Client Experiences
What Clients Say After Collecting Their Watch
These are accounts from people who have brought their watches to Chronveil — covering upkeep visits, overhauls, and longer restoration work.
Back to Home15+
Years in Kuching
1,200+
Watches serviced
4.8
Average rating
97%
Returning clients
Reviews
From Our Clients
Ramli Nordin
Kuching, Sarawak
Brought in my father's old Seiko that had not run properly in years. Ahmad assessed it and gave me a clear idea of what was involved before touching anything. The overhaul took about three weeks — when I collected it, the timing was well within spec. They sent me results from the timing machine, which I did not expect but really appreciated.
Full Service Overhaul · June 2025
Cindy Lim
Miri, Sarawak
I had two quartz watches due for batteries. The turnaround was quick — three days — and the seals were checked and noted in the service record they handed me. My only comment is that parking near Jalan Dhoby can be awkward during the day, so I went early. The service itself was thorough and the price felt fair for what was done.
Essential Upkeep · July 2025
James Tiong
Kuching, Sarawak
The restoration of my grandfather's pocket watch took roughly eight weeks and involved sourcing a mainspring. Siew Ling kept me updated every two weeks or so, and when an unexpected issue appeared with the balance staff, they contacted me before proceeding. The finished piece runs, keeps reasonable time, and looks the way it should. I am very pleased with how this was handled.
Legacy Restoration · May 2025
Norzahra Zulkifli
Kuching, Sarawak
My automatic watch was running about 90 seconds fast per day, which had been frustrating for a while. After the full overhaul, it is now within a few seconds. What I appreciated most was that they explained what they found in the movement before starting — there was a worn jewel that needed addressing — and they waited for my go-ahead before ordering the part.
Full Service Overhaul · June 2025
Patrick Kueh
Sibu, Sarawak
Sent a vintage dress watch in for a service — it had been sitting unworn for about five years. Good experience overall. The assessment note was detailed and the cost was in line with what they quoted. If I had one suggestion, it would be to offer an online status update — I had to call once to check progress. That said, the result was solid and the service record they provided is thorough.
Full Service Overhaul · July 2025
Margaret Wong
Kuching, Sarawak
I brought in my mother's watch for a routine battery and clean. Simple service, done properly. The strap was also adjusted — they noticed without being asked that the spring bar was starting to wear. Small detail, but it showed they actually looked at the piece rather than just doing the minimum. Will use again when the mechanical watches are due.
Essential Upkeep · July 2025
Case Studies
Three Projects in Detail
A 1970s Automatic Watch — Full Overhaul
The Situation
A client brought in a 1974 automatic movement that had not been serviced in over twelve years. The watch was stopping within a day of winding and the crown was stiff. The case gaskets showed visible deterioration.
The Work
Full disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning revealed a partially collapsed mainspring and dried lubricants throughout. A replacement mainspring was sourced. All components were cleaned, lubricated, and the movement regulated over two days before reassembly. Case seals were replaced and a water resistance test completed.
The Outcome
The watch now runs to +5 seconds per day, measured on the timing machine. The client described it as "running better than when it was bought." Service took 16 working days. A written condition report was provided.
"I did not expect it to come back performing like this. They were thorough and never made me feel rushed into a decision."
Pocket Watch Restoration — Family Heirloom
The Situation
A pocket watch from the late 1930s arrived non-running, with a cracked crystal, a lever that had disengaged from the escapement, and surface corrosion on the case back. The client wanted it functional enough to display and occasionally carry.
The Work
Restoration proceeded in three stages: case cleaning and corrosion treatment (with the client approving the extent of polishing before any metal removal), movement service and lever re-engagement, and finally a period-style mineral crystal sourced through a specialist supplier in Peninsular Malaysia. Progress photographs were shared at each stage.
The Outcome
The watch now runs and keeps reasonable time for a movement of its age. The case retains its patina. Timeline: 7 weeks total. The client received a full written restoration record for the family archive.
"The update photos were something I did not expect. It made the whole process feel open, which was exactly what I needed for a piece like this."
Routine Upkeep Programme — Three Watches
The Situation
A client with a small personal collection — two daily quartz pieces and one mechanical — wanted a single appointment to have all three looked at and freshened up before gifting one of the quartz watches to a family member.
The Work
Both quartz watches received battery renewals, seal checks, and bracelet cleans. One required a new push-piece seal. The mechanical was assessed and deemed in good condition for its age — a light clean and regulation brought it back to within 15 seconds per day without a full overhaul being necessary.
The Outcome
All three completed in 4 working days. The client was advised on recommended next service intervals for each piece. They noted that the honesty about the mechanical not needing a full service saved them a significant cost.
"When they told me the mechanical watch didn't need a full overhaul yet, I appreciated the honesty. A lot of places would not have said that."
Visit Us
Contact & Workshop Hours
Phone
+60 82 419 274Address
Lot 12, Jalan Dhoby
93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm
Sat: 9am–2pm
Recognition
Credentials & Professional Standing
Horology Technician Certification
Professional watchmaking qualification — regional institute, Malaysia
Sarawak Trade & Craft Award
Specialist Services Category, 2022
Kuching Business Excellence
Recognised service provider, 2023
Your Watch Belongs Here Too
Whether it needs a simple battery change or something more involved — bring it in, and we will tell you honestly what it requires.
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