Tools for Beginners in Watch Repair

[catherine]

Hello,

I am new to watch repair and looking to build my first toolkit. I would appreciate recommendations on essential tools that every beginner should have. Specifically; I’m interested in tools for basic maintenance; such as opening cases; changing batteries, and adjusting bands.

Additionally; I would like to know if there are specific brands or models that are more reliable for beginners. I have checked https://watchrepairtutorials.com/7-watch-repair-tools-for-beginners/msbi guide for reference but still need help. 

If anyone has suggestions for reliable suppliers / starter kits that provide good value; that would be extremely helpful.

Any tips on common pitfalls to avoid while starting out would also be great.

 

 

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[AndyGSi]

Welcome to the forum.

Where in the world are you so we can advise the appropriate supplier.

[RickTock]

Looks like Catherine might not be frequenting the forum any more, but I'll post this for future reference.

My first watch tool kit was a cheap (price and quality) assortment from Amazon.

It has everything Catherine was looking for, but most of it has been replaced by better quality tools, so I really don't recommend this route. Out of everything seen in the photo, I still occasionally use the following:

• hammer
• screwdriver (used only on the rare occasion I need a  small Phillips bit)
• case holder
• bracelet link removal tool (which I modified, I should really invest in a good one)
• pry opener for snap case backs

Everything else has been replaced with good quality tools, many of which cost more than the whole kit from Amazon. Tools in the kit that were of exceptionally poor quality included:

• spring bar tool (replaced w/ Bergeon)
• slotted screwdriver bits (replaced w/ Bergeon screwdriver set)
• screw-down case back opener (replaced w/ LG watchcase wrench)
• tweezers (replaced w/ Dumont)

Later on I took a course from TimeZone Watch School and bought their expanded Level 1 tool kit (basic set of tools for movement assembly/disassembly plus tools useful for casing the movement). Have a look here to get an idea of what's included/recommended:  

https://www.tztoolshop.com/page131.html. 

Since I wear glasses all the time, I should have purchased the set with the double eyeglass loupe, but  I got standard loupes instead (don't know what I was thinking). Even though I have a microscope now, I still use the loupes on my glasses for some tasks.

Other tools followed as I took more courses and embarked on a variety of watch repair projects. Many have been expensive Swiss tools (often from Cousins) and some have been economical tools from China (eBay or AliExpress). The Swiss tools are always high quality. Most of the tools from China have been OK, but that is largely due to the work done by others on this forum to weed out the junk -- see this thread: Quality Chinese Tools

Another resource for broad advice on tools would be Alex Hamilton. Here's a link: https://watchrepairtutorials.com/store/.

Cheers!

--Rick