Three Services, One Workshop
Services described
as they are done.
Horolium offers three watch care services, each handled in full at our Jalan Tun Sambanthan atelier. No ambiguity about what is included. No surprises on collection.
Back to HomeHow We Work
The Horolium Method
Every watch that enters the workshop follows the same path regardless of the service type: intake and receipt, assessment, agreement on scope, work, timing or testing, and return with a written record.
For mechanical services, the movement is assessed first on the vibrograph to establish its current behaviour — rate, amplitude, beat error — before any disassembly takes place. This baseline allows the completed service to be evaluated against a known starting point rather than against a theoretical standard.
For refinishing, the original finishing pattern is identified and documented before any surface work begins. Matching the correct brushing direction on each surface of a case or bracelet requires understanding what it was originally, not guessing from the shape of the metal.
The condition note prepared for each return is not a standard template with blank fields filled in. It is written to describe that specific movement, that specific case, on the day the work was completed.
Intake
Receipt issued, watch recorded with description and observed condition.
Assessment
Movement or case examined before work begins. Scope discussed.
Service
Work carried out in full in-house according to agreed scope.
Timing / Testing
Performance verified on vibrograph or by direct function check.
Return with Condition Note
Watch returned with a plain-language written record of what was found and what was done.
SVC-001
Mechanical Movement Servicing
A full bench service for mechanical and automatic watches, carried out under loupe in our workshop. The movement is removed from the case, disassembled, cleaned in a multi-stage bath, examined for wear on pivots and jewels, lubricated according to the calibre's service sheet, and reassembled before being timed on a vibrograph across multiple positions.
The case is cleaned and gaskets are renewed where appropriate. A short condition note is provided with each return, describing what was found and what was attended to. Suitable for everyday mechanical watches, dress watches, and most vintage pieces with available parts.
- Full disassembly in dust-controlled environment
- Multi-stage ultrasonic cleaning of all components
- Pivot and jewel assessment under 10x loupe
- Calibre-sheet lubrication — grades and quantities referenced
- Six-position timing on vibrograph
- Case clean, gasket renewal, back resealed
Service steps
- 1
Pre-service vibrograph baseline
Rate, amplitude, beat error recorded before opening.
- 2
Disassembly and component identification
All parts laid out and photographed in sequence.
- 3
Ultrasonic cleaning
Multi-stage bath in appropriate solvents for the calibre.
- 4
Inspection and lubrication
Pivots, jewels, and escapement examined. Oils applied to calibre specification.
- 5
Reassembly and adjustment
Movement rebuilt. Escapement set. Crown and stem function checked.
- 6
Post-service timing and case work
Vibrograph session across six positions. Case cleaned, gaskets replaced, back closed.
Service steps
- 1
Case back removal in dust-controlled area
Case interior examined for humidity or corrosion traces.
- 2
Module current draw measurement
Existing battery tested. Module draw checked against normal range.
- 3
Contact integrity and module condition
Battery contacts inspected. Module replaced if draw is abnormal or contacts are degraded.
- 4
Gasket inspection and replacement
Case back gasket examined. Replaced if compressed or hardened.
- 5
Case clean and crystal polish
Basic exterior clean. Crystal polished where finish allows.
SVC-002
Quartz Module and Battery Care
A careful service for quartz-powered watches that addresses more than a simple battery swap. Each watch is opened in a dust-controlled area, the module checked for current draw and contact integrity, the gasket inspected and replaced when needed, and the back resealed to its intended water-resistance class.
Where the original module is no longer functional, we source a like-for-like replacement and align it correctly within the case. Includes a basic case clean and a polish of the crystal where finish allows.
- Module current draw and contact integrity assessed
- Like-for-like module replacement where required
- Gasket inspected and replaced where needed
- Case back resealed to original water-resistance class
- Basic case clean and crystal polish where applicable
SVC-003
Strap, Bracelet, and Case Refinishing
A measured refresh of the exterior of the watch — bracelet, strap fittings, and case. We remove surface scratches from brushed and polished surfaces using progressive grits, reapply the original brushing patterns by hand, and restore the satin lines on bracelet links.
Spring bars, end links, and clasps are inspected and replaced where worn. Leather straps are conditioned or, on request, replaced with a hand-stitched alternative in calf or saffiano. A separate quote is prepared for cases that have been heavily worn or previously reshaped.
- Original finishing patterns identified and documented before work
- Progressive-grit surface work — brushed and polished areas treated separately
- Satin lines hand-restored on bracelet links
- Spring bars, end links, and clasp inspected; replaced where worn
- Leather strap conditioning or hand-stitched replacement on request
Heavily worn or previously reshaped cases quoted separately after assessment.
Service steps
- 1
Finishing pattern documentation
Original case and bracelet surfaces examined and pattern recorded before work.
- 2
Surface cleaning and degreasing
Case and bracelet cleaned thoroughly. Dust and oxidation removed.
- 3
Progressive scratch removal
Surface scratches worked through with progressive grits on brushed surfaces.
- 4
Hand-applied finishing
Original brushing directions reapplied by hand on case and bracelet links.
- 5
Hardware and strap inspection
Spring bars, end links, clasp examined. Worn parts replaced. Leather conditioned or replaced.
Decision Guide
Which Service is Right for Your Watch?
| Feature or Situation | Mechanical Service | Quartz Care | Refinishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watch runs fast, slow, or intermittently | |||
| Battery drains faster than expected | |||
| Watch has not been serviced in 5+ years (mechanical) | |||
| Case or bracelet shows scratches or worn finish | |||
| Strap or bracelet fittings need replacement | |||
| Includes written condition note | |||
| Vintage watches accepted |
Shared Standards
Across All Services
Client Data Privacy
Contact information held under Malaysia PDPA 2010. Used only for service coordination and not shared.
Written Intake Receipt
Every watch received is documented with a dated receipt describing the piece and its observed condition on arrival.
No Surprise Charges
Any work beyond the standard scope is presented as a separate quote and requires agreement before proceeding.
Postal Clients Welcome
Clients outside Kuala Lumpur can send pieces by insured courier. The intake and return process is identical to a direct drop-off.
Pricing
Service Rates
All prices in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Additional parts quoted and agreed separately.
SVC-001
Mechanical Service
RM 1,650
Per movement
- Full disassembly and cleaning
- Lubrication to calibre spec
- Vibrograph timing
- Gasket renewal
- Condition note
SVC-002
Quartz Module Care
RM 480
Per watch
- Current draw check
- Module replacement if needed
- Gasket inspection and renewal
- Crystal polish
- Condition note
SVC-003
Case Refinishing
RM 3,950
Per watch (standard condition)
- Original pattern restoration
- Progressive-grit surface work
- Spring bar and clasp check
- Strap conditioning / replacement option
- Condition note
Ready to Proceed
Not sure which service fits? Ask us directly.
Describe the watch and what you have noticed. We will recommend the appropriate service and explain what it covers before any commitment is made.
Contact the Workshop