Watchmaker tool list for beginners

[Oascom]

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.

 

[balance27]

Thanks oascom This is a very helpful thread.

 

[Hazing]

Good stuff, brother. Good stuff. Exactly what I was looking for

 

[Hazing]

Thank you. I was going to tag you in my original post but there are so many people with good advice I didn't want anyone to feel left out of who I didn't tag and I knew you'd see the post!!!! Thanks again, Brother.

 

[p0pperini]

Nice one oascom, a very handy reference and it's really thoughtful of you to have put the time into doing this.

 

[srhoque]

Nice list oascom . Have been thinking about trying to do some stuff like hand/dial removal. This is very helpful. Thanks for helping us members!!

 

[Oascom]

 

[Oascom]

Thank you. I was going to tag you in my original post but there are so many people with good advice I didn't want anyone to feel left out of who I didn't tag and I knew you'd see the post!!!! Thanks again, Brother.

That's ok mate, a lot of people have great advice there

Cheers

 

[r0b9502]

Great list, brother. I have a few broken tools (cheapies) and will move up a notch (medium) and will purchase replacements from esslinger,. That forceps type of springbar removal tool did pique my interest, but I aint spending $150 on it. I will stick to the $19 version, and if my watches have to bear a few scratches for that decision, so be it.

Just due to this list, esslinger has some $60 going their way from me!

 

[Oascom]

Great list, brother. I have a few broken tools (cheapies) and will move up a notch (medium) and will purchase replacements from esslinger,. That forceps type of springbar removal tool did pique my interest, but I aint spending $150 on it. I will stick to the $19 version, and if my watches have to bear a few scratches for that decision, so be it.

Just due to this list, esslinger has some $60 going their way from me!

Enjoy! I should have some commission from them lol.


Anyway I used them as they carry a lot medium level stuff, this is like "Walmart" for watchmakers.


Other sites like julesborel have more specialized tools.




Btw that 150$ tool is gold best money spent but of course not for regular "guy"



Cheers

 

[BreatheNBeat92]

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.

Wow man just wow.
May God bless you for this work and effort for us. Alot of the the things i have in the higher quality except for the expensive stuff haha. I’ll go with medium one in that now Thanks again

 

[GBB_19NHS]

this is exactly what i was looking for the other day. excellent!

 

[mascob1]

Thank you very much!
Very helpful !

 

[Oascom]

You welcome guys

 

[Oascom]

opcorn:

 

[thom.son]

Thank you oascom

 

[BreatheNBeat92]

oascom would you mind sharing where we can get good or medium quality crystals for Sub and GMT and O rings for caseback and crown/tube?

 

[lumentin]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

Edit: Oh, most of them only ship to the US... I will take inspiration and try to find them in EU or China to me.

 

[Oascom]

oascom would you mind sharing where we can get good or medium quality crystals for Sub and GMT and O rings for caseback and crown/tube?

eBay, various pages that sell rep parts etc. I mostly use Clark's or proof as a replacement.

 

[Rubberman]

Wow man just wow.
May God bless you for this work and effort for us. Alot of the the things i have in the higher quality except for the expensive stuff haha. I’ll go with medium one in that now Thanks again

Would you mind to edit your quote to exclude the whole original post?
you certainly don't need to quote whole post to show your gratitude to Oascom, it don't help other forumer to browse here too.
Appreciate your action, thank you.