Advise on basic tools

[shai]

Looking at buying some stuff but am confused with the variety out there. Would appreciate inputs from veterans

1. Case remover - Friction ball/Jax style wrench/something else ?

2. Link remover - Dual head Springbar tool/ hammer+pin punch + band holder/Link remover tool(screw on type)/something else ?

3. Screw drivers - 0.8-2 mm/some other range ?

4. Watch case holder- type/brand ?

5. Hand puller- type/brand ?


I am just starting out and would rather buy these things individually than in a kit/package. Thanks in advance

 

[Omegafan22]

Good decision to buy them each on their own due to the bad quality of kits. I am no veteran too and would like to get some more information as you do.

 

[spankster23]

1. both styles are needed to be honest. Ball works 90% of the time, but not always. Plus I like the wrench for the last extra bit of tightness. When installing you case back
2. I use brass/nylon hammer and pin punches generic is fine on these
3. A decent mid grade screw driver set is fine to start out. That range is fine. There are Chinese, Swiss , and French made out there. The French are the mid grade
4. i don't use a case holder, but have various round couchions to work on a watch, they look like leather hockey pucks.
movement holder is a must. Bergeron has a steel one that will accommodate most men's movements.
5. Bergeon hand pullers are the best out their, not cheap, but work well. I would suggest their general size, and their smaller version designed for second hands
6. Hand installers are a must as well, generic style with different size kit will do...

 

[spankster23]

Examples... All from Otto frei, but in Europe you have cousinsuk to Order from. Most of the same stuff.

case cushions http://www.ofrei.com/page1015.html
Hand pullers http://www.ofrei.com/page_209.html
Movement holders http://www.ofrei.com/page244.html
Screw drivers http://www.ofrei.com/page1362.html
you get the idea.

other considerations and must haves.

Dumont tweezers. #2 to start. Get the most expensive you can afford
rodico watch makers best friend
Oilers and oil.
And best advise I can give you. 5x and 10x loupe with a head wire , along with a good magnifying light with a retactable arm.

 

[shai]

Examples... All from Otto frei, but in Europe you have cousinsuk to Order from. Most of the same stuff.

case cushions http://www.ofrei.com/page1015.html
Hand pullers http://www.ofrei.com/page_209.html
Movement holders http://www.ofrei.com/page244.html
Screw drivers http://www.ofrei.com/page1362.html
you get the idea.

other considerations and must haves.

Dumont tweezers. #2 to start. Get the most expensive you can afford
rodico watch makers best friend
Oilers and oil.
And best advise I can give you. 5x and 10x loupe with a head wire , along with a good magnifying light with a retactable arm.

Thanks mate:thumbup: