be a worn mainspring. They held the watch when I had to travel for a few days and I collected it when I came back through Pattaya. Good communication and no fuss.
May 2026 · Movement Service
Case Studies
Three jobs in more detail — what came in, what was done, and how it turned out.
A 1968 Swiss Mechanical — Stopped After Years in Storage
Challenge
The owner inherited a vintage Swiss watch that had been in a drawer since the 1990s. It would not run at all and the case had significant surface scratches. Parts availability was unknown.
What We Did
Full movement disassembly revealed a worn pallet fork and seized mainspring. Both were sourced from a Swiss supplier over three weeks. Case was refinished to preserve the patina the owner requested. All steps agreed in writing before proceeding.
Outcome
Watch returned running within ±6 seconds/day. Full restoration report provided. Owner had documentation showing the parts replaced and the sources used — useful for insurance valuation.
"I was not expecting the level of communication throughout. Every time something came up, I heard about it before they proceeded. That made the whole thing much easier." — Thomas W., Jomtien
Automatic Watch Running 30+ Seconds Fast Daily
Challenge
A Japanese automatic had been running 30–40 seconds fast per day for several months. The owner had adjusted the regulator themselves but found gains only temporary.
What We Did
Assessment found dried lubrication on the escapement causing inconsistent lock. Full movement service completed: ultrasonic clean, fresh lubricants, timing machine regulation across five positions over two days post-service.
Outcome
Final timing: +4 seconds per day in the most active position. Timing sheet provided showing dial-up, dial-down, and three lateral positions. Customer returned three months later for a strap change — watch still within rate.
"The explanation of why it was running fast was clear and made sense. Not complicated, just straightforward." — Nattachai C.
Tourist Watch Repair — Two Days to Collection
Challenge
A visitor had a quartz watch stop during his first day in Pattaya, with only four days remaining in his stay. He needed it returned before departure and was uncertain whether repair was worth pursuing.
What We Did
Battery test showed the cell was dead but the movement was fine. Replacement battery fitted same afternoon. We also checked the crown seal as the watch was rated 50m — it was marginal, and the owner chose to have it replaced as a precaution given beach use.
Outcome
Watch returned same day. Total time in shop: under an hour. Owner collected, continued his trip, and sent a message after returning to France confirming it was still working.
"Stumbled across this place. Very glad I did." — Marc R., Paris
Visit the Workshop
Phone
+66 92 518 4760Address
145 Beach Road, Pattaya,
Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150
Hours
Mon–Sat: 10:00–19:00
Sun: 11:00–17:00
Have a watch to discuss?
Drop us a message with a brief description of the piece and what it needs. We will reply within one business day to let you know whether it fits within our services.
Send a MessageProfessional Credentials
Thai Watchmakers Association
Member since 2016, annual continuing development maintained.
Registered Business, Chonburi
Sole trader registration under Thai commercial law, Bang Lamung district.
Pattaya Expat Club
Recommended supplier listing, 2021 and 2024 editions.
Ready to bring your watch in?
Walk-in welcome for battery and strap work. Contact us first for movement servicing or restoration.
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