What tools can't a beginner live without?

[Aric]

Hi Everyone,

I have it on good authority that, provided I am able to stay on the nice list, Santa will be bringing me the following:

Bergeon 9 screwdriver set in a round carousel type holder

Double eyeglass loupe 4x-10x

Bergeon 4040 Plastic Movement holder

Dumont non-magnetic #2 tweezer

Plastic dust cover and tray

One lonely bar of rodico

He is only bringing those items because his elves had to spend a lot of time and money making toys for the kids this year.

Is there anything that I should look into getting in the very near future to supplement this? Do I need hand removers or can I use screwdrivers? Are there any tricks to pressing on the back cover of a watch without needing a press? What about taking apart a metal watch band, will I need the special tools, or can I get by with something else?

Thanks!

[sperki77]

I would probably try to get another pair of tweezers, maybe brass, and some peg wood.  A case knife is another pretty necessary item.  If the watch band is expandable, like a twist-o-flex, the case knife will work.  If it is one with removable links, the screwdrivers will work.  If you could get a little cheap set of precision screwdrivers to use for band repair it would be helpful so you can keep your good ones in top shape.  You'll probably really need a case opener for screw type backs, too.  That's my humble opinion, but I'm no expert, of course.  Welcome to watchmaking!

Sperki77

[Watchtime]

A squeegee ball($1) for opening can help but a good caseopener will in time prove its value($ 5-10). Ofco**BLEEP** a good knife for pressed casebacks. I used to have a very simple glass press to close also the casebacks. When doing quartz, a batterytester is useful and not expensive. a watchcusion($1), for dustcovering you can use jars. A good set of tweezers , maybe add a brass one. Handremovers will prevent you from damaging the dail. On your wishlist I think there also should be pegwood and maybe a $30 ultrasonic when you want to clean stuff. Have fun.

 

 

[rodabod]

I'd get a ring to clip your loupe onto your head. Some prefer without. 

[IllinoisWatch]

i have extras of almost every tool you would ever need. have bought out a few watchmakers. i repair watches for  a living.        if you want to get serious you will need a staking set, poising tool, hand removers, timing machine, automatic oiler, mainspring winders ... i could go on all day. ...  really depends on what you want to do. what is your goal??

how do you plan on becoming educated? classes? school? 

[Aric]

4 hours ago, IllinoisWatch said:

i have extras of almost every tool you would ever need. have bought out a few watchmakers. i repair watches for  a living.        if you want to get serious you will need a staking set, poising tool, hand removers, timing machine, automatic oiler, mainspring winders ... i could go on all day. ...  really depends on what you want to do. what is your goal??

how do you plan on becoming educated? classes? school? 

My immediate goal is to replace the UT 29C movement in my dad's old watch (that I broke when I was about 5). I have the new (used) movement in a little plastic case right now ticking away nicely. I also want to take the calendar wheel out of a broken Ronda 705 and replace my new one that doesn't line up right with the window on my Swiss Army Delta from the early 90s. After that, I'd like to take apart the old UT 29C at some point and clean it and oil it and replace the main spring. I don't know how to find out what size I need though because I lost it. I suppose I could take it out of the other one, but I wonder if there is a document around that might say the mainspring size for that movement. That old movement will probably be something to practice on for a while when I have some time, just take it apart and put it back together again over and over.

My future dream goal would be to start picking up some nice vintage watches, wrist and pocket, maybe some really old stuff, and get it going and maintain it myself. Maybe get something broken on ebay, fix it, and sell it so that I can do another one, etc. For education, I thought about signing up here for the videos, and maybe a couple of those classes over at that online time zone watch school too. I found a copy of that old army manual online. Its a little complicated though, so maybe its something to read AFTER some classes.

I noticed that there are a LOT of toys that one can buy with this hobby. There might even be more than you can get as a golfer. I would love to have one of everything, but it is going to be accumulated very slowly I think since this is just a hobby. Who knows though, if I am ever able to become proficient, there might be room for some side jobs in my area. I don't think there are any watchmakers in the area anymore. The last one I heard about was in his 80s back in like 1990. Something tells me he is retired by now. =) 

Thanks for all of the good info everyone!

[noirrac1j]

Hi Everyone,

I have it on good authority that, provided I am able to stay on the nice list, Santa will be bringing me the following:

Bergeon 9 screwdriver set in a round carousel type holder

Double eyeglass loupe 4x-10x

Bergeon 4040 Plastic Movement holder

Dumont non-magnetic #2 tweezer

Plastic dust cover and tray

One lonely bar of rodico

He is only bringing those items because his elves had to spend a lot of time and money making toys for the kids this year.

Is there anything that I should look into getting in the very near future to supplement this? Do I need hand removers or can I use screwdrivers? Are there any tricks to pressing on the back cover of a watch without needing a press? What about taking apart a metal watch band, will I need the special tools, or can I get by with something else?

Thanks!

Add a caseback opener to that list and you have the minimum equipment needed to begin


Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

[RyMoeller]

On 12/4/2016 at 0:07 AM, Watchtime said:

Ooh I hate this little guy.  It's the most loathed tool in my kit and when it comes out it's usually accompanied by a strong drink.  The super ball or a wad of duct tap is a good alternative although when they can't get the job done...

For snap back cases I use the blade from a drywall cutter and a dull Swiss army knife.

Regarding other necessary tools, the only thing I'll add is a sharpening stone will be certainly be needed although you may get through the first few jobs without it.  Losing the tip of a screwdriver will bring you to a full stop and the Bergeon replacements are not cheap.