Watchmaker tool list for beginners

[Oascom]

[mention]oascom [/mention] if I’m looking to remove Rolex Daytona and Rolex GMT bezel/crystals would you recommend adding these tools to my bench?

Bezel remover:
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-watch-bezel-remover-tool/

Crystal remover:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-4266-watch-crystal-remover-tool-crystal-lift-10-mm-to-45-mm/

Basically I’m looking for quality tools that will help me with the process while minimizing risk of damaging the watch. Any other recommendations?

P.S. I’m also working on finishing the ceramic insert removal mod you shared using my dremel and watch press

The knowledge you’ve shared has been much appreciated thus far!


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Dont but that crystal remover. It's useless.

You need a crystal press

 

[Hoosier Watch Guy]

Thanks oascom for this list. Helps out a lot. I love the options of the high and low priced item choices. You are an asset here at RWI!

 

[Hoosier Watch Guy]

Cheap copy of bergeon bracelet remover :


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Watch-Repa...randed/Generic&_trksid=p2332490.c101096.m3021



I recommend those vs regular pusher

I bought these and had issues with the "forks" being a little too big to fit in the SEL slots. I may need to file them down a bit. When they work, I bet it is 10x easier

 

[Oascom]

I bought these and had issues with the "forks" being a little too big to fit in the SEL slots. I may need to file them down a bit. When they work, I bet it is 10x easier

There is a link to a smaller version too.

 

[HomeRye]

Superb list - thank you so much. Keen to start looking into this side of the hobby and this thread is a god-send.

 

[Oascom]

Superb list - thank you so much. Keen to start looking into this side of the hobby and this thread is a god-send.

good luck!

 

[opus42]

Thanks for the great information!!! I have used the generic versions of some of the tools listed and have have had mixed results . You saved me a ton of research, time and money !!!! What a great forum!!!!


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[harleyboy]

Great info. I found a polishing cloth to remove "desk" rash. It's the Cape Cod polishing cloth and is great.

 

[ciaoman21]

Very cool, for this list !

i have a VSF 116610 sub, and my hands are misaligned, and i want to open it... to maybe dislocate and fix it

To open the case back, is it the 29,5 mm matrix (N°5) ?

and what type of tools i can use exactly to intervene to the hands ?

thanks for you time.

 

[SQUALO]

Really helpful

 

[Carbon Summit]

I don't have the courage to do any real watchmaking work. Your screw driver recommendations say for working on movements.

If I was going to buy just a few good screw drivers for sizing bracelets, what would you recommend?

I have this for my gen Rolex. https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-s...ch-bracelet-link-screws-with-3-tips-included/

What would be the needed sizes for rep bracelets?

 

[saucin]

I don't have the courage to do any real watchmaking work. Your screw driver recommendations say for working on movements.

If I was going to buy just a few good screw drivers for sizing bracelets, what would you recommend?

I have this for my gen Rolex. https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-s...ch-bracelet-link-screws-with-3-tips-included/

What would be the needed sizes for rep bracelets?

I use 120mm (purple top) for my bracelets


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[Getsuga]

Hey guys,

I saw a lot of people ask about tools and other things to work on watches.

To have it more organized and to help new people I decided to create a tool list with links.

This list got a basic tools set to start modding a watch.

Tip: always buy best you can afford, watchmaker tools are expensive but the more money you spend the better performing tool that will last you a long time and will be easier to work with you'll have.
Of course be smart, most of you don't need specialized tools that's why I tried to add cheap Chinese versions too.


So here we go:



- Bracelet change:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Watch-Repai...ss!08648!US!-1

Medium:
(Bigger fork)
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-31...-removal-tool/
(Smaller fork)
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-67...ring-bar-tool/

High quality:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-78...-bar-tweezers/

- Braclet link removal:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-Adjus...ss!08648!US!-1

Medium:
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-wa...ving-tool-set/

High Quality:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-87...let-pin-press/

- Bracelet holder:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WATCHES-BAN...cAAOSwLdVcwTpa

High Quality:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-67...er-tool-block/


- Caseback opener:

Cheap:
https://www.esslinger.com/jaxa-type-...opener-wrench/

Or get this ball:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-80...-opening-ball/

If you work on Rolex:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GOOD-Watch-...QAAOSwyXNaDAeE


- Screwdrivers:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Professiona...wAAOSwj8VcYHdC

​​​​​​Or I suggest getting 3 high quality screwdrivers and sharpening stone with guide:

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-88...-individually/

Get 0.80mm, 1.20mm and 1.60mm
(Standard sizes that you can work on ETA 2824/2836)

