Why Choose Arbor & Co

Cheng Wei completed his training at WOSTEP, one of Switzerland's recognized watchmaking schools. This wasn't a short course but a rigorous program covering movement theory, precision machining, and restoration techniques. What matters more than the credential itself is what it represents: a foundation in proper methods that serves as the basis for all work done in our workshop.

Our other watchmakers bring their own training and specializations. Lin Hui has particular skill with vintage movements and mainspring service. Yang Kai focuses on gear train diagnostics and escapement regulation. This division of expertise means your watch receives attention from someone who has spent years developing the specific skills your repair requires.

We use timing machines to verify rate and amplitude across six positions, just as manufacturers do during assembly. This isn't about appearing technical — it's about having objective data on how your watch performs before and after service. The difference between guessing and knowing.

Our ultrasonic cleaning system removes accumulated oils and debris that hand-cleaning can miss, particularly in the narrow spaces between gear teeth. Magnification equipment allows us to inspect pivot wear that would be invisible to the unaided eye. These tools extend our capabilities in ways that improve outcomes for your watch.

Many watch repair services operate as drop-off points — you leave your watch, someone somewhere works on it, you pick it up. The person at the counter can't answer technical questions because they've never seen your movement. This arrangement may be efficient for the business, but it's frustrating for anyone who wants to understand what's happening with their timepiece.

We structure things differently. When you bring a watch to Arbor & Co, you speak with the watchmaker who will examine it and perform the service. Questions get answered by someone who knows your specific watch, not generic responses from a customer service script. Updates are provided when meaningful developments occur, not because a system schedule requires it.

Our service prices reflect the actual time and skill required for proper work. A Gear Train Inspection at NT$5,200 includes disassembly, thorough examination under magnification, documentation of findings, and a written recommendation. The Complete Train and Escapement Service at NT$20,000 involves barrel service, complete cleaning, lubrication, regulation, and reassembly with timing verification — typically 12 to 16 hours of skilled labor.

We price services to sustain a small workshop where watchmakers can focus on quality rather than quotas. If you find significantly cheaper options elsewhere, understand that the difference likely reflects either rushed work or less experienced technicians. Neither serves your watch well in the long term.

A properly serviced watch should run reliably for years before needing attention again. We verify this through timing observation across multiple days and positions before returning your watch. If a movement shows persistent rate variation after regulation attempts, we investigate the cause rather than adjusting until the numbers look acceptable for delivery.

Our approach to restoration work prioritizes preservation over perfection. Original dial patina, case hallmarks, and movement engravings have historical value that aggressive refinishing destroys. We discuss these considerations before beginning work so the outcome reflects your preferences, not our assumptions about what you want.