Our Story
A Workshop Built Around the Work
Suriya has worked quietly on mechanical timepieces in Bangkok's Bang Rak district for over a decade — not chasing volume, but maintaining the kind of attention each piece deserves.
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How Suriya Came to Be
Suriya opened on Silom Road in 2012, founded by Khun Thawatchai Rungsimanon, who had spent the previous decade learning horology in Bangkok and later training with independent watchmakers in Switzerland and Japan. The name Suriya — Thai for sun — reflects an idea about precision and dependability rather than anything ceremonial.
The workshop started with a narrow focus: mechanical movements only, vintage and modern alike. That focus hasn't shifted. We don't service quartz movements, and we don't take on volume repair work. What we do, we try to do thoroughly.
Over time, a small team has grown around that original intent. Each person at Suriya works within their area of competence, and we take on new challenges only when we're confident the outcome will hold.
Our Approach
What Guides Our Work
We believe a watch is best served by a craftsperson who is genuinely curious about it. Before work begins, we take time to understand the piece — its age, its history where known, and what the owner wants from it going forward.
For restoration work especially, we follow a simple rule: nothing irreversible without a conversation first. That means asking before refinishing a case, checking before sourcing a replacement part, and pausing if something unexpected appears during disassembly.
Written documentation follows every service. We note what was done, what was found, and what to watch for. It sounds methodical because it is — but it also gives you something tangible at the end, which we think matters for a piece you intend to keep.
The Team
People Behind the Bench
A small group, each with distinct responsibilities and a shared preference for careful work over fast work.
Thawatchai Rungsimanon
Founder & Head Watchmaker
Trained in Bangkok and abroad, Khun Thawatchai leads all movement work and handles the more involved restoration projects personally.
Naruemon Phongpan
Workshop Technician
Naruemon manages case work, crystal fitting, and seal assessments. She joined Suriya in 2017 after several years with a Bangkok jewellery house.
Somchai Kasemsan
Client Liaison
Somchai is the first point of contact for new enquiries, assessments, and collection. He ensures every client understands exactly what's happening and why.
Standards
How We Maintain Quality
A set of practices that shape every piece of work, regardless of service level.
Proper Lubrication
We use caliber-appropriate lubricants sourced from recognized horology suppliers. Lubricant selection is matched to the movement's specifications, not approximated.
Timing Verification
After reassembly, each movement is tested on a timing machine across multiple positions. We aim for accuracy within the manufacturer's original tolerance.
Water Resistance Testing
Seal work is always followed by pressure testing with a dedicated wet/dry tester to confirm resistance has been restored to the watch's rated specification.
Pre-Work Assessment
Every watch is assessed before any work begins. We note existing condition — including cosmetic marks — so there are no disputes about the state in which a piece arrived.
Secure Handling
Watches in our care are stored individually in padded cases when not on the bench. We carry appropriate business insurance for items in our custody.
Service Records
A written record accompanies every completed service — covering what was done, what was renewed, and timing results. This record stays with you and provides a useful reference for future maintenance.
Our Values
Mechanical Watchmaking Requires Patience
A mechanical movement contains hundreds of components, each of which must be cleaned, inspected, and reassembled in the correct sequence. There is no shortcut to doing this well. The escapement must be set precisely; the mainspring must be wound to the correct tension; each jewel bearing must receive the right quantity of lubricant. These are not things that speed improves.
At Suriya, we've chosen to keep our workload at a size that allows this kind of attention. That sometimes means a longer wait time than a larger workshop might offer, and we're transparent about that. We'd rather give you a realistic timeframe and meet it than promise something we can't deliver.
We also recognise that for some clients, a watch is primarily an instrument — valued for what it does. For others, it carries personal or historical significance that goes beyond timekeeping. Our work tries to honour both, adapting the depth of attention to what each piece and each owner actually need.
Bangkok has a growing community of watch enthusiasts, and we're glad to be part of it. If you have questions about a piece — whether you're thinking of a service, considering a vintage purchase, or simply curious — we're happy to talk. No obligation to proceed.
Contact Us
Have a Watch That Needs Attention?
Reach out and tell us what you're working with. We'll respond with an honest assessment of next steps.
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