Client Accounts
What Owners Say After the Piece Comes Back
A selection of accounts from owners who have brought watches in for timing assessments, bracelet work, and dive watch overhauls at the Jalan Dhoby workshop.
← Back to Home12+
Years of mechanical watch work in Johor
340+
Pieces returned with full written documentation
4.8
Average owner satisfaction from collected feedback
100%
Dive watch services include on-site pressure test sheet
Reviews
Owner Accounts from Johor and Beyond
Heng Wei Lin
Johor Bahru
I brought in a pre-owned Seiko I had just bought from an online forum to check the condition. Ahmad returned it four days later with a two-page report showing rate in five positions, the amplitude reading, and a note that the crown gasket was beginning to harden. Nothing dramatic, but it told me exactly what to expect and whether the price I paid was reasonable. Worth every ringgit.
June 2025
Suraya Rahman
Skudai, Johor
The bracelet on my husband's watch had stretched out over five years of daily wear and the clasp was catching. Siew Liang did the sizing and refinishing and it came back looking very close to how it would have been from the shop. The written note listing the pins and spring bars that were changed was something I hadn't seen from other workshops — small detail, but it shows care. Bench time was six working days, which is what they said it would be.
June 2025
Tan Keng Huat
Batu Pahat, Johor
My Seiko Sumo had been used in the sea every few months for several years, and I wanted the seals properly checked rather than just trusted. The dive watch service took about six weeks. I received a pressure test sheet with the exact depth and result, a bezel alignment record, and timing traces before and after. The 24-month coverage period is a bonus. Communication during the wait was straightforward — they sent an update around the halfway point without me having to ask.
May 2025
Azri Bin Othman
Kulai, Johor
Brought in a vintage movement from the seventies that needed a decision — service or sell. The assessment report answered that clearly. The rate in two positions was acceptable, the amplitude was on the lower end, and the movement showed no major wear. That was useful information to have in writing. I am keeping the watch and will likely book the full service in a few months when I am ready to commit the RM 3,640. Good value for what you get at the assessment stage.
July 2025
Lee Ming Xuan
Singapore (collected in JB)
I come across on weekends when service is needed. The bracelet refinishing on my Omega was done well — the brushed and polished sections are kept separate which is harder to do than it sounds. My one comment would be that the wait was seven working days, which was at the longer end of what was quoted (five to eight), but it was within the stated range so not a complaint. Would return.
June 2025
Nur Fadhilah Bt Yusof
Johor Bahru
My father's watch had not been serviced in over ten years. I brought it in for the assessment first so I could understand the condition before committing to a full service. The report was written clearly enough that I could explain to my father what was found. We then booked the dive watch service; the RM 430 was credited as promised. The piece came back with everything documented. My father was very pleased.
May 2025
Case Studies
Three Jobs Described in Detail
Case Study 01
Pre-Owned Evaluation for a Forum Buy
Challenge
Owner purchased a 1980s automatic from an online forum for RM 1,200 and wanted independent verification of the movement's condition before deciding whether to keep it or re-list. No service history was available from the seller.
What Was Done
Intake assessment completed over four working days. Five-position rate measurement recorded. Amplitude measured at 218°, flagged as low but functional. Case back seal assessed as original and hardening. Two-page report produced.
Outcome
Owner chose to hold the piece and booked a full service within the two-month window, with the RM 430 assessment fee credited. Rate after service settled at +4 seconds per day across all five positions.
"The report was the thing. I could share it with the forum and know exactly where I stood." — H.W.L, Johor Bahru
Case Study 02
Bracelet Restore on a Daily-Worn Sports Watch
Challenge
Owner's stainless steel sports watch bracelet had developed noticeable play between links over five years of daily wear. The clasp also failed to lock reliably, and the brushed flanks had been polished smooth by previous amateur attempts at cleaning.
What Was Done
Sizing, pin and collar renewal, clasp re-tapping. Surface work restored brushed direction to flanks; polished chamfers maintained separately. Worn spring bars replaced. All components documented. Seven working days bench time.
Outcome
Clasp engagement solid on return. Link play eliminated. Brushed and polished surfaces visually consistent. Written component list allowed owner to confirm what had been changed. No further work needed at collection.
"It reads as a well-looked-after bracelet rather than a restored one — that is exactly what I wanted." — S.R., Skudai
Case Study 03
Dive Watch Overhaul for an Active Sea-Going Owner
Challenge
Owner had worn his 300m-rated dive watch regularly in open water for four years. The last documented service was over seven years prior. He needed the seals replaced and the rated depth reassessed, with documentation for his own records.
What Was Done
Full movement service, bezel and click-spring renewal, gasket replacement throughout. Wet pressure test on-site to rated depth. Before and after timing traces recorded. Bezel alignment note produced. Bench time 47 working days.
Outcome
Rate improved from −12 sec/day (crown down) to −2 sec/day. Pressure test passed to rated depth. All documentation returned with the piece: pressure test sheet, bezel alignment record, before-and-after timing traces, and parts exchange list. 24-month coverage period started from handback.
"Having the pressure test sheet in my file means I know the service was actually carried out, not just described." — T.K.H, Batu Pahat
Workshop Contact
Reach the Workshop Directly
Phone
+60 7-224 6187Address
14 Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Working Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 14:00
Professional Standing
Malaysia Horological Society
Member since 2018, annual technical update
Johor Business Chamber
Registered professional services, JB district, since 2015
On-Site Water Pressure Testing
Water-column equipment maintained and calibrated annually
Collector Community Endorsement
Recommended on Malaysian watch forums since 2020
Add Your Account
Bring Your Piece In and See the Process for Yourself
The intake assessment is the natural first step — four working days, a written report, and a clear account of what your watch's movement is doing. Contact the workshop to arrange a convenient intake time.
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