Bench Services
Three Services,
Each Handled With Care
Pivotal Hour offers three specialist bench services for mechanical watches. Each is described here in full — what the service involves, what the process looks like, and what documentation you receive at the end.
Back to HomeOne Technician, Start to Finish
The person who takes the appointment handles the watch throughout. No handoffs between workstations.
Photographed on Arrival
Every watch is photographed before work begins. The condition record is yours to keep.
Written Summary on Completion
Each completed service comes with a written report covering findings, work done, and test results.
฿5,200
Water Resistance Service
A bench appointment focused on restoring water resistance to watches used regularly around water. The technician opens the watch, inspects the case-back, crown, and crystal gaskets, replaces them as needed, applies appropriate lubrication, and runs a dry-air pressure test followed by a wet pressure test where rated. A written report shows the final tested rating.
This service is suited for owners who swim with their watch and want confidence before the next season of use. A watch's stamped water resistance rating reflects factory testing — after years of use, the gaskets that provide that resistance age and the actual protection decreases. The only way to know the current state is to test it.
What the Service Includes
- Disassembly and gasket inspection at case-back, crown, and crystal
- Replacement of degraded gaskets with appropriate specification parts
- Correct lubrication applied to all sealing surfaces
- Dry-air pressure test on calibrated equipment
- Wet pressure test for watches rated to swimming depth
- Written report with final tested pressure rating
Process Steps
Initial inspection and confirmation that the watch is suitable for this service
Case opened; all gasket locations inspected and photographed under magnification
Gaskets replaced; case re-assembled with correct gasket lubrication
Pressure testing on calibrated equipment; results recorded numerically
Written report prepared; owner notified for collection
฿13,800
Bench Assessment for Estate Watches
A careful assessment service for watches inherited from a family member or acquired second-hand. The technician documents what is present, takes detailed photographs of the dial, hands, case, and movement under magnification, notes any signs of past service or replacement parts, and prepares a written summary with recommendations for next steps.
The session is intended to give an owner a clear, honest picture of what they have before deciding whether to wear, store, or service the timepiece. This is a complete service in itself — not a precursor to a sales conversation about further work.
What the Assessment Covers
- Detailed macro photography of dial, hands, case, and movement
- Assessment of dial originality and condition
- Movement inspection for signs of past service or replacement parts
- Case condition and serial reference documentation
- Written summary of findings
- Recommendations for next steps (storage, wear, service, or further research)
Process Steps
Watch received; external condition noted and photographed on arrival
Case opened carefully; movement photographed at multiple angles under magnification
All components assessed for originality, condition, and service history
Case closed; written summary and photograph set compiled
Owner contacted with findings; collection arranged
฿33,500
Complication Service for Chronographs
A specialist bench service for mechanical chronograph movements where the pusher action is sluggish, the seconds hand jumps, or the reset is misaligned. The technician disassembles the chronograph module, inspects the column wheel or cam, cleans and lubricates the linkages, replaces any worn components, and reassembles with attention to pusher feel and reset accuracy.
A full timing trace and pusher test follow. This service is recommended every few years for regularly used chronographs to keep the mechanism responsive and accurate. The results are documented in the written report.
What the Service Covers
- Full chronograph module disassembly
- Column wheel or cam inspection; worn parts identified
- Linkage cleaning and correct re-lubrication
- Reassembly with attention to pusher feel and reset snap
- Full timing trace across positions on calibrated equipment
- Pusher test confirming start, stop, and reset functions
- Written report with timing results and service record
Process Steps
Initial assessment of pusher action and visible symptoms before disassembly
Chronograph module removed from base movement; components photographed
Worn parts identified and quoted to owner; parts ordered on agreement
Cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly with focus on action quality
Timing trace and pusher testing; written report compiled; owner notified
— Choosing the Right Service —
Which Service Is Right for Your Watch?
| Feature / Consideration | Water Resistance | Estate Assessment | Chrono Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement work involved | Case only | Inspection only | Full module |
| Pressure testing | — | — | |
| Timing trace included | — | — | |
| Written report | |||
| Photographic documentation | |||
| Best for | Divers & swimmers | Inherited watches | Regular-use chronos |
| Price (THB) | ฿5,200 | ฿13,800 | ฿33,500 |
Not sure which service your watch needs? Send us a description and we will advise.
— Standards —
Protocols Applied Across All Services
Secure Handling
Watches are held in locked storage when not actively on the bench. Movement logged in and out of the workshop.
Correct Lubricants
Lubricants are selected per component type following movement manufacturer specifications, not a blanket single-oil approach.
Pre-Work Agreement
No work proceeds without the owner's agreement on scope and cost. Unexpected findings are communicated before action is taken.
Privacy of Records
Service records and client details are held securely. Watch photographs and reports are sent only to the owner.
— Pricing —
Service Fees
All prices include written report and standard consumables. Replacement parts quoted separately before ordering.
Service 01
Water Resistance
฿5,200
- Gasket inspection & replacement
- Dry-air pressure test
- Wet pressure test (where rated)
- Written report
- 2–3 working days
Service 02
Estate Assessment
฿13,800
- Macro photography set
- Movement inspection
- Originality assessment
- Written summary & recommendations
- 3–5 working days
Service 03
Chronograph Service
฿33,500
- Module disassembly & service
- Column wheel / cam inspection
- Timing trace across positions
- Pusher test documentation
- 7–14 working days
Not Sure Which Service You Need?
Describe the watch, how you use it, and what you have noticed. We will suggest the appropriate service and answer any questions before you commit to an appointment.
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