Our story
A studio built around the notion of not rushing
Wela Thong was started by people who believe that a watch deserves the same unhurried attention its maker once gave it.
← Back to HomeWho we are
Wela Thong — the studio
Wela Thong opened on Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai with a straightforward aim: to give watches the attention they ask for, without inflating the scope or the invoice. The name roughly translates as golden time — a nod both to the care taken over each piece and to the meaning these objects carry for the people who own them.
The studio grew out of a frustration shared by its founders. Too often, a watch sent for a minor adjustment would come back polished within an inch of its character, or would return with parts replaced that had years of life remaining. We decided to do the opposite: assess first, explain clearly, work only on what is needed, and confirm with the owner before anything changes.
Today the studio handles everyday quartz watches, mechanical pieces worn daily, and older vintage items that need a gentler hand. Every watch that comes through the door receives the same unhurried assessment and the same clear conversation before work begins.
Our approach
Craft over transaction
The workshop is kept intentionally small. A smaller bench means closer attention. We handle a considered number of watches each week so that no piece sits waiting longer than it needs to, and so that the person doing the work can focus properly on what is in front of them.
When a piece goes onto the timing bench after an overhaul, it stays there until the readings are where they should be. There is no pressure to turn work around for the sake of throughput. The watch comes home when it is ready.
We are also straightforward about what we do not do. Some complications or proprietary movements fall outside the scope we can responsibly service. In those cases, we say so, suggest alternatives, and return the watch to you just as we received it.
Mission
"To return every watch in better order than it arrived — and to do so only after the owner understands exactly what was done and why."
Wela Thong · Chiang Mai
The people
A small, skilled team
Three practitioners, each focused on a different aspect of the work.
Krissada Prompan
Lead Watchmaker
Trained in Switzerland and working in Chiang Mai for twelve years, Krissada oversees all overhaul and vintage work. His approach is deliberate and methodical.
Natcha Sirisuk
Quartz & Diagnostics
Natcha handles quartz servicing and initial diagnostics for all incoming pieces. Her background in precision electronics gives her an eye for electrical faults others sometimes overlook.
Wanchai Charoensuk
Client Liaison & Parts
Wanchai manages client correspondence, parts sourcing, and the studio's care ledger. He is the first point of contact for anyone bringing a watch in or reaching out by phone.
Standards
How we hold ourselves to account
These are not certificates on a wall. They are the habits built into how we work every day.
Condition documented on arrival
Every watch is photographed and its condition noted in the care ledger before any work begins. This protects the owner and holds us accountable.
Timing bench verification
After servicing, every mechanical watch spends time on our timing bench. Work is not signed off until readings fall within acceptable variance.
No work without agreement
If scope changes during service — an unexpected worn part, a seal that needs full replacement — we pause and confirm with you before proceeding.
Correct lubricants applied
Different movements need different lubricants. We use the appropriate grade for each calibre rather than a general-purpose substitute.
Client information held securely
Contact details and service records are held only as long as needed and are never shared with third parties. Our privacy policy is straightforward.
Transparent if something goes wrong
Occasionally things do not go as planned. We tell you directly, explain what happened, and discuss how to put it right — without cost shifting to the owner.
Our values
What guides the work
Watch repair in Chiang Mai varies considerably. Some shops prioritise turnaround; some take on more than they can responsibly handle. Wela Thong was built around the opposite instincts: fewer watches, more attention, and a clear conversation with every owner before and after the work.
We draw on both formal training and the kind of accumulated knowledge that comes from years of handling movements from different eras and makers. Vintage pieces, everyday mechanical watches, and reliable quartz timepieces each have their own demands, and we adapt accordingly.
Chiang Mai & beyond
Serving the region thoughtfully
Chiang Mai attracts a wide range of watch owners — local collectors, expatriates, and visitors who discover a repair is needed while travelling. The studio is designed to be approachable for all of them. The enquiry process is simple and unhurried; you are never pushed toward a service that does not fit the watch in question.
Our studio handles Thai Baht payments, communicates comfortably in English and Thai, and is open six days a week so that a visit fits into most schedules without difficulty.
Next step
Bring your watch in for a look
No obligation to proceed. We assess the piece and let you know what we find — then you decide whether the work makes sense.
Leave Your Details