Why Tickfold
What the atelier does differently
Six points that distinguish Tickfold Atelier from a volume workshop — each one a practical difference, not a description.
Back to HomeCore advantages
Six points of difference
Hand finishing throughout
All case and bracelet surface work is done by hand. Wheel-polishing equipment is not used at this workshop. The original brushed grain directions and chamfer angles are preserved to factory specification, not approximated.
- Brushed grain restored to original direction
- Polished chamfers re-cut by hand
- No material removed beyond necessity
Written scope before work begins
Every engagement starts with a written assessment: what will be done, why, the expected duration, and the cost. If work is not advisable — because the case is too worn or the movement is outside scope — that recommendation is also given in writing, at no charge.
- Scope documented before disassembly
- "Do not proceed" also given in writing
Calibre-specific parts
Replacement parts used in movement servicing come from established horological suppliers with documented provenance. Generic substitutes are not used where calibre-specific mainsprings, reversing wheels, or rotor components are available.
- Swiss and Japanese suppliers used
- Parts list provided in writing
Climate-adapted storage guidance
Storage and winding advice issued through the Collection Assessment is written for Malaysia's climate — humidity levels, seasonal variation, and local storage conditions. It is not a copy-paste from European horological literature.
- Winding schedule suited to humidity
- Storage options assessed for local conditions
12-month labour coverage
Movement service work comes with a 12-month coverage period on labour. The terms are straightforward: if a fault arises from the service work within that period, it is addressed at no additional labour charge. No conditions buried in small print.
- Covers all movement service labour
- Clear terms, documented at handover
No-obligation care plan
The Collection Assessment produces a written plan and a digital inventory. Clients who receive the plan are under no obligation to have the recommended work done here, or anywhere else. The plan belongs to the client.
- Plan is the client's to keep
- Follow-up consultation at 6 months included
Comparison
Tickfold Atelier vs. a volume workshop
| Feature | Tickfold Atelier | Typical volume workshop |
|---|---|---|
| Surface finishing method | By hand, to original geometry | Often wheel-polished |
| Written scope before work | Always | Varies |
| Parts sourcing | Calibre-specific where available | Often generic substitutes |
| Post-service timing record | Before and after, in writing | Not always provided |
| Labour coverage period | 12 months on movement service | Varies or absent |
| Collection assessment service | Offered | Rarely offered |
| Humidity-adapted care guidance | Malaysia-specific | Generic or absent |
Distinctive features
What only this workshop offers
A written "no" at no charge
When assessment leads to a recommendation against proceeding — because the case is too thin, or the movement is outside scope — that recommendation is documented and handed to the client. No assessment fee is charged in those cases.
Digital inventory for collections
The Collection Assessment produces a digital record of each piece in a client's rotation — reference numbers, serial codes, photographs, and timing results. This is a document the client owns and keeps, regardless of where future work is done.
Six-month follow-up consultation
Assessment clients receive a follow-up consultation six months after the plan is issued. This allows the plan to be reviewed against how the pieces have actually behaved in rotation, and adjusted if circumstances have changed.
1960s-onward calibre range
The movement service covers self-winding calibres from the 1960s onward — Swiss and Japanese. Many workshops limit their vintage scope. Tickfold Atelier is equipped for pre-1990 movements that require sourcing of older-specification parts.
Milestones
Workshop record
15+
Years operating in
Petaling Jaya
480+
Movement services
completed
60+
Calibres serviced
across Swiss & Japanese
12
Month labour
coverage on service
Training & Background
The lead technician completed formal horological training in Geneva before returning to Malaysia to establish the workshop in 2009. The training covered both movement disassembly and regulation, and the tools and methods used at the bench today reflect that background directly.
Speak to the workshop
A short call helps establish whether the work is a fit
Most of the useful questions can be settled in 10 minutes by phone. The contact form is also available for those who prefer to write first.
Contact the Atelier