Help for finding proper tools

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

Hello all, I am trying to get into watch servicing, I have done enough on paper learning that I am confident enough to dive into complete servicing’s for my watches but I have hit a roadblock. I am trying to stay in a $400 budget for the required tools and oils. I have found the Moebius Oils I need for my watches but I am having a hard time finding the right tools and proper sources to buy them from. I have found a good quality set of screwdrivers (not Bergoen sadly), bergoen movement holders, dial protectors and oilers etc. I am having trouble finding a decent crystal press, bezel separator (for non divers) and hand remover/press. Does anyone have any suggestions on any of these tools for 50 ish dollars? And if so, does anyone have any suggestions on a good place to buy tools, parts, etc. I have heard of Esslinger but I don’t know if they are legit. Thanks!

JimInOz · Jul 25, 2021

It helps if we know what country you're in before we offer suggestions.

JimInOz · Jul 25, 2021

BTW, Esslinger and Company based in St Paul Minnesota is a highly reputable supplier.

STANDY · Jul 25, 2021

No being a smart arse but are you trying to stay in a budget of what watches you will service.
A $400 budget is a tinkerer not a watchmaker.

All kudos to you but buy good buy once. I watch so many people in many hobbies buy cheap then ending up buying better. ( case in point people new to fishing buy a $150 reel and within 6 months buy a $500 reel = $650 when they could have spent $500 )

Good luck

JimInOz · Jul 25, 2021

Good advice.

My first screwdriver set cost me AUD$35. My latest (and last I hope) was very close to AUD$600.

Spend money on individual items instead of sets.

Two or three good screwdrivers with spare tips for different style screws will do the job and last longer than a full set of cheap ones.

Good tweezers are essential. A fine pair for delicate work and a more robust pair for larger parts. Bronze alloy would be best if you can afford it now.

Canuck · Jul 25, 2021

Join NAWCC and attend a mart, if you are in the U S. All kinds of tools from watchmaker’s estates can be had for good prices. But you’ll need a lathe with a good range of chucks, staking tool, poising tool, truing calibers, timing machine, case back wrenches, countless numbers of small hand tools, etc. Good luck in trying to outfit a complete kit for $400, even at mart prices.

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

JimInOz
Good advice.

My first screwdriver set cost me AUD$35. My latest (and last I hope) was very close to AUD$600.

Spend money on individual items instead of sets.

Two or three good screwdrivers with spare tips for different style screws will do the job and last longer than a full set of cheap ones.

Good tweezers are essential. A fine pair for delicate work and a more robust pair for larger parts. Bronze alloy would be best if you can afford it now.

Thanks! I didn’t think about buying 2 or 3 with different tips.

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

STANDY
No being a smart arse but are you trying to stay in a budget of what watches you will service.
A $400 budget is a tinkerer not a watchmaker.

All kudos to you but buy good buy once. I watch so many people in many hobbies buy cheap then ending up buying better. ( case in point people new to fishing buy a $150 reel and within 6 months buy a $500 reel = $650 when they could have spent $500 )

Good luck

Unfortunately I know all too the hard way well buy good buy once. Thanks for the advise!

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

Canuck
Join NAWCC and attend a mart, if you are in the U S. All kinds of tools from watchmaker’s estates can be had for good prices. But you’ll need a lathe with a good range of chucks, staking tool, poising tool, truing calibers, timing machine, case back wrenches, countless numbers of small hand tools, etc. Good luck in trying to outfit a complete kit for $400, even at mart prices.

I’ve never heard of them, I’ll check them out

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

JimInOz
It helps if we know what country you're in before we offer suggestions.

USA

Canuck · Jul 25, 2021

cal3.2.1
I’ve never heard of them, I’ll check them out

National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors. They have chapters (approx 180) in most states of the union. Individual chapters frequently have marts, and there are regional marts, and a national convention every year. This website will give you information about chapters, where they are, and contact information.

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

Canuck
National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors. They have chapters (approx 180) in most states of the union. Individual chapters frequently have marts, and there are regional marts, and a national convention every year. This website will give you information about chapters, where they are, and contact information.

Thanks!

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

JimInOz
Good advice.

My first screwdriver set cost me AUD$35. My latest (and last I hope) was very close to AUD$600.

Spend money on individual items instead of sets.

Two or three good screwdrivers with spare tips for different style screws will do the job and last longer than a full set of cheap ones.

Good tweezers are essential. A fine pair for delicate work and a more robust pair for larger parts. Bronze alloy would be best if you can afford it now.

Wo

JimInOz
Good advice.

My first screwdriver set cost me AUD$35. My latest (and last I hope) was very close to AUD$600.

Spend money on individual items instead of sets.

Two or three good screwdrivers with spare tips for different style screws will do the job and last longer than a full set of cheap ones.

Good tweezers are essential. A fine pair for delicate work and a more robust pair for larger parts. Bronze alloy would be best if you can afford it now.

If I buy a few individual Bergeon drivers, and separate sized blades. Do you know if I could put smaller/larger blades on the one screwdriver?

Canuck · Jul 25, 2021

cal3.2.1
Wo

If I buy a few individual Bergeon drivers, and separate sized blades. Do you know if I could put smaller/larger blades on the one screwdriver?

Definitely NOT!

The tools you use in this craft are an extension of your abilities and your hands! To chintz on the tools restricts your abilities and your hands. I suggest stop putzing around and get serious! Do it, or don’t!

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

Canuck
Definitely NOT!

The tools you use in this craft are an extension of your abilities and your hands! To chintz on the tools restricts your abilities and your hands. I suggest stop putzing around and get serious! Do it, or don’t!

If the blade sizes themselves are interchangeable which I don’t think they are, then why waste the money on 10 drivers when a few with separate blades will work.

Canuck
Definitely NOT!

The tools you use in this craft are an extension of your abilities and your hands! To chintz on the tools restricts your abilities and your hands. I suggest stop putzing around and get serious! Do it, or don’t!

hey I’m just asking questions here trying to figure out what’s best. No need to get upset over a simple question.

JimInOz · Jul 25, 2021

cal3.2.1
Wo

If I buy a few individual Bergeon drivers, and separate sized blades. Do you know if I could put smaller/larger blades on the one screwdriver?

Bergeon aren't the be all and end all, there are other brands just as good and even better. Have a look at AF and Horotec as well.

You don't change blade sizes between different handles.

You may not need too many different sizes to start with, but you should have extra blades that are sharpened/shaped to suit the type of screws.
For example, working on Seikos which have wide screw slots you shape the blade to suit the screw slot. For Swiss and other screws, the blade is "sharper".
Keep your specific blades in individual containers labelled by size and watch type.
So for a 180 screwdriver, you may have three or more 180 blades and you fit whatever blade is needed for the task.
Many watchmakers actually have different sets of screwdrivers, each set sharpened to suit a range of movements.

cal3.2.1 · Jul 25, 2021

JimInOz
Bergeon aren't the be all and end all, there are other brands just as good and even better. Have a look at AF and Horotec as well.

You don't change blade sizes between different handles.

You may not need too many different sizes to start with, but you should have extra blades that are sharpened/shaped to suit the type of screws.
For example, working on Seikos which have wide screw slots you shape the blade to suit the screw slot. For Swiss and other screws, the blade is "sharper".
Keep your specific blades in individual containers labelled by size and watch type.
So for a 180 screwdriver, you may have three or more 180 blades and you fit