Our Story
A Workshop Built on Patience and Attention
Ratri began as a straightforward idea: to offer mechanical watch care in Bangkok that takes the work seriously without making a performance of it.
Back to HomeAbout Ratri
Where the Name Comes From
Ratri — the Thai word for night — reflects something about the work itself. The hours spent looking closely at a small movement, tracing why something has stopped running or why it runs differently than it should, often feel like quiet, unhurried time. The name felt fitting for a place where that kind of attention is normal.
The workshop opened on Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok's Bang Rak district, a street with a long history of craft and trade. We chose it deliberately — it is a neighbourhood that still has room for slow, careful work alongside the city's pace.
Our focus has always been mechanical movements: manual-wind and automatic calibres of varying ages and origins. We work on watches that people actually wear and value — not only rare collector pieces, but also the everyday timepieces that have accumulated meaning over years of use.
Every watch that comes through the door is treated as an individual object with its own condition and history. We do not apply a one-size approach. Before any work begins, we assess carefully and share what we find in plain terms, so the person leaving the watch with us understands what we are proposing and why.
Our Working Approach
We hold to a simple principle: the watch belongs to you, and so do the decisions about it. We will share our observations and recommendations, but we will not alter anything — particularly anything cosmetic — without your agreement.
This matters especially in restoration work, where the temptation to make something look new can work against what makes a vintage watch interesting. Patina on a dial, a worn case edge, a faded chapter ring — these are details that carry history. We conserve them unless you tell us otherwise.
Timelines are given honestly at intake. If something changes during the work — a part is harder to source than expected, or we find something that warrants discussion — we contact you before proceeding. You are never in the dark about what is happening with your watch.
The People
Who Works Here
Phirun Saengthong
Head Watchmaker
Trained in movement servicing and regulation, Phirun has spent over a decade working on mechanical calibres from Swiss and Japanese manufacturers. He leads the technical assessments and movement work.
Nattida Wongprasert
Restoration Specialist
Nattida focuses on case and dial conservation, with particular experience in older watches where sensitivity to original finish is essential. She handles all restoration documentation.
Aroon Thongsuk
Client & Intake
Aroon manages the initial consultation, intake notes, and client communication throughout the service process. He ensures every watch is received carefully and every question is answered clearly.
How We Work
Standards We Follow
These are not marketing points — they describe the actual practices that guide each service.
Appropriate Lubricants
We use lubricants matched to each component type — not a single oil applied throughout. Anchor escape wheels, barrel walls, and jewel pivots each receive what is appropriate for them.
Timing Verified
After reassembly, timing is measured across multiple positions using a timing machine. Results are noted in the service record and shared if you would like to see them.
Water Resistance Check
Where a watch is designed to be water resistant, we test the case sealing after service and note the result. Seals are replaced as part of the service when they have degraded.
Written Condition Notes
Every watch receives a written condition note at intake. For restoration work, this record is updated throughout and handed to you with the watch on collection.
Secure Handling
Watches are held in individual, labelled trays throughout service. Movement components are not mixed between jobs. The workshop has a secure entry and watches are not left unattended.
Open Communication
We contact you if anything changes from the original scope. No additional work is done without your knowledge and agreement. Decisions stay with you throughout.
Mechanical Watch Care in Bangkok
Bangkok has grown into a city where finding skilled mechanical watch service takes some effort. Many shops focus on battery replacements and straps; fewer have the equipment and experience to properly service an automatic or manual movement. Ratri was set up to address that gap in the Bang Rak area, within reach of the historic Charoen Krung Road watchmaking district.
We work on movements from a wide range of manufacturers — Swiss-made calibres, Japanese movements, and older pieces from various origins. The age of a watch matters less to us than the condition of its movement and the approach needed to care for it properly. A 1970s manual-wind calibre and a contemporary automatic both deserve the same level of attention.
Our workshop serves clients from across Bangkok and from visitors to the city who want reliable service during their stay. We offer drop-off and collection in person, and we are reachable by phone and email for those who want to ask questions before bringing a watch in. There is no pressure to commit to a service before you are ready.
Ready to Talk?
Your Watch Is Worth a Proper Look
If you have a mechanical watch that needs attention — or if you simply want to understand its current condition — we are happy to hear from you.