Workshop Services
Three Distinct Engagements for an Inherited Watch
Each service at Mainspring Hall is a complete, stand-alone engagement. They are offered separately because different owners arrive at different stages of readiness.
← Back to HomeThe Workshop Method
How the Workshop Approaches Each Piece
Every piece that comes to Mainspring Hall is treated as an individual case. The workshop does not use a standardised turnaround model or a parts-in, parts-out approach. Each engagement begins with the owner describing what they have and what they are hoping to understand or achieve. From that point, the process is shaped by the specific piece and the specific situation.
The three services below are offered as distinct engagements because the decisions involved at each stage are genuinely different. An evaluation gives information. Restoration gives function. Storage gives time. They can follow one another, or each can stand alone. The owner decides.
Service 01
Heirloom Watch Evaluation
RM 510 · Approximately one week
A workshop session for owners of a watch passed down from a relative, often after a long period of storage. The piece is opened on the bench, the movement is inspected under magnification, and a thorough condition report is prepared in writing.
The report covers the state of the case, dial, hands, crystal, and movement, along with notes on manufacturer history where the piece can be identified. The workshop then discusses options with the owner: routine service, full restoration, or careful preservation in current condition. No further work is performed without the owner's written approval.
- Full written condition report delivered at end of week
- Movement inspected under magnification
- Manufacturer history noted where identifiable
- No further work without written owner approval
How It Works
Owner brings or sends the piece to the workshop by appointment
Watch is examined on the bench over the course of the week
Written condition report prepared and delivered at end of session
Workshop discusses findings and options — no obligation to proceed
Service 02
Sensitive Restoration of Family Pieces
RM 2,420 · 8–10 weeks
An extended workshop project for heirloom pieces that need attention beyond evaluation. The approach favours conservation over modernisation: original components are preserved wherever they can be made functional; replacement parts are sourced from period-correct stock where possible.
Dials are cleaned with non-abrasive methods only; cases are polished lightly or not at all depending on owner preference. The workshop is explicit about its philosophy in writing before work begins, and provides photographic documentation at each stage.
- Period-correct parts sourced from established network
- Non-abrasive dial cleaning only
- Case polishing to owner preference (including none)
- Full photographic record delivered with the finished piece
- Suitable for regular-wear readiness after completion
Project Sequence
Scope agreed in writing, including polishing and parts preferences
Parts sourced; owner informed if any additional scope is identified
Work completed across 8–10 weeks with photographic documentation at each stage
Piece returned with full photographic record and written completion notes
Service 03
Long-Term Watch Storage
RM 720 per year · Open-ended arrangement
A service for owners who have inherited a piece but are not yet ready to wear or service it. The workshop provides a safe storage environment, periodic winding of automatic movements where requested, and an annual condition note documenting any changes observed.
Pieces remain in the owner's name throughout, with collection available at any time. The service suits families navigating the practicalities of inheritance over a longer timeline, and those who wish to preserve a watch's running condition without committing to wear. Annual reports include photographs and a short written note.
- Humidity-controlled storage environment
- Periodic winding of automatic movements on request
- Annual written condition note with photographs
- Piece registered in owner's name throughout
- Collection arranged at any point, no notice penalty
Arrangement Steps
Initial condition photograph taken on intake and shared with owner
Annual fee invoiced; annual condition note and photographs sent to owner
Owner contacts workshop when ready to collect or consider next steps
Which Service Fits
Choosing the Right Engagement
The three services are designed for different moments in the owner's relationship with an inherited watch. The table below may help orient the decision.
| Evaluation | Restoration | Storage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Owners who want to understand what they have before deciding | Owners who wish to wear or display the piece in working condition | Owners not yet ready to decide, who want the piece kept well |
| Duration | 1 week | 8–10 weeks | Open-ended |
| Price | RM 510 | RM 2,420 | RM 720/year |
| Written condition report | Annual note | ||
| Photographic documentation | Annual photos | ||
| Movement work performed | Winding only |
Across All Services
Standards Applied to Every Engagement
Written Consent at Every Step
No action is taken without written agreement from the owner. The scope, method, and cost are confirmed before work begins.
Secure Handling
Pieces are received, logged, and stored in a secure environment throughout the engagement. Each piece has an individual reference on intake.
Single-Craftsperson Continuity
One watchmaker handles each piece from receipt to return. There is no internal handoff, and no information is lost between team members.
Responsive Client Communication
Written enquiries are answered within two business days. Owners are updated if the project scope or timeline changes at any point.
Confidential Records
All client and piece information is treated as confidential. Records are not shared with third parties outside the specific scope of the agreed work.
No Unsolicited Work
If the watchmaker notices something during evaluation or storage that might warrant attention, this is reported to the owner. Work is only performed with explicit approval.
Workshop Fees
Transparent Pricing for Each Service
Evaluation
RM 510
Fixed fee. Covers one week at the bench and delivery of the written condition report. No further fees unless additional work is agreed.
- Written condition report
- Movement inspection
- Options discussion
Most Comprehensive
Restoration
RM 2,420
Standard project scope. Additional parts or work beyond initial scope are quoted separately before proceeding. Typical duration 8–10 weeks.
- Full restoration to working condition
- Period-correct parts
- Photo documentation
- Written completion record
Storage
RM 720 /year
Annual fee. Open-ended arrangement. Piece can be collected at any time. Annual condition note and photographs included in the fee.
- Secure environment
- Periodic winding (optional)
- Annual report & photos
Not Sure Which Service Applies?
The consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. Describe the piece and the situation — the workshop will advise on the most appropriate starting point.
Contact the Workshop