At a Glance
Six things that shape how we work
Specialist Expertise
Over a decade of hands-on watchcare, covering quartz, automatic, and manual-wind movements. Our principal watchmaker trained under a qualified horologist before establishing Verge Atelier in Kota Kinabalu.
Proper Workshop Equipment
Timing machines, ultrasonic baths, pressure testers, and regulated lubricants — the same class of tools used in dedicated horological workshops, applied to every service regardless of price tier.
Full Service Documentation
Every piece that leaves the atelier comes with a written record — what was examined, what was changed, and any observations about the movement's condition. A copy stays on file here.
Plain Communication
We explain what we find in straightforward language. If a service is simpler than expected, we say so. If it's more involved, we ask before proceeding. There's no pressure to add scope.
Collector-Aware Handling
We understand that antique and heritage pieces carry meaning beyond timekeeping. We treat original patina and period details with care — refinishing only where the owner has agreed it's wanted.
Secure Custody of Your Piece
Watches in our care are labelled and stored securely when not on the bench. We carry trade insurance for pieces actively under work and maintain a clear chain of custody from intake to collection.
Expertise
More than a decade at the bench
Watchcare skill accumulates slowly. Understanding how different calibres behave — how an ETA 2824 ages differently from a Miyota 9015, how certain vintage movements signal wear — takes years of consistent work across a wide range of pieces.
Our principal watchmaker, Razlan Musa, has worked on movements ranging from mass-produced Japanese quartz to Swiss lever escapements from the 1960s. That breadth of experience informs every assessment, even the simple ones.
Trained in movement servicing under a qualified horologist in Penang
Over 800 pieces serviced across quartz, automatic, and hand-wound calibres
Experience with antique pocket watches, vintage dress watches, and modern sports pieces
Established in Kota Kinabalu since 2013, serving collectors and everyday watch owners alike
Digital timing machine tests each movement in six positions after service
Three-tank ultrasonic bath process for mechanical movement cleaning
Hydrostatic pressure tester verifies seal integrity on water-resistant cases
Lubricants sourced from recognised horological suppliers and applied by calibre specification
Equipment
Tools that show up in the result
A skilled hand and poor tools will only go so far. We've invested in the equipment that produces measurable outcomes — because "ran when I tested it" is a more useful thing to say than "felt smooth."
Each mechanical service ends with a printed timing graph showing the movement's performance across multiple positions. This goes into the service record and, on request, is shared with the owner.
Value
Clear pricing, scoped before the work begins
Watch service pricing is a known source of frustration. Quotes that grow, extras that appear after the piece is already opened, and bills that don't reflect what was agreed — these are common enough that many watch owners avoid servicing altogether.
We address this directly. Our service tiers are published and serve as the starting point. Assessment is done at intake. If additional work is identified, we discuss it and agree a revised scope before touching the movement. The final figure is always agreed before we proceed.
Our service tiers
Simple Care Visit
Battery, seals, cleaning, strap
Mechanical Restoration
Full teardown, clean, oil, timing
Cabinet Piece Restoration
Collector & antique scoped work
How We Compare
Typical watch shops vs. Verge Atelier
A straightforward comparison — no names, just the differences worth knowing.
| What to look for | Typical Watch Shops | Verge Atelier |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment before quoting | Sometimes | |
| Written service record provided | Rarely | |
| Timing machine verification | Inconsistent | |
| Ultrasonic cleaning included | Often extra | |
| Collector piece expertise | Variable | |
| Consent obtained before scope changes | Not always | |
| Secure item custody with labelling | Standard | |
| No-obligation initial assessment | Uncommon |
What Sets Us Apart
Distinctive features of the Verge Atelier approach
The Atelier Record
Every service generates a written document — inspected components, replaced parts, observed conditions, timing results. Filed here, handed to you. A verifiable history of care that travels with the piece.
Assessment Without Obligation
Bring a watch in and we'll examine it, tell you what it needs, and give you a clear sense of the scope and cost. You decide what happens next. No charge for the assessment, no pressure to commit.
Originals Returned on Request
When parts are replaced — a crystal, a crown, an original strap — we set them aside and return them with the watch if wanted. For collector pieces, this is something we raise at intake as a matter of course.
Staged Progress for Complex Work
For Cabinet Piece Restorations, we provide updates as the work progresses — not a single handover at the end. You know where things stand at each stage, and can direct any decisions as they arise.
Recognitions & Milestones
Twelve years of quiet progress
Sabah Chamber Member
Member of the Sabah Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2016
800+ Pieces Serviced
Across everyday, collector, and heritage pieces since 2013
4.9 Average Rating
Based on client reviews collected July 2024 – June 2025
Jalan Gaya, Since 2013
Same address, same team, same approach — for over a decade
Ready to proceed
Bring your watch to the atelier.
An assessment is the natural starting point. We look, we explain, and we let you decide what comes next.
Arrange an Assessment