Detik Emas Watch Repair · Penang
A carefully repaired vintage watch
What Customers Say

Words from people who brought us their watches

We believe the most reliable thing we can share is the experience of customers who've trusted us with their pieces.

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Customer Reviews

Recent feedback from our workshop

ZH

Zulkifli Hashim

George Town, Penang

Left my late father's Seiko 5 with them for a full service. They called me before doing anything and explained everything clearly. When I collected it, the movement felt completely different — running better than it has in years. Took about ten days in total, which they told me upfront.

June 2025 · Mechanical Overhaul

PC

Pang Choon Wei

Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Battery change and water test for my dive watch. Done in two days as promised. The lady at the counter (Siew Lin I think) explained the pressure test result, which was something I never got from other shops. I'd have given five stars but parking on Lebuh Chulia is its own adventure.

June 2025 · Quartz Revival

NR

Noorashikin Rahman

Butterworth, Penang

The bracelet on my gold-tone watch was quite scratched up. I was nervous about over-polishing and losing the original look. They understood immediately — told me they'd treat the brushed sections separately from the polished ones. The result is clean without looking fake or over-done.

June 2025 · Bracelet & Case Care

TK

Tan Kian Chuan

Air Itam, Penang

Very glad I found this shop. Brought in an old Swiss watch that I inherited — it hadn't run in about eight years. The watchmaker (Razif) spent time examining it and gave me a realistic picture of what the overhaul would involve. No promises he couldn't keep. The watch runs now.

May 2025 · Mechanical Overhaul

MF

Mohd Fadzli

Sungai Petani, Kedah

Made the trip from Sungai Petani specifically to come here, based on a recommendation. The quartz service was quick and the water-resistance test gave me confidence to wear the watch swimming again. Worth the drive. The shophouse setting is quite special too.

May 2025 · Quartz Revival

AL

Amelia Loh

Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Good experience overall. Brought in two watches — one for a battery and one for bracelet polishing. The battery was done quickly. The bracelet took a little longer than I expected (about four days instead of three), but the result was clean and they explained the delay without me having to ask.

June 2025 · Quartz Revival & Bracelet Care

Case Studies

Three watches, three different stories

Case Study 01

A family automatic that hadn't run in twelve years

The Situation

A customer brought in a Japanese automatic movement — a family piece passed down to him that had stopped running more than a decade ago. He wasn't sure whether a service was worth the cost given the watch's age.

Our Approach

After inspection, we found the movement in serviceable condition — dried lubricants but no visible damage. We shared this honestly, explained the scope and cost, and left the decision with the customer. He chose to proceed.

The Outcome

The movement was cleaned, re-lubricated, and regulated to within ±8 seconds per day. Returned within twelve working days. The customer now wears it daily. "I didn't expect it to run this well — you gave me the honest picture first, which I appreciated."

Case Study 02

A quartz dress watch with a failed gasket

The Situation

A simple battery request — but when we tested the water resistance after replacing the battery and gasket, it failed at a lower pressure than the manufacturer's rating. We flagged this before returning the watch.

Our Approach

We called the customer and explained what we'd found. An older gasket channel was showing signs of wear that a new gasket couldn't fully compensate for. We discussed the options, including the limitations of what could be addressed.

The Outcome

The customer chose to have the work done to its practical limit. We gave honest guidance on what care to take around water going forward. "They could have said nothing — instead they told me something I needed to know."

Case Study 03

A bracelet refinish where less was more

The Situation

A steel sports watch with a two-tone bracelet (polished centre links, brushed edges) came in with surface scratches. The customer wanted it looking fresh without losing the brushed texture the watch was known for.

Our Approach

Ariff treated each zone separately — light polishing on the polished centres, careful brushing to refresh the satin edges with the same grain direction as original. We checked with the customer before finalising the work.

The Outcome

Marks were reduced without erasing the character of the finish. Completed in four working days. "It looks like mine, just taken better care of. That's exactly what I wanted."

At a Glance

A few numbers from our workshop

15+

Years serving George Town

2,400+

Watches serviced

4.8/5

Average customer rating

98%

On-time collection rate

Visit or contact us

Workshop

118, Lebuh Chulia
10200 George Town, Penang

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Your Turn

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Get in touch and we'll arrange a convenient time to take a look at your piece.

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