Why Dao
What you get when you choose a small studio
There are reasons to bring a watch to Dao rather than a chain counter or a mail-away service. This page sets out what those reasons are, plainly.
← Back to HomeAt a Glance
Six things that matter in watch servicing
One technician, start to finish
Your watch is not passed between junior and senior staff. One experienced watchmaker handles it throughout.
Written condition report first
You receive an honest assessment of what the watch needs before work begins. No open-ended commitments.
Proper service-grade lubricants
Moebius and Nye oils matched to each calibre's requirements — the same formulations referenced in calibre documentation.
Communication at every stage
We contact you if anything unexpected is found. Nothing proceeds without your agreement on significant decisions.
Clear pricing from the start
Service costs are agreed before we begin. Additional parts are quoted separately and always discussed first.
Multi-position timing check
After service, every mechanical movement is measured across multiple positions to confirm it runs within an acceptable range.
Expertise
A decade of movement work, concentrated
The watchmaker at Dao spent nine years working through Swiss and Japanese calibres in Chiang Mai before opening this studio. That time is visible in how problems are identified — a worn pivot, a mainspring that needs replacing, a balance wheel slightly off-poise — these are things experience reads quickly.
It also shapes how work is described to you. Technical findings are translated into plain language, and what is serious is separated from what is routine.
Swiss ETA, Valjoux, Sellita calibres serviced
Seiko, Miyota, and Orient movements handled
Vintage mechanical movements assessed individually
Honest referral to manufacturer where appropriate
Ultrasonic cleaning for movement parts
Timegrapher measurement before and after service
Manufacturer-specified lubricants for each component type
Case pressure test after seal replacement
Tools & Process
Equipment that matches the work
Good intentions in watchmaking do not make up for using the wrong tool. The studio is equipped with a timegrapher for measuring rate deviation, an ultrasonic cleaner for movement components, and the hand-setting tools specific to the calibres we work on most frequently.
These are not dramatic items — they are the ordinary infrastructure of a competent workshop, mentioned here because not every shop in a resort area maintains them.
Customer Care
No surprises, no pressure
Watch servicing often involves uncertainty — you bring something in without knowing what it needs, and you trust the person looking at it to describe what they find accurately. We understand that this requires a certain confidence in the shop.
Our approach is to be forthcoming: what we found, what it means, what the options are, what each option costs. You make the call, and we respect it. If you decide not to proceed with a full service after the assessment, there is no charge for the assessment.
Free initial assessment and condition report
You are contacted before any unexpected work proceeds
Watch returned in current state if you decide not to proceed
Written service record provided at collection
Comparison
How Dao compares to typical options
| Feature | Typical Counter | Dao Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Single technician throughout | ||
| Written condition report before service | ||
| Manufacturer-grade lubricants | Varies | |
| Timegrapher test after service | ||
| Transparent pricing, no open-ended quotes | Varies | |
| Free assessment, no commitment required | ||
| Photo documentation for restoration |
What Sets Us Apart
Things Dao does that others typically do not
Post-service care notes in writing
When your watch is returned, we include a written note describing what was done, what parts were replaced, and simple guidance on keeping the watch in good condition going forward.
Coordination with a trusted dial specialist
For restoration work involving dials, we work with a specialist whose approach to preservation matches ours. The relationship is established — no improvisation with a watch that matters.
Servicing while you stay in Phuket
For a Refresh & Clean, we often complete the work within your stay window if you bring the watch early in your visit. Drop it in on day one, collect it before you leave.
Remote enquiries handled properly
We respond to email enquiries with considered answers, not auto-replies. If your question takes thought, it will receive a thoughtful response — usually within one business day.
Track Record
Some numbers from our time in Patong
6+
Years in Patong
700+
Watches serviced
40+
Calibres handled
96%
Clients who return
Watchmaker's Certification
Formal training in mechanical movement servicing, completed through a recognised horological institute.
Trusted by Patong Residents
A growing share of our work comes from Phuket long-term residents and returning visitors — a quiet indicator of reliable work.
Word-of-Mouth Growth
Dao has grown almost entirely through referral. We do not advertise widely — the work speaks for itself, one watch at a time.
Bring your watch in — no charge to look
An initial assessment costs nothing. We will look at the watch, tell you what we see, and let you decide what to do next.
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