​​​​​​- Sharpening stone:

https://www.esslinger.com/sharpening...-in-wood-base/

-Screwdriver sharpening guide:

https://www.esslinger.com/watchmaker...for-sharpener/


- Tweezers:

You only need 2/3 pairs I suggest high quality. Can't go cheap here:

-Hands holding tweezers:
(pick the one with fine tip)

​​​​​​https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-al...h-delrin-tips/

-Brass tweezers great to handle delicate parts:

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-2a...rass-tweezers/

My favorite tweezers very nice, precise and strong:
(I use #3 style the most)

https://www.esslinger.com/dumont-dum...tory-tweezers/


- Movement holders:

(This is pretty much all you need to start)
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-40...-holder-large/

- Amazing cleaning cloth to get rid of fingerprints and other stuff without scratching your surface:

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-78...cloth-12-x-12/

- Loupes:

(For general work )
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015...b_b_asin_title

(Precise work x4 and x10)
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-sw...upe-magnifier/

- Good quality workpad:

Cheaper:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-68...ng-9-5-x-12-5/

Better:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-58...ng-9-5-x-12-5/


- Hand setting tools:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3Pcs-Watch-...wAAOSwjsZcxPtA

High quality:
http://www.julesborel.com/products/t...tools-set-of-3

- Hand removing tools:

-Levers:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-Metal-...cAAOSwIbJc9kRG

Good quality (I recommend):
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-pr...-5mm-set-of-2/

- Pullers:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Watch-Repai...cAAOSwm~hdPUPC

High quality:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-1-...mover-30636-1/

- Dial protector:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-Bergeo...EAAOSwaY9brMgm

High quality:
(I highly recommend)
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-pr...982-pack-of-3/

- Case cushion:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Watch-Gl...cAAOSwOvZes33L

High quality that I use personally:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-bl...ion-5395-75-n/

- Rodico for cleaning and other uses:

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-60...h-repair-tool/

- Dust air puffer:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rubber-Bulb....c100935.m2460

​​​​​​High quality:
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-57...er-watch-tool/


- Parts tray:

https://www.esslinger.com/dust-cover-with-tray/


- Crystal press:

Cheap:
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-tool...-6-nylon-dies/

Medium:
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-case...micropress-v2/

High Quality:
http://www.julesborel.com/products/c...d-pinion-press


- Timing machine:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NO-1000-Wat...cAAOSwcfdbCRit

High Quality:
http://www.julesborel.com/products/W...r-and-analyzer

- Oilers:

Cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-4x-Oiler...4AAOSwCXBdzPxY

High Quality:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bergeon-Del...ss!08648!US!-1


That's pretty much it to simple modding, anything else will require more specific tools but this list will give you all the basics.


I'll try to update the list when I remember something.

Thank you so much. What a wonderful contribution

 

[Kvdnwh86]

I just almost bought every part of the list, but now?

I’m thinking just to start taking apart my least valuable watch or something and try to put it together again...


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[DC69]

This is my tool kit. There are many like it but this one is mine.



I am not a watch-smith, nor do I intend to be. It seems like a great hobby but I know I would lack the time and patience to do it properly and even if I did I would ultimately suck at it because I was never good with arts and crafts. Still, I reckon this will be enough for most user-end jobs like changing and adjusting straps, changing batteries or the occasional rubber seal.

It's a budget kit that I as a layman think is complete enough out of the box for a good price. Here is the link in case anyone is interested in one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000125579588.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.6d0f358buBTEDu

 

[P..DR..D]

Thanks so much for compiling this.

I was going to start a new thread and see if people recommended Bergeon as they do seem pricey, when a search found this thread.

Up to now my skills have maxed out at changing a strap or replacing battery, but am looking forward to expanding to maintaining automatic movements and his list is a great starting point.

Seems the right tools are what's recommended and you do get what you pay for?

 

[Oascom]

Thanks so much for compiling this.

I was going to start a new thread and see if people recommended Bergeon as they do seem pricey, when a search found this thread.

Up to now my skills have maxed out at changing a strap or replacing battery, but am looking forward to expanding to maintaining automatic movements and his list is a great starting point.

Seems the right tools are what's recommended and you do get what you pay for?

Yes i like quality tools but that's my own personal preference

 

[jimboswatches]

Thanks for the list it is very helpful. One question though. I've had a couple of indices come unstuck and are floating around the watch face. What is the best glue to fix them back to the dial?

 

[MR31]

THANKS FOR THE HELP!! GOOD JOB

 

[Oascom]

Thanks for the list it is very helpful. One question though. I've had a couple of indices come unstuck and are floating around the watch face. What is the best glue to fix them back to the dial?

Hypocement would be safest option