Each watch arrives with a story.
It leaves with a written one.
Ticklore is a small bench workshop in George Town, Penang. We work through crystal replacement, movement overhauls and long-form heritage work at a pace that suits the piece, not a schedule.
Three workshop paths
Each scope is written out before bench work begins. You know what is being done, what the timeline is, and what the cost covers.
Crystal and Crown Replacement
A focused bench visit for the two parts that absorb the most contact. The watchmaker measures the aperture, sources the matching crystal — acrylic, mineral or sapphire — presses it to the correct tension, and replaces a worn crown together with its tube and gasket where the case permits.
- Scratched, crazed or shattered glass
- Crown that no longer winds or sets smoothly
- Resistance re-test where the case is rated
- Written specification note on completion
Self-Winding Calibre Overhaul
A complete strip-down and rebuild of a rotor-driven movement. The winding module is separated, the reverser wheels cleaned and inspected, the mainspring renewed, the train re-lubricated point by point, and the assembled movement regulated across six positions before a multi-day test run.
- Watches losing reserve or stopping overnight
- Full mainspring renewal included
- Timing report before and after service
- 48-hour power reserve measurement on finish
Long-Form Heritage Project
An open, slow-paced path for family pieces and older references where several disciplines converge. Work begins with an assessment week, followed by a written route covering movement rebuilding, hand refinishing, dial cleaning, hand re-luming and a made-to-measure strap. Each stage is agreed in writing first.
- Assessment report before any work proceeds
- Staged photography throughout the project
- Owner may pause or stop at any stage
- Archival record folder on completion
What a bench workshop does differently
These points come up in almost every conversation with first-time clients. We have written them plainly.
Written scope first
No work begins until the scope, timeline and cost are set out on paper and you have agreed to them. Changes during a project are proposed in the same written format.
Assessment before commitment
Heritage projects start with a paid assessment week. You receive a written report regardless of whether you proceed. There is no obligation to continue after that point.
Realistic timelines
Movement overhauls take 5–7 weeks. Heritage projects run 10–16 weeks. We state these ranges upfront because good work at the bench cannot be compressed without consequence.
Parts sourced to specification
Crystals are measured and sourced to the correct aperture. Mainsprings are matched to the calibre. We do not fit generic components and call it a service.
Staged documentation
Heritage projects include photography at each agreed stage. You see what was found, what was done, and what remains. The archival folder stays with the piece.
Regulation and timing records
Every overhauled movement leaves with a timing report showing performance before and after service, plus a 48-hour power reserve figure. Numbers, not impressions.
Not sure which path fits your watch?
Bring it in or send a photograph. We will read the condition and let you know what scope makes sense before any commitment is made.
[email protected] — we reply to every enquiry within one working day
Common questions from the bench ledger
How do I know which service my watch needs?
The simplest step is to bring the watch in or send a clear photograph of the dial, case side and caseback. We can usually read the condition and point you toward the appropriate scope without charging for that initial look. If the piece is more complex, we may suggest starting with a formal assessment.
Why do overhauls take 5 to 7 weeks?
After the movement is cleaned and rebuilt, it runs on the timing machine across six positions. Then it runs on the wrist-simulator for several days before we check the results again. That observation period cannot be shortened without guessing at the outcome. The timeline also accounts for parts that need to be sourced before bench work can begin.
What does the crystal replacement price include?
The RM 620 fee covers the crystal itself, the fitting labour, a case cleaning, a resistance re-test where the case is rated for it, and a written note of the specification fitted — crystal type, material and dimensions. If the crown and tube also need replacing, that is included in the same visit.
Can I stop a heritage project partway through?
Yes. The heritage project is structured in agreed stages, each confirmed in writing before work on that stage begins. You may pause or end the project after any completed stage and collect the piece at that point. You pay only for work that has been done and agreed.
Do you work on quartz movements?
Our three current workshop paths are built around mechanical movements and their external components. Crystal and crown replacement can be carried out on any case type. If your piece has a quartz movement, please contact us — we can discuss what makes sense for that specific situation.
How do I get the watch to the workshop?
We prefer a personal drop-off at 14 Lebuh Bishop, George Town, so the watch can be examined while you are present and the scope discussed directly. If you are outside Penang, contact us first and we can advise on how to proceed. We do not accept unannounced postal submissions.
Is there a warranty on the work carried out?
We stand behind our work. Movement overhauls come with a 12-month workshop warranty covering the service work performed. Crystal fittings carry a 3-month workmanship warranty. Heritage projects are discussed case by case in the written scope. The warranty covers bench work, not normal wear or accidental damage after collection.
Find the Workshop
14 Lebuh Bishop, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Send an Enquiry
Workshop Details
10200 George Town
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia