WORKING DIFFERENTLY
What Makes the Difference When Your Watch is on the Bench
Not all repair work is the same. Here is what Melakaben Horology does that most workshops do not.
Back to HomeOVERVIEW
Six Reasons Owners Come to This Studio
Trained Hands
The principal watchmaker trained under two working practitioners before taking outside work. No shortcuts were taken in that process, and the same attitude carries through to the bench today.
Period-Correct Sourcing
For vintage overhauls, the studio sources components that match the original specification. An incorrect part may work mechanically, but it changes the character of the piece. That matters here.
Photographic Work Records
Every hand replacement includes a photographic record. Overhauls document key stages. Owners receive images of what was found and what was done, not just a verbal summary.
No Surprises in Scope
If something unexpected is found during work, the studio stops. The owner is contacted before any decision is made about how to proceed. Nothing is added to scope without agreement.
Honest Turnaround Times
The studio does not overcommit. If a service will take six weeks, that is what is communicated at intake. A realistic expectation is more useful than an optimistic one that gets revised repeatedly.
Small Parts Inventory
Maintaining a small stock of period-correct components for common vintage families means certain overhauls can begin without extended sourcing delays. The stock is kept small to stay current.
EXPERTISE
Training That Took Time Because Time Was the Point
Watchmaking is not something that can be absorbed quickly. The studio's principal, Damien Loh, spent years working under practicing watchmakers before offering services independently. That formation shaped the values the studio now holds: that each piece deserves full attention, that patience during sourcing is not inefficiency, and that communication with an owner is part of the service, not a courtesy added at the end.
- Trained across two apprenticeship periods
- Focused on vintage and dress watch categories
- Ongoing engagement with horological communities in MY and abroad
- Works on one piece at a time, not in batches
- Ultrasonic cleaning with horological-grade fluid
- Timing machine testing in six positions
- Calibre-specific lubricant selection
- Hub inspection before hand refitting
PROCESS
A Defined Process for Every Service Type
Each service at Melakaben Horology follows a defined sequence. For overhauls, this begins with a parts review before any disassembly occurs. For hand replacement, hub condition is checked before new hands are ordered or fitted. These steps exist because skipping them produces problems that appear later, often after the watch has been returned.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Kept Informed at Every Stage
Owners receive updates when the watch is received, when work begins, when any unexpected findings arise, and when the piece is ready. The studio does not wait to be chased. If something changes, the owner is told directly and given options rather than a decision made on their behalf.
- Intake confirmation on same day
- Progress update when work begins
- Immediate contact if unexpected findings arise
- Photographic record delivered on collection
- Three clearly defined service tiers
- Pricing stated before work begins
- No additional charges without prior agreement
- Travel notes session available as a standalone
VALUE
Clear Pricing, No Adjustments Without Notice
The studio offers three services at stated prices. These figures are communicated at enquiry stage and confirmed at intake. If additional work is identified during a service, the owner is told the estimated additional cost before the work is undertaken. There are no invoices that differ from expectations.
COMPARISON
A General Workshop versus This Studio
This comparison describes common differences in approach, not specific businesses. Different owners have different priorities; this is offered as context only.
| Aspect | General Workshop | Melakaben Horology |
|---|---|---|
| Parts sourcing (vintage) | Nearest available substitute | Period-correct, sourced patiently |
| Work documentation | Verbal summary only | Photographic record provided |
| Unexpected findings | Often addressed without notice | Work stops, owner contacted first |
| Pieces worked simultaneously | Multiple at once | One at a time, fully attended |
| Lubrication selection | Single-oil approach common | Calibre-correct selection |
| Heirloom piece handling | No specific protocol | Written policy, available on request |
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
What This Studio Offers That Is Less Common
Travel Care Notes as a Standalone Service
Most repair studios do not offer a structured informational session on travelling with watches. This service exists because the questions are real and the answers are not obvious. Owners leave with a written summary they can refer to before any trip.
Intergenerational Transfer Policy
The studio has a written approach for pieces being passed between family members. This covers documentation, condition assessment, and how to discuss the piece's history with the incoming owner. Available on request before or at intake.
Pre-Service Condition Assessment
Before any work is confirmed, the studio examines the piece and provides an assessment of what it finds. Owners understand what they are agreeing to before any service begins, which avoids misaligned expectations at collection.
In-House Vintage Parts Inventory
Maintaining a small inventory of period-correct components for common vintage calibres reduces the sourcing time on overhauls. The inventory is kept deliberately small to ensure stock remains current and relevant.
MILESTONES
Where the Studio Stands
9+
YEARS AT THE BENCH
340+
PIECES ATTENDED TO
60+
VINTAGE CALIBRES OVERHAULED
2
FORMAL APPRENTICESHIPS
Malaysian Horological Society
Associate Member since 2019
Selangor Artisan Business Recognition
Craft Services Category, April 2025
Bench Practice Certification
Completed under two accredited practitioners
NEXT STEP
Ready to Talk About Your Watch?
Send an enquiry or call the studio. There is no obligation to proceed; a conversation first is always welcome.