Tools and supplies for the first-time modder

[keisuke_z]

I've been asked a few times now for recommendations on tools / supplies by folks who were interested in getting started on doing some modding, so I thought I'd share it here as an additional reference for anyone who may find it useful, as I've learned so much just from reading all the threads and projects here. None of this will be new to the experienced folks, so please excuse the repetition - I just hope that this will be useful to a potential modder who wants to dip their toe in!

So the backstory to diving into the world of rep modding was that after trying out a couple of Polar 16570 reps, I decided that I really wanted to build a franken. I started looking through all the recommendation lists for tools and supples (such as the main sticky that everyone should reference), but was quickly overwhelmed at what choices to make. With some guidance from a few senior members, as well as some lessons learned from poorly thought out purchase choices, I managed to finally land on what I think is a decent starter set of tools.

Needless to say, when the senior folks here recommend you not cheap out on a particular tool, you really shouldn't cheap out, coz inevitably, you'll end up buying the more expensive version after your cheap one fails immediately, or after 1-2 uses. Anyway, I started exploring 5-digit and 6-digit subs, and when the perfectionist in me couldn't resist wanting to franken those I started looking into doing dial / hand / movement gen swaps, which is what the toolset in this post is focused on.

Caveats:

• I'm not a watchmaker - just an enthusiast hobbyist trying not to break too many movements and parts while learning =)
• I only started getting inside watches back in September - still new to this!
• So far, I've only worked on 3130 and 3135 clone movements - have not touched ETA or any other movements yet
• I've most definitely had to endure the modder rite of passage - rebuilding the keyless works multiple times after messing it up while trying to reinsert the stem
• This is only for basic modding - if you want to service a movement, swap crystals or bezels, then you will need more tools and supplies not described here
• You should read and take the advice of all the amazing watchmakers on here!

Okay, so here's a picture of what I think is a pretty good place to start from, and a list of various items below:

• Finger cots - buy as many as you like, these will help protect your fingers while protecting all the watch parts from your sweat/grease: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001742018329.html
• A good quality screwdriver set (note - these come magnetised): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32372285605.html
• A degausser to demagnetize the screwdriver set above https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B06XSQ8PDD/
• Tweezers - Get 1-2 really good quality ones here, it makes a huge difference
  • Dumont #2 anti-magnetic: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/dumont-no2-medium-tips
  • Bergeon Brass AM: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/brass-tweezers-bergeon-swiss
  • Note: Some folks like to get curved end tweezers and/or Delrin tipped tweezers - it's always nice to have tweezers that are less likely to scratch hands
• Movement holder - there are fixed size options with changeable inserts or adjustable ones
  • Fixed size: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001004789714.html
  • Adjustable: https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-4039-p-synthetic-reversible-watch-movement-holder/
• Casing cushion: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32966468268.html
• Parts tray with dust cover lid: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32895962771.html
• Dust blower: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B078Z53XY2/
• Caseback opening sticky ball: https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-8007-watch-case-opening-ball/
• Non-slip bench mat: https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-7808-non-slip-bench-mat-9-5-x-12-5-inches/
• Rodico (very important for cleaning off dials and crystals, as well as using a small amount on the end of a toothpick to help with placing hands): https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-7033-rodico-premium-watch-cleaner/
• Hand removal levers - if you go too cheap here, the forks will snap after a couple uses: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002628667619.html
• Dial protector vinyl sheets - these are really important and come in handy for more than just dial protection, so get a few: https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-protective-vinyl-sheets-7982-pack-of-3/
• Hand pressing tools: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B07VPCSC84
  • Note: I tried the fancier one with the spring / stand and changeable tips, but I just didn't have a great experience using them given how finicky installing hands can be. So I ended up switching to the individual handheld pressers, and found these way easier to use
• 5x or 10x loupe: https://www.esslinger.com/four-eye-loupe-magnifiers-set-with-headspring/
• If you wear glasses like me, splurge on this glasses loupe clip - it's a game changer: https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-7913-loupe-holder-clip-for-eyeglasses/
• Silicon grease for regreasing caseback gaskets before you close up the watch: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32966320671.html

• Optional case holder to hell you with grip when you’re removing the caseback: https://www.amazon.ca/FINENIC-Battery-Replacement-Adjustable-Remover/dp/B07WFY1R1T/

This is also assuming that you've already got an entry level kit that has a case knife, bezel knife, a bracelet block and pinpusher for sizing bracelets. Some other miscellaneous items that I have are some divided flat plastic containers to hold and organize parts throughout the project, and lots of mini sticky note labels, so I can keep track of where everything is.

Anyway, I think that's all - hopefully, this is of some help / use to someone who's thinking about getting into modding and complements the rich set of existing resources that already exist here on RWI! Happy modding!