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Most amateur watchmakers use existing tables or work tops for doing their repairs. The big problem is the height is usually far to low to be comfortable when working for long periods. The cost of a proper watchmakers workbench is in most cases prohibitive, bearing in mind I am talking about hobbiests and not professionals. My solution to the problem was to make a small table to sit on top of my computer desk that gives extra working height. It also slips underneath the computer monitor and allows normal desk height when I require to use my wee lathe. The Bergeon sheet has been trimmed down to A4. I decided on A4 as it allows me to use a clean sheet of A4 paper every time I assemble a movement. All edges are raised to prevent components rolling off, the front edge being slightly lower than the others. The overall height is 150mm, but this could be made to suit the individual. Ideally I would have made it slightly taller, but it would not slide underneath my computer monitor. Here's a couple of photos.

Hi, Just to throw my two cents in here I think of a vintage watch much like a vintage car. They might be original with the paint all faded and having a rust hole or two in the fenders but look how much better they look after a good restoration. Of course the restoration will also prevent further damage. A friend once had a MG A I think it was. In the passenger seat you could look through the floor and see the asphalt going by. To get out you had to share the one door handle. It was much safer after restoration and looked a lot better as well. It's ok to restore paintings to the point of replacing holes in canvas. On watches we replace the crystal, polish the cases and change the bands without batting an eye. For me I want the dial looking nice as well. This is just my opinion and I wouldn't try to influence anyone to change their mind. Now the way I did the dial on my Omega is I bought another movement with a very bad dial that was like mine. Send that dial off to be refinished and kept the original dial on the watch until I got the refinished one back. Charles

I use one of these... never fails... trouble, it usually picks up the fridge as well...

Nice solution Geo, excellent workmanship!

Bit off the posting now but these are my iBuns - Cheese and olives inside toasted cheese and onion on the top. Smell better than the watch, perfectly visible at every angle, don't need recharging, satisfying and you can put butter on them without causing any damage. Also when you look at them you can tell the time - time to eat one. :D

Thanks for sharing this, I think I have found s solution to my needs now, so thanks again! As you know I was ready to raise my entire workbenches xiix inches, this will certainly help, and is less hassle too. :)

Hi Micky, here's my solution, it may help you. It's still useful to have some of your bench at normal height. http://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/841-workbench-height-solution/

Surely the arbour is steel.............

Oh, yeah, I forgot, and Welcome To The Club! You know, finding parts! Part of the hobby! I bet it doesn't keep us on our...toes?! By the way, both watches are very nice. Congratulations on a great start! We have a section listing suppliers from all over, so feel free to check them all out or contribute with new ones. A mat is very helpful but sometimes it is not enough, good tweezers -- and well maintained -- are your first line of defense against running away parts.

I found this while trawling the net and was well impressed. http://www.independentintime.com/watchmakerworkshop-visits/2009/5/27/ireland-land-of-guinness-and-true-genius-watchmaking-talent.html