Kota Kinabalu · Sabah
A quiet place for watches that deserve attention
Tickraft handles watch repairs at a careful pace — crown tubes, dials, and full heritage work. Each piece is treated with the time it actually needs.
What we do
Three ways the bench can help
Each service is sized differently. Some take a day. Some take weeks. The pacing depends on the watch, not a calendar.
Service 01
Crown Tube Replacement
Damaged crown tubes replaced with proper alignment, gasket fitting, and a post-fit visual check. The bench looks at nearby case threads and shares any concerns before starting. Good for daily-use sport pieces with worn crowns.
- Thread condition checked first
- Water-resistance gasket fitted
- Post-fit visual inspection included
Service 02
Hand and Dial Touch-Up
Light cosmetic work covering lume re-application where suitable, hand straightening, and careful dust removal. The approach is conservative — the dial's character is kept intact. Photographs shared before and after. Best for vintage pieces with mild patina.
- Before and after photographs
- Conservative, character-respecting approach
- Lume re-application where appropriate
Service 03
Heritage Refurbishment
A multi-week programme for inherited or older watches needing slow, careful attention. Movement strip-down, ultrasonic cleaning, parts review, dial conservation, and reassembly with period-correct methods. Each stage shared with the owner. Final delivery includes a complete service record.
- Full movement strip and clean
- Owner-approved at each stage
- Written service record on delivery
Why Tickraft
What makes the difference here
Owner-led, every time
Every watch that comes in is handled by the bench directly. There is no handoff to junior staff for the detailed work.
Kept in the loop
The process is shared as it unfolds — photographs, short notes, and honest timelines so decisions remain with the owner.
Conservative by default
Nothing irreversible is done without a conversation first. The bench prefers to preserve what is already there over replacing it.
Service record included
Heritage work comes with a written record of every step taken, useful for future servicing and for the watch's own history.
Local, findable presence
The shop is at a fixed address in Kota Kinabalu. Owners can drop in, ask questions, and collect in person rather than shipping blind.
Honest about timelines
If a job takes longer than first expected, that is communicated early — not at collection. The estimate is updated as the work progresses.
Ready when you are
Your watch can come in any time
Whether it is a daily wearer with a worn crown or a grandfather's piece sitting in a drawer — there is a quiet space on the bench for it. Get in touch, describe what you have, and the bench will let you know what makes sense.
Common questions
Things people usually ask before bringing a watch in
How do I know if my crown tube actually needs replacing?
The most common signs are a crown that turns loosely, sits at an angle, or allows moisture into the case. If a sport watch has lost its water resistance, the tube and gasket are usually the first things to check. Bring it in and the bench can have a look without any obligation.
Will dial touch-up work remove the patina from my vintage watch?
Not if the bench can avoid it. The approach here leans toward preserving what is already there. Photographs are taken and discussed before anything touches the dial. If the patina is part of what the owner values, that shapes the work — dust removal and minor lume touch-up can be done while leaving the dial's aged surface untouched.
How long does the Heritage Refurbishment Programme take?
Usually four to eight weeks, depending on parts availability and how many components need attention. Inherited pieces occasionally need sourcing of period-correct parts, which can extend the timeline. An initial estimate is given when the watch comes in, and updates are shared as the work moves through each stage.
Can I send my watch by post if I am not in Kota Kinabalu?
Yes, and a number of customers across Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia do. Get in touch first to describe the watch and the concern — the bench can advise on packing and recommend a suitable courier. Insurance during transit is arranged by the owner.
What does the written service record include?
For the Heritage Refurbishment Programme, the record covers every stage of the work — components inspected, parts replaced or sourced, cleaning method used, and the final timing figures after reassembly. It is formatted as a printed document and included with the watch at collection.
Are prices fixed or do they change once work begins?
An estimate is given before work starts. If the bench finds something that changes the scope — such as thread damage needing cleaning alongside a crown tube replacement — the owner is contacted before that additional work is done. Nothing is added to a job without agreement first.
Find us
19 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu
In the Gaya Street area, accessible by foot from most of the city centre.
Get in touch
Send a message or drop by
Describe the watch and what you've noticed. There's no pressure — the bench will let you know what looks likely and what the options are.
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Contact Details
Telephone
+60 88 271 5483Address
19 Jalan Gaya
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Workshop Hours
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Note on drop-ins
Walk-ins are welcome during workshop hours. A brief call ahead is appreciated for heritage pieces, as these take longer to assess.