Why Lanna Tick
What you get when you bring a watch to us
We are not the fastest option in Chiang Mai and we do not try to be. What we offer is honest assessment, careful work, and clear communication from the first message to the final handover.
Back to HomeSix things that define how we work
Written assessment before any work begins
Every piece is assessed in writing and you receive a copy. No surprises, no work started without your knowledge.
Time given proportional to what the job needs
We do not batch work or process watches in groups. Each piece is handled individually, from intake to return.
Originality respected throughout
We do not replace functioning parts to make a watch look newer. Our aim is function and longevity, not a cosmetic refresh.
Plain language throughout the process
We explain what we find in everyday terms. If something is uncertain, we say so rather than overstating confidence.
Prices confirmed before work starts
The service price is agreed with you before anything begins. If something changes, we pause and contact you first.
A physical workshop you can visit
We are on Mun Muang Road in Si Phum. You can come in, see the workspace, and talk to whoever will be working on your watch.
What each of those means in practice
Expertise earned over years
Khun Somsak spent a decade working on mechanical watches in Bangkok before opening Lanna Tick in 2011. The repair of antique pocket watches requires not just technical knowledge but an understanding of how movements from different eras and makers were originally constructed — which parts are repairable, which are serviceable, and which should be left alone.
- Over 14 years of focused mechanical watch repair
- Specialist knowledge of antique and vintage movements
- Understanding of what different eras of watchmaking used
Communication that keeps you informed
We know that leaving a valued watch with someone is an act of trust. We try to honour that by keeping you updated at each stage — when we have completed the assessment, if we find anything unexpected, when work is under way, and when we are ready to return the piece. You are not left wondering.
- Written assessment shared before any work begins
- Updates when anything changes from the initial estimate
- Clear notification when the watch is ready for collection
Pricing that is agreed in advance
Our services have fixed starting prices — ฿3,900 for pocket watch care, ฿4,600 for strap and buckle replacement, and ฿7,700 for a full heritage service. The final cost is confirmed with you before work begins. If we encounter something that would change the price, we stop and talk to you first.
- Clear pricing from the first conversation
- No hidden additions after the fact
- Your agreement required before any scope change
Results focused on reliable use, not appearance
We do not aim to make watches look as though they have just been manufactured. We aim to make them work reliably and last well. For pieces intended to be passed on, this matters — a watch that has been over-polished or fitted with non-original parts has lost some of what made it worth keeping.
- Restoration focus rather than cosmetic overhaul
- Post-service running period before return
- Written record of all work done, for future reference
How our approach differs
| Feature | Typical Repair Shop | Lanna Tick |
|---|---|---|
| Written condition report before work begins | ||
| Price confirmed before starting | ||
| Minimal parts replacement policy | ||
| Post-service monitoring period | ||
| Specialist focus on mechanical & vintage watches | Varies | |
| Visitable workshop in central Chiang Mai | Varies |
A workshop you can walk into
You can meet the person who will work on your watch, see where it will be kept, and ask questions face to face. This is not common with repair services that operate online or by post.
Written records you keep
The service documentation we produce stays with you. For a watch you intend to pass on, it becomes part of the piece's provenance — a record of what was done and when.
No pressure on scope
We do not suggest additional work to increase the value of a job. If we think something could benefit from attention, we mention it once and leave the decision with you.
Honest about limitations
Some damage cannot be fully corrected. Some parts cannot be sourced. We tell you this clearly rather than taking on a job we cannot do well and returning a piece in a worse state than expected.
A few numbers from fourteen years of work
14+
Years in operation
1,200+
Watches serviced
96%
Returned to reliable use
3
Dedicated team members
Chiang Mai Heritage Craft Recognition
May 2025 — recognised by the Si Phum district association for contribution to traditional craft trades in the old city.
Thailand Horological Trade Member
Active member of the Thailand Watch and Clock Trade Association since 2013.
Consistently Recommended
Listed in Chiang Mai expat community guides for watch repair since 2016, based on client feedback.
Bring your watch to a workshop that takes care with it
Send us a message describing your watch and what you are hoping for. We will respond with an honest view of what we can do.
Get in Touch