Our Story
A Workshop Built Around Patience and Craft
Thong Atelier was founded by watchmakers who believe a fine timepiece deserves unhurried attention — and that the person who owns it deserves a clear, honest account of the work.
Back to HomeWho We Are
The Atelier and Its Beginnings
How Thong Atelier Came to Be
Thong Atelier opened on Phetkasem Road in Hua Hin after its founders spent years working with fine mechanical timepieces across Thailand and abroad. The decision to settle here came from a straightforward observation: owners of high-quality watches in this region had few places where they could bring a piece for considered, unhurried service.
We began with a small bench and a clear set of priorities — examine carefully, explain plainly, and never rush a decision that the owner should make. Those priorities have not changed. The atelier handles a small number of watches at a time so that each one receives our full attention.
The name Thong — meaning gold in Thai — reflects the warm, measured quality we aim for in our work. Not flashy, not hurried. Steady and worth keeping.
Our Mission
We exist to serve owners who regard their watches not merely as objects but as things worth caring for across years and decades. Our work is built around the watch's original character — we do not chase perfection at the expense of originality, and we do not recommend work that is not genuinely needed.
Every piece that enters the atelier is assessed independently. Written records accompany it through each stage. When the watch is returned to you, you receive a full account of what was found and what was done.
2016
Founded
400+
Timepieces Serviced
The People
Those Behind the Bench
Khun Thanakorn
Watchmaker & Founder
Trained in Swiss watchmaking practice with over 18 years working on mechanical movements. Specialises in vintage calibres and movement regulation.
Nattawan Wiriya
Restoration Specialist
Focuses on heritage and collectible watches, including case refinishing and correct part sourcing. Patient and methodical in her approach to older pieces.
Prayoon Phetburi
Client Liaison & Records
Manages client communication, written assessments, and workshop records. Ensures that every owner receives clear and timely information about their watch.
Our Standards
How We Work
These are the principles that guide every watch that enters the atelier, regardless of the service requested.
Magnified Assessment
All movements are examined under dedicated optical magnification before any work begins. We record what we find rather than assuming.
Written Documentation
Each watch receives a written record covering findings, work performed, and parts used. This document accompanies the watch home.
Water Resistance Testing
Where relevant, seals and water resistance are tested using proper equipment and renewed if worn. Readings are noted in the service record.
Originality Respected
We do not refinish, alter, or replace components without your knowledge and approval. Collector value and originality guide every decision.
Secure Handling
Watches are stored in individual, labelled compartments throughout servicing. Your piece is never left unattended on an open bench.
Transparent Communication
We explain findings in plain language. If the cost or scope changes during work, we pause and contact you before continuing.
Watchmaking Knowledge in Southern Thailand
Mechanical watches occupy a different category from most objects we own. They are constructed from hundreds of small, interdependent parts, each toleranced to a fraction of a millimetre. Over time — even in normal use — lubricants dry, components wear, and small adjustments accumulate. A watch that has not been serviced in a decade is not failing; it is simply due for attention, much like any precision instrument.
At Thong Atelier in Hua Hin, we work with movements from all the major Swiss and Japanese calibre families, including pocket watches and early automatic designs. Our familiarity with older calibres means we can advise meaningfully on whether restoration is warranted, and to what degree, without defaulting to a full overhaul if the situation does not call for one.
We hold the view that service is a conversation, not a transaction. Owners who bring their watches to us are not simply handing over an object for repair — they are sharing something that matters to them. That relationship shapes how we work: carefully, honestly, and always at a pace that the watch, and you, can be comfortable with.
Hua Hin and the surrounding Prachuap Khiri Khan area hosts a growing community of collectors and enthusiasts, as well as many long-term residents and visitors who own fine watches and have previously had to travel to Bangkok for servicing. Thong Atelier offers a considered alternative here in the south — a quiet atelier where your watch will be looked after by people who care about what they do.
Ready to Begin
Bring Your Watch in for a Calm First Look
We are glad to assess your timepiece without obligation and share what we find with you in writing. Contact us to arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
Arrange a Visit