A small workshop that takes its work seriously
Nahlika Atelier opened on Nimmanhaemin Road to offer watch care that moves at the right pace — measured, attentive, and without shortcuts.
← Back to HomeHow Nahlika came to be
Nahlika Atelier started from a simple observation: in a city as watchful as Chiang Mai, there was nowhere unhurried to take a watch. Most places offered quick fixes or passed complicated jobs along to someone else. We wanted something different — a place where the work was done in-house, where you could ask questions and get a straight answer.
The name Nahlika comes from the Thai word for watch — นาฬิกา. It felt right for a workshop where the object itself, not the speed of the transaction, sets the pace.
We opened on Nimmanhaemin Road because the neighbourhood fits the kind of business we want to run: independent, accessible, and thoughtful. Our workshop is small by design. A smaller space means fewer watches in at once, which means more attention to each one.
Over the years we have handled straps, crystals, and full movement overhauls. The work has changed, but the approach has stayed the same: look carefully, communicate clearly, and do only what the watch actually needs.
Our mission
To offer watch care that respects both the piece and the person who owns it — with clear communication, appropriate methods, and no unnecessary additions to the bill.
What we value
- Transparency about what a watch needs and what it does not
- Patience — with the work and with the people who bring it in
- Using tools and materials that are suited to the watch
- Keeping our scope realistic so the quality stays consistent
Established
Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai
Serving Chiang Mai residents and visitors
Who works on your watch
Prae Nopparat
Watchmaker
Handles movement servicing and overhauls. Trained in mechanical watch maintenance and has been working with timepieces for over a decade in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Somkiet Tawee
Case & Dial Specialist
Oversees case refinishing, crystal replacement, and strap work. His careful approach to surface preparation keeps finishes looking as they should.
Narin Kulchai
Client Relations
The first point of contact at the atelier. Manages scheduling, communicates progress on ongoing work, and makes sure every question gets a clear answer.
How we approach each piece
Initial inspection before every job
Every watch is looked at under magnification before any work begins. We note the condition of the case, movement, and crystal, and share what we find.
No work done without agreement
If we discover something during a job that was not part of the original scope, we stop and discuss it with you before proceeding.
Timing checks after movement work
Any watch that goes through a full overhaul receives a timing check across multiple positions before it is returned. Results are included in the written summary.
Gasket checks on sealed watches
When a case is opened for crystal or movement work, we check the condition of the gaskets and replace them where necessary to maintain water resistance.
Written record of all overhaul work
After a full overhaul, a plain-language summary of every step taken travels home with the watch. Useful to have, and honest about what was done.
Secure handling and storage
Watches left with us are kept in individual trays, logged on arrival, and stored securely while work is in progress or pending collection.
Watch care in Chiang Mai
Watch repair is a trade that rewards patience. A movement has dozens of small parts, each one contributing to the accuracy and longevity of the whole. Getting a service right means cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting at the component level — not simply replacing what looks worn.
At Nahlika Atelier, we work on mechanical and automatic watches of various origins. Our strap fitting service covers leather, rubber, and metal options, with careful attention to sizing and the condition of the lug area. Crystal replacement work uses profile-matched material and includes a check of the seal. Full overhauls combine movement servicing with case refinishing, and take the time they need — typically two to four weeks depending on the piece.
Chiang Mai's Nimman neighbourhood is a comfortable place to drop off a watch. Our workshop is accessible from the main road, and short-stay parking is available nearby. If you are visiting from outside the city, we can also advise on secure shipping options.
We are a small team, which is intentional. Fewer hands on a watch means more consistency. We maintain a short queue rather than a long waiting list, and we stay in contact while your watch is with us.
Bring your watch to us
Whether you have a question about a service or are ready to book, we are happy to hear from you. Drop a message or call during opening hours.
Get in Touch