Our Methodology
Every service begins the same way: we look first.
Watchcare starts with a proper assessment. Before any work is agreed, we examine the piece — movement condition, case integrity, crystal, crown, crown tube, seals — and give you a clear account of what we find. Only then do we discuss which service fits the situation.
This matters because the same model can present very differently depending on its history. A ten-year-old automatic that's been worn daily needs something different from one that's been sitting unworn. An assessment takes the guesswork out of the conversation.
Once a service is agreed, all work is carried out by our principal watchmaker or, for case and dial work, by our case specialist. Every completed piece is tested before return and leaves with a written service record.
Assess
Examine before quoting
Agree
Confirm scope and cost
Service
Work precisely, document throughout
Record
Return piece with written account
Simple Care Visit
RM 620
A tidy upkeep service covering battery renewal, seal and gasket checks, cleaning, and comfortable strap fitting. Best suited to everyday watches needing routine attention. Returned with a short, clear account of what was done.
What's included
- Battery renewal (silver oxide cell, appropriate to calibre)
- Crown seal and case gasket inspection; replacement if needed
- Case and crystal exterior clean
- Strap fitting, adjustment, or replacement (new strap priced separately)
- Written care record on collection
How the service proceeds
Intake assessment — we check movement type, case condition, and current strap state
Battery replaced, seals inspected and renewed where degraded
Case and crystal exterior cleaned; bracelet or strap fitted
Final check and written care note prepared; piece returned to owner
Typical Timeframe
2 – 3 working days
Best For
Everyday quartz watches
Mechanical Restoration Service
RM 2,380
A full workshop service for automatic and manual timepieces, including teardown, cleaning, lubrication, and timing adjustment. Ideal for a mechanical watch due for its regular service. Includes a condition report and a settling-in check after collection.
What's included
- Full movement disassembly
- Three-tank ultrasonic cleaning of all movement parts
- Re-lubrication with calibre-correct oils and greases
- Timing adjustment across six positions using digital timing machine
- Seal and gasket replacement; pressure test for water-resistant cases
- Case and bracelet exterior clean
- Written condition report and timing graph included
- Settling-in check available two weeks after collection
How the service proceeds
Intake: movement type confirmed, condition noted, cost agreed
Disassembly: movement fully stripped; worn or damaged parts identified
If additional parts are needed: owner contacted before proceeding
Ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication, reassembly, and timing adjustment
Testing, documentation, collection — with settling-in check available after two weeks
Typical Timeframe
1 – 2 weeks
Best For
Automatic & manual-wind watches
Cabinet Piece Restoration
RM 4,600
A carefully scoped restoration for cherished and antique watches, coordinating case refinishing, dial work, and period-correct components. Made for collectors and families preserving a keepsake, with staged updates and a complete record of the work.
What's included
- Detailed intake assessment with written condition summary
- Full movement service (as per Mechanical Restoration Service)
- Case work: polishing, refinishing, or conservation as agreed with owner
- Dial and hands: cleaning, re-luming, or conservation — by agreement
- Period-correct component sourcing where needed
- Original replaced parts returned to owner on request
- Staged progress updates throughout the work
- Complete written record of all work carried out
How the service proceeds
Intake consultation — piece examined thoroughly; restoration scope discussed and documented
Movement service begins; any sourced components agreed before ordering
Case, dial, and hands work carried out; owner updated at each stage
Final assembly, testing, and documentation; collection arranged at owner's convenience
Typical Timeframe
Agreed at intake (3–8 weeks typical)
Best For
Antique & collector pieces
Compare Services
Choosing the right service
Still unsure which applies? The table below outlines what each service covers. If it's still not clear after reading this, bring the watch in — we'll advise at intake.
| Feature | Simple Care RM 620 |
Mechanical RM 2,380 |
Cabinet RM 4,600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery renewal | N/A | N/A | |
| Seal & gasket check / replacement | |||
| Full movement teardown | |||
| Ultrasonic cleaning | |||
| Timing machine verification | |||
| Pressure testing | |||
| Case & dial restoration work | |||
| Period-correct component sourcing | |||
| Staged progress updates | |||
| Written service record | |||
| Best for | Everyday quartz watches | Mechanical watches due for service | Antique & heritage pieces |
Shared Across All Services
Standards that apply regardless of tier
Consent before scope changes
We contact you before doing any work beyond what was agreed at intake. No additions without discussion.
Secure item custody
Every piece is individually labelled and stored in a locked cabinet when not on the bench.
Written record on collection
Every service produces a document. A copy is kept on file at the atelier.
Calibre-correct lubricants
Lubricants are applied by specification — the wrong oil in the wrong place degrades performance faster than no oil at all.
Original parts returned on request
Replaced components are set aside; you can collect them with the piece if you'd like to keep them.
Plain language throughout
We explain what we find and what we're doing in terms that don't require a watchmaking background to follow.
Pricing
Service fees at a glance
All prices in Malaysian Ringgit. Starting figures for standard pieces — any variation is discussed at assessment before work begins.
Entry
Simple Care Visit
RM 620
per service
- Battery renewal
- Seal inspection
- Exterior clean
- Strap fitting
- Care record
Most Complete
Mechanical Restoration
RM 2,380
per service
- Full teardown
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Lubrication & timing
- Pressure test
- Timing graph + condition report
- Settling-in check
Collector
Cabinet Piece Restoration
RM 4,600
per service (starting)
- Full movement service
- Case & dial work
- Period components
- Staged updates
- Full documentation
Unsure which service fits?
Bring it in and we'll tell you.
An initial assessment carries no cost and no commitment. We look at the piece and tell you what we see — and from there, the decision is yours.
Book an Assessment