OWNER EXPERIENCES
What Owners Have
Found at Cempakamy
A selection of accounts from watch owners in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and elsewhere in Malaysia who have used the studio's programmes.
← Back to HomeAccounts from Watch Owners
Tan Kok Wei
Kuala Lumpur · April 2025
Sent in my Omega Seamaster via the postal programme from KL — the whole process was more straightforward than I expected. The intake form was clear, the estimate came back within two days, and the piece was returned with photographs and a written summary I could keep. The hands now sit exactly as they should. Nothing flashy about the studio's communication, just honest and methodical.
Nur Farahani Ismail
Penang · March 2025
My father's gold Rolex came to Marcus after sitting in a drawer for years. I was concerned that someone might over-polish it — which is apparently common. The studio's written estimate specifically noted they would follow the original brushed lines only and that the case walls on older pieces require attention. The work took about three weeks, which was within the range they gave me. The watch looks cared for, not refurbished.
Ahmad Syahril Mahmud
Johor Bahru · April 2025
Used the drop-off programme for the first time for a Longines with a dial marker that had come loose. Clear communication throughout. What I appreciated was that Marcus found a minor issue with the crown while it was in — he sent a separate estimate asking if I wanted it addressed, which I did. He didn't just proceed. Came back with everything documented.
Yong Pei Xian
George Town, Penang · March 2025
The minute hand on my vintage Tissot had a slight bend from a previous fall. I was told elsewhere it would need replacing. Cempakamy straightened it properly — it wasn't a trivial fix apparently — and noted in the file that the original hand was retained. Small detail, but exactly what I wanted.
Rajesh Haridas
Klang Valley · April 2025
Sent a white gold dress watch for case care. The studio was upfront that the bezel had some tool marks from a previous opening and that they could address only so much without risk to the original finish. I appreciated that — it wasn't what I was hoping to hear, but it was the honest answer. The work they did on the rest of the case was careful and the crown tube is solid again.
Lim Boon Huat
Penang · April 2025
Had three pieces serviced here over the last year. Each time the process has been the same — a clear estimate, proper documentation, no surprises. The studio doesn't rush, which suits me. My collection pieces are not urgent items. For watches that matter to you, this is the right place to bring them in Penang.
Three Pieces, Three Outcomes
CASE STUDY · HANDS PROGRAMME
1965 Seiko with Oxidised Hands
CHALLENGE
The owner had a Seiko sports reference from 1965 with all three hands showing significant oxidation. The lume on the hour and minute hands had turned dark but the owner specifically wanted it retained — a previous workshop had proposed full hand replacement with new-lume equivalents, which he declined.
APPROACH
The studio confirmed the original hands could be conserved, cleaned only of loose surface debris, and refitted with the patina intact. The bushing on the seconds hand was found to be slightly loose — addressed before return. No refinishing of the dial.
OUTCOME
Original hands conserved and returned. Seconds hand now tracks reliably. The owner has a photographic record showing the work carried out. Timeline: approximately 2.5 weeks.
"Exactly what I asked for — nothing more, nothing less." — Owner, Penang
CASE STUDY · DROP-OFF PROGRAMME
Sabah Owner, KL Layover
CHALLENGE
An owner based in Kota Kinabalu had an IWC with two loose hour markers and a dial he had been told elsewhere needed refinishing. He had heard about Cempakamy from another collector but could not travel to Penang. He had a specific concern about the dial — a tropical variant he did not want touched.
APPROACH
The drop-off programme was used. The piece arrived at the studio in the insured courier packaging the studio organised. Inspection confirmed the dial was sound — no refinishing was warranted or agreed. The two hour markers were secured. The dial was photographed before and after work.
OUTCOME
Piece returned in the same condition as received, with markers secured and dial intact. Total cost: RM 140 (programme) + RM 410 (hands/marker service) + courier charges at cost. Timeline: 3 weeks including transit.
"Straight talking throughout. The dial came back exactly as it should." — Owner, Kota Kinabalu
CASE STUDY · PRECIOUS METAL PROGRAMME
18ct Gold Patek from the 1970s
CHALLENGE
A 1970s Patek Philippe in 18ct yellow gold had been in the family for thirty years. The crown tube was slightly loose, there were fine scratches on the caseback, and a previous polishing had left one lug with inconsistent finish. The owner wanted work done but was concerned about losing further material thickness.
APPROACH
Full case inspection confirmed the lugs still had adequate thickness. The written estimate detailed exactly which surfaces would receive light polishing (along original lines only) and which the studio recommended leaving alone. The crown tube was secured. The caseback scratches were addressed conservatively.
OUTCOME
Piece returned with crown tube secure, surface condition improved without loss of character, and written record of work and future care interval (recommended: 4–5 years). The inconsistent lug finish was partially corrected. Timeline: 4 weeks.
"The piece looks like itself again — not like it's just come out of a polishing wheel." — Owner, George Town
The Studio in Numbers
15+
YEARS AT THE BENCH
600+
PIECES SERVICED
4.8
AVG. OWNER RATING
13
STATES SERVED IN MY
Studio Contact Details
Telephone
+60 4-2298 5641Address
47 Persiaran Gurney
10250 George Town
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Studio Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: By appointment
Monday: Closed
YOUR WATCH
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