CLIENT EXPERIENCES
Pieces Returned in Good Order
From owners of daily-wear pieces to collectors passing through Melaka — what those who have used the bench have to say.
← Back to Home15+
Years of calibre experience
340+
Overhauls completed
4.8
Average client satisfaction
60+
Calibre types handled
FROM THE OWNERS
What Clients Have Said
Ahmad Muzaffar
Kuala Lumpur
Brought in my grandfather's Seiko 5 for a full overhaul. It had not been serviced in probably twenty years. The intake process was straightforward — Rashid looked at it, explained what the movement would need, and gave me a written estimate before anything started. The work took about five weeks. The report I received at collection was more detailed than I expected, listing every component that had been addressed. The watch now runs well within the daily rate I was told to expect.
April 2025 · Complete Calibre Overhaul
Lim Wei Shan
Melaka
Dropped off a vintage Omega Seamaster bracelet that had two pins with play and a clasp that would not snap reliably. The turnaround was about a week. The bracelet came back clean and sitting properly on the wrist — the pins feel solid and the clasp works as it should. I was a bit concerned they might over-polish the surfaces, but Nadia was clear from the start that the brushed finish would be preserved. Minor point: I had to follow up once for a collection date, but when I did the response was prompt.
April 2025 · Vintage Bracelet Repair
Suriani Rohani
Melaka
I wanted to refresh my husband's watch as an anniversary gift without the movement being opened — it is still running fine but the case and bracelet looked quite dull. The cosmetic service was exactly right for this. The watch was ready in four days. It looks considerably better. The studio is small and the location along Lebuh China fits the kind of work they do. I would not hesitate to bring something back.
April 2025 · Cosmetic Refresh
Tan Ning Hui
Penang
Sent a vintage Citizen by registered post after reading about the studio online. Prior contact was easy — they gave me clear instructions for packaging and confirmed receipt when it arrived. The overhaul report I received at collection was excellent: amplitude before and after, positions tested, parts renewed. The watch had not run this well in years. I would send pieces again from Penang without hesitation.
March 2025 · Complete Calibre Overhaul (postal)
Raj Balachandran
Seremban
The studio was recommended by someone in the watch community in KL. I brought in a vintage Tudor bracelet — late 1960s, original riveted construction — and was honestly nervous about what state it would come back in. Nadia was straightforward about what could and could not be fixed, and asked me before doing anything to the clasp latch which needed a new piece. The bracelet is wearable again. Good work, unhurried approach.
March 2025 · Vintage Bracelet Repair
Zulkifli Hassan
Johor Bahru
I happened to walk past the studio while in Melaka and went in to ask about a cosmetic refresh for my daily Casio MDV. The piece is not valuable by any measure but I wear it every day. They treated the enquiry with the same seriousness as anything else. Booked it in there and then, collected three days later. Clean case, debris-free bracelet links, and the crown moved more freely than it had in months. A small thing, done well.
April 2025 · Cosmetic Refresh
CASE STUDIES
Three Pieces, Three Stories
CASE STUDY 01 · CALIBRE OVERHAUL
A 1974 Seiko 6119 with an Eighteen-Year Service Gap
THE CHALLENGE
The owner had inherited the watch and worn it occasionally for several years. It kept time acceptably most days but would stop overnight if not worn. Amplitude was low and the movement had not been serviced since 2007 according to a receipt found with the watch.
WHAT THE BENCH DID
Full disassembly revealed dried lubricants throughout the train and a mainspring showing early fatigue. After multi-stage cleaning, new mainspring and select jewel endpiece bushings were fitted. Lubrication was applied per the calibre's service documentation. Reassembly and five-position timing followed.
THE OUTCOME
Amplitude improved from approximately 185° to 265°. Daily rate settled at +6 seconds across the five positions tested. The watch now runs through the night without stopping. The owner collected with a full written report.
"I did not expect it to run this well after so long sitting in a drawer."
CASE STUDY 02 · BRACELET REPAIR
A Vintage Roamer Bracelet with Three Separated Links
THE CHALLENGE
An original 1960s folded-link bracelet had three pin separations and a push-button deployment clasp that no longer retained. The owner had tried to source matching links elsewhere without success and was resigned to keeping the watch on a strap.
WHAT THE BENCH DID
Each link junction was inspected. Three pins were replaced with period-appropriate diameter tubes. The deployment clasp push-buttons were disassembled and the retention springs replaced. Two slightly stretched end links were left as found — adequate and stable. Ultrasonic cleaning followed, with brushed surfaces worked along original grain lines.
THE OUTCOME
The bracelet is now wearable on the wrist for the first time in around four years. All junctions are solid, and the deployment clasp opens and retains reliably. The owner noted that the cosmetic appearance had been preserved, which had been the primary concern.
"I had assumed the bracelet was beyond practical repair. It wasn't."
CASE STUDY 03 · COSMETIC REFRESH
A Daily-Wear Casio Before a Family Portrait Sitting
THE CHALLENGE
The piece was a well-used quartz diver in stainless steel. The owner wanted it to look presentable for a family photograph but did not wish to spend on a full service, and the movement itself was running correctly. Residue had built up visibly in the lug recesses and bracelet links.
WHAT THE BENCH DID
Bracelet removed and ultrasonically cleaned. Case exterior worked with appropriate solvents and bench brushes. Acrylic crystal buffed with minor surface scratch reduction. Crown threading cleaned and tested. The owner declined polishing on the case sides, which was noted and respected.
THE OUTCOME
The refresh was completed in two working days, ahead of the date needed. All residue removed, crystal substantially clearer. Crown movement noticeably smoother. The owner collected within the same week and confirmed the watch was photographed well.
"Quick, sensible, and they did exactly what was agreed."
VISIT OR WRITE
Find the Studio
OPENING HOURS
Deliveries and collections during opening hours only. Postal enquiries welcome at any time.
CREDENTIALS
Professional Standing
HOROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA
Member since 2019
MELAKA HERITAGE BUSINESS REGISTRY
Registered craft studio — Lebuh China
TIMEPIECE REPAIR PRACTITIONER
Advanced certification, 2015
JOIN THOSE WHO HAVE USED THE BENCH
Your Piece Deserves Careful Attention
Bring it in or write ahead — the studio is open for enquiries Tuesday through Saturday.
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