— Why Cadran
What Makes the
Difference
Cadran is not the only workshop in the region. But the way we document, communicate, and approach heritage pieces sets a different standard.
← Return Home— At a Glance
Six Reasons People Choose This Atelier
Written Rate Reports
Precision Regulation and Grand Restoration include a documented pre- and post-service timing result.
Conservative Approach
Dials and cases are not refinished by default. Original surfaces and patina are preserved unless the owner requests otherwise.
Scope Agreed First
A short written scope is confirmed before any work begins. Nothing proceeds beyond that scope without your direct agreement.
Brand-Agnostic Service
Swiss, Japanese, and European movements are handled across all three service levels without brand restriction.
Realistic Timelines
Completion dates are discussed and agreed before collection. Complex restorations are given the time they actually need.
Clear, Stated Pricing
All three service levels are published with THB prices. No assessment fee. No hidden additions.
— In Detail
What Each Advantage Means in Practice
Professional Expertise
Olivier Desrues trained in Europe and has worked on mechanical movements for over twenty-five years. That background informs the workshop's vocabulary, tools, and approach. Cadran uses a dedicated timing machine, ultrasonic cleaning equipment, and Swiss watchmaking oils — not general repair-shop alternatives.
The practical difference is that problems are identified correctly before work begins. An over-wound mainspring, a worn cannon pinion, or a dying lubricant film each call for different responses. Identifying them early keeps the scope accurate and the final cost predictable.
What This Means for You
- Movement assessed before scope is written
- European-trained lead watchmaker on all regulated work
- Professional timing machine used for all regulation
- Swiss watchmaker oils and ultrasonic cleaning
Tools at the Bench
- Witschi timing machine for multi-position rate testing
- Ultrasonic bath with watchmaker-grade solution
- Dry pressure tester for water-resistance verification
- Stereo microscope for movement inspection
Equipment and Method
Good watchmaking requires specific tools used correctly. The timing machine used at Cadran measures a movement's amplitude and rate across positions — the same standard found in authorised service centres. Ultrasonic cleaning removes contamination from keywork without manual brushing, which can introduce its own problems.
The dry pressure tester checks water-resistance after the case is closed, so every watch leaves the atelier with a seal that has been verified, not assumed.
How We Communicate
Most complaints about watch repair relate to communication, not to the technical work itself. Cadran addresses this by structuring every job around clear handover points. The initial assessment is verbal or written. The scope and price are confirmed before the watch is opened. Progress updates are given for any job taking more than two weeks.
When work is complete, you are contacted by phone or message and given a straightforward collection window. The rate report is handed over with the watch so you leave knowing exactly what was done.
Communication at Each Stage
- 01 Initial assessment — verbal or written, no charge
- 02 Written scope and price confirmed before work begins
- 03 Owner contacted if anything unexpected is found
- 04 Completion notification with collection window
- 05 Rate report handed over at collection
Pricing Structure
-
฿3,900
Essential Refresh
Battery, strap, seal, clean
-
฿16,500
Precision Regulation
Full service + rate report
-
฿34,500
Grand Restoration
Heritage restoration
Prices include all standard work within scope. Additions are quoted and agreed separately.
Value and Pricing
Cadran's three service levels are priced clearly in Thai Baht with no hidden additions. The cost covers everything within the stated scope. If the watch requires work beyond that scope, you are informed and given the choice to proceed or not.
There is no assessment fee. You can bring a watch in, have it examined, and leave without committing to anything. Many owners find that the initial assessment is all they need to make an informed decision.
— Side by Side
Cadran vs General Repair Shops
| Feature | Typical Repair Shop | Cadran |
|---|---|---|
| Written scope before work begins | ||
| Rate report included with service | ||
| Conservative approach to heritage pieces | ||
| Ultrasonic movement cleaning | Sometimes | |
| Dry pressure test after case closing | ||
| Published pricing in THB | Rare | |
| No assessment fee | Varies |
— Distinctive Features
What You Will Not Find Elsewhere
A Rate Report That Is Yours to Keep
The timing document prepared after Precision Regulation and Grand Restoration is written on Cadran letterhead and handed over with the watch. Most owners find it useful when considering future service intervals or when insuring the piece.
Photography on Arrival
Every watch is photographed before any work begins. This record of pre-service condition protects both the owner and the atelier, and forms part of the job file kept for the duration of the service.
No Cosmetic Work by Default
Many repair shops apply case buffing or dial cleaning as a matter of routine, sometimes without the owner's awareness. At Cadran, cosmetic steps are opt-in and discussed explicitly at the scoping stage.
Honest Assessment at No Charge
Bring the watch in and we will tell you what we see. If the piece needs nothing beyond what you asked about, we will say so. There is no obligation to proceed with any service after an assessment.
— Milestones
Sixteen Years of Quiet Work
2009
Atelier Founded
Nonthaburi
1,400+
Movements
Serviced
40+
Watch Brands
Handled
3
Craftspeople
in the Atelier
— Ready to Proceed
Bring Your Watch to Cadran
No assessment fee. Clear pricing. A written scope before anything is opened. That is the starting point for every service at this atelier.
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