Craft that begins before the first screw is turned.
Ebauche Studio opened in Kuala Lumpur with a particular focus: to offer watch assembly and restoration work that treats every piece as a considered project rather than a service transaction. The name references the ebauche — the unfinished movement blank that forms the starting point of any mechanical watch. That beginning matters to us.
The studio works primarily with clients who have sourced or inherited components and wish to bring them together thoughtfully. Assembly here is not an automated process. It involves consultation, material review, and a working method that keeps the client informed at each stage of progression.
Refinishing and movement work are approached with similar patience. Where surfaces have lost their original character through wear or mishandling, we work to restore them in a way that is consistent with the manufacturer's original intentions — not simply to make the piece look polished.
We accept a limited number of projects at any given time. This is a deliberate choice, not a capacity constraint. Fewer projects allow deeper attention to each one.
"An ebauche is a possibility, not a product. We work at that stage — where what the piece will become is still being decided."
— Studio founding noteStudio Essentials
Small team. Focused practice.
Rizwan Azmi
Lead WatchmakerTrained in Switzerland and working in KL for over a decade, Rizwan leads assembly and movement work with a preference for vintage ebauches and uncommon configurations.
Serena Lim
Case Refinishing SpecialistSerena handles all surface restoration work, with particular attention to mixed-finish cases where brushing and polishing meet. She treats each case line individually.
Taufik Nasir
Client Liaison & DocumentationTaufik manages the consultation process, project documentation, and client communication — ensuring that nothing about a project is assumed or left undiscussed.
How we work, and why it matters.
Written Project Scope
Every project begins with a documented scope agreed between the studio and client, covering components, services, expected timeline, and pricing.
Component Inspection
All parts are inspected before work begins. If anything is outside expected condition, we inform the client before proceeding. No assumptions are made about part viability.
Controlled Environment
Movement work is performed in a dust-managed workspace with appropriate lighting and precision tooling. Components are stored securely throughout.
Post-Work Adjustment Period
Assembled pieces are run for a settling period before handover. Timing and rate consistency are checked over several days before the piece leaves the studio.
Client Data Privacy
Contact and project information is used solely for communication and studio records. It is not shared, sold, or used for any marketing beyond what the client explicitly requests.
Careful Handover
All pieces are returned with a brief written summary of work completed, any observations made during the project, and recommended care notes where applicable.
Watch assembly in Kuala Lumpur exists in a range of forms — from high-volume repair shops to individual craftspeople working privately. Ebauche Studio sits closer to the latter, combining the resources of a properly equipped workspace with the attention of a small, consistent team.
Movement installation and case refinishing require different knowledge bases and different temperaments. Knowing where a surface should be brushed and where it should carry a mirror finish is a matter of understanding the original design intent — not simply reproducing the most common convention for the brand or period. The same attentiveness applies to fitting movements: correct hand height, dial alignment, and crown engagement are each as important as the next.
Clients who come to us tend to be assemblers, collectors, or those who have inherited a piece and want it treated with appropriate consideration. We welcome all these backgrounds equally and adapt our communication to what each project requires.
Ready to begin a conversation?
Tell us about your piece or project. We will let you know if it is something we can help with.
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