Why Choose Us
Reasons to trust your watch to Naga Kala
We've built our approach around the things watch owners consistently say matter most: honesty, clear communication, and work done at the pace the job actually calls for.
At a Glance
What you can count on
Written Condition Reports
Before any decision is made, you receive a clear written note on your watch's state. No verbal estimates that shift later — the assessment is on paper.
Nothing Extra Without Agreement
We do only the work agreed upon. If something additional comes to light during servicing, we contact you before proceeding. Your bill stays what was discussed.
Realistic Timelines
We give honest turnaround estimates at drop-off, not the answer that sounds best. Fine work — particularly vintage restoration — takes the time it takes.
Conservation-First Approach
We preserve original parts wherever possible. Patina, period hands, original dials — these are discussed with you, never removed as a matter of routine.
Post-Service Assurance
Every completed service carries an assurance period. If the specific work done presents an issue after you collect your watch, we address it — no argument.
Timing Verification
Every movement is measured on a timing machine after work is complete. Results travel with your watch so you know exactly how it is performing at collection.
In Depth
Each benefit, explained
Qualified, experienced craft
The watchmaker at the bench has spent over fifteen years working on mechanical movements, including time in Europe where horological training standards are particularly demanding. That background shapes every aspect of how we approach a watch — from the tools selected to the order in which a movement is disassembled and cleaned.
- Formal horological training
- Experience across manual-wind, automatic, and pocket watch calibres
- Specialist knowledge of vintage and collectible movements
A clear, unhurried process
Each watch follows the same structured path: assessment and condition report, discussion with the owner, agreed scope of work, completion, timing verification, and return. Nothing is skipped and no step is rushed. For vintage restorations, a written plan is produced and agreed before a single component is touched.
- Documented process from receipt to return
- Written plan for restoration work
- Service record accompanies completed watch
Properly equipped bench
Watchmaking demands the right tools. The Naga Kala bench is equipped with a timing machine, ultrasonic cleaning equipment, and the hand-setting and case tools needed to work confidently across both modern and vintage calibres. We do not improvise with unsuitable instruments.
- Timing machine measurement on all movements
- Ultrasonic parts cleaning
- Calibre-appropriate hand and case tools
Attentive, unpressured service
We take the time to explain our findings in plain language and welcome questions at any point. Owners are never made to feel that asking for clarity is an inconvenience. If you are undecided after an assessment, there is no obligation to proceed — you are free to take your watch and consider your options.
- Questions always welcome
- No obligation after assessment
- Progress updates available on request
Transparent, fair pricing
Service prices are published clearly on our website and confirmed in the written assessment before work begins. If parts are needed beyond the standard scope, we discuss the additional cost with you first. There are no charges on your invoice that were not agreed in advance.
- Published pricing for each service tier
- All additional costs discussed before proceeding
- No surprise charges at collection
How We Compare
Naga Kala versus the typical approach
| Aspect | Typical Providers | Naga Kala |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment documentation | Verbal, approximate | Written, detailed |
| Additional work during service | Often added without notice | Discussed first, always |
| Original parts policy | Replaced as standard | Preserved where possible |
| Timing verification | Not always performed | Every movement tested |
| Post-service assurance | Varies or absent | Included with all work |
| Vintage conservation approach | Often modernised | Discussed & owner-led |
What Sets Us Apart
Qualities not often found together
A written plan before vintage restoration begins
For in-depth restoration work, we produce a document outlining the scope, the parts that may require replacement, the conservation decisions to be made, and the estimated cost. This is discussed with you before we start — it is not presented after the fact.
No obligation after assessment
We do not charge for initial assessments, and there is no obligation to leave your watch with us after we've had a look. This means you can make a considered decision without any pressure from having already paid for something.
Humidity-aware servicing advice
Northern Thailand's seasonal humidity affects lubrication and gasket integrity in ways that owners may not be aware of. We factor local conditions into our servicing recommendations — advice calibrated for where you actually live and wear your watch.
Service record with every completed job
When you collect your watch, it comes with a written service record noting what was done, the timing results, any parts used, and the date of completion. This becomes part of the watch's documentation and supports its ongoing care and, if relevant, its provenance.
Our Record
A few milestones
15+
Years of practice
840+
Watches serviced
97%
Owner satisfaction
180+
Vintage restorations
Horological Society of Thailand
Associate Member
BHI Practical Competency
British Horological Institute
Chiang Mai Artisan Business Award
2023 Recognition
Your watch is welcome here
Whether it needs a routine service or something more involved, bring it along. The assessment is always written down, and there is no commitment required after you have it.
Arrange an Assessment