Client Experiences
What clients say about the work
These are the accounts of people who brought watches to Balanco. The reviews below reflect specific service experiences — tune-ups, reseals, and rebuilds — in clients' own words.
← Back to Home15+
years experience
400+
watches serviced
4.8
average client rating
3
defined services
Reviews
What clients have said
Somchai T.
Bangkok, TH
Brought in my grandfather's dress watch for a tune-up. The two-day turnaround was accurate, and what I appreciated most was the small card that came back with it — timing rate, observations, a brief note on the crown. It was more than I expected for the price. The watch winds and runs noticeably smoother.
May 2025 · Tune-Up
James L.
Expat, Bangkok
Had my dive watch resealed before a trip to Koh Tao. Balanco ran a proper pressure test and gave me a written result — I had not seen that done properly since I was back in Europe. Turnaround was nine days, which is within the stated window. Would return for anything that needs workshop attention.
May 2025 · Reseal
Pattama K.
Bangkok, TH
The heirloom rebuild took eleven weeks, which is the longer end of what was quoted. I was kept informed throughout and the delay was explained clearly. The folder that came back with my mother's watch is genuinely something I will keep — photographs from before and after, the notes on the movement, the timing reading. The watch is running well and looks cared-for without looking restored.
April 2025 · Heirloom Rebuild
Michael W.
Expat, Bangkok
Quick note to say the tune-up was exactly what it should be. Clean, done on time, with a readable card explaining what was checked. I have tried two other workshops on Sukhumvit and neither returned the watch with any paperwork at all. The difference is notable.
May 2025 · Tune-Up
Niphon P.
Chiang Mai, TH
Sent my watch down from Chiang Mai. Good communication about what was needed before work started — they called to explain that the crown seal was more worn than expected and wanted approval before proceeding. That kind of straightforwardness is not common. Received the watch back in two weeks with test documentation. Would recommend without reservation.
April 2025 · Reseal
Rachel L.
Singapore / Bangkok
I brought in my late father's watch for a rebuild. The process was longer than the faster services — which was expected — but what made the difference was how it was handled. There were three check-ins over the twelve weeks, each with a brief update. The folder at the end is archival quality. My only minor comment is that the workshop could use a clearer reception area, but the work itself is thorough.
March 2025 · Heirloom Rebuild
Case Studies
Three jobs in more detail
Case 01 — Water-Resistance Reseal
The situation
A client brought in a vintage dive watch purchased abroad. The original seals were over seven years old and had never been replaced. The watch had been worn snorkelling and the owner was uncertain about its actual water-resistance status.
The work
All three gasket points — crown, case-back, and pushers — were inspected. The crown seal had degraded significantly. All seals were replaced and a staged pressure test was carried out to the watch's stated 20 ATM rating.
The outcome
The watch passed the pressure test at its stated rating. A document confirming this was returned with the piece. Turnaround was eleven days. The client returned six months later for a tune-up.
"I had no idea the seals were in that condition. The paperwork they gave me explained everything clearly — I could actually see the before-and-after notes."
Case 02 — Heirloom Rebuild
The situation
A Thai family brought in a pocket watch that had been converted to a wristwatch by their grandfather in the 1960s. The movement had not been serviced in decades and was running erratically. The case had significant wear but meaningful sentimental value.
The work
The movement was fully disassembled and cleaned. Several worn components required sourcing, which extended the timeline to twelve weeks. Cosmetic case work was discussed with the family before proceeding — they chose to preserve rather than restore the surface wear. Full photographic documentation was maintained throughout.
The outcome
The movement now runs within acceptable limits for its age and calibre. The presentation folder contains photographs from before disassembly, mid-work, and after reassembly, alongside written notes. The family described the folder as more valuable than the repair itself.
"The folder is something we will keep with the watch now. It has photographs and notes that make the object feel properly cared for, not just fixed."
Case 03 — Cleaning & Lubrication Tune-Up
The situation
A collector based in Bangkok brought in a modern automatic watch that had been worn daily for three years. The movement was still running but losing approximately four minutes per day — noticeably outside its rated accuracy range.
The work
An external clean was performed and accessible lubrication points were attended to. A timing reading before and after was taken. The pre-service reading confirmed the movement was running fast; the post-service reading showed improvement to under forty seconds per day.
The outcome
Watch returned within two days with both timing readings recorded on the inspection note. The client now brings the watch in annually as a maintenance practice, using the prior reading as a reference point for comparison.
"Having the before and after timing numbers on paper was genuinely useful. I could see the difference clearly rather than just being told the watch was 'better'."
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Phone
+66 2 308 6594Address
203 Sukhumvit 24
Bangkok 10110
Hours
Mon–Fri 10–18
Sat 10–15
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An initial assessment costs nothing. Describe the piece and what you have noticed, and we will let you know what it needs.
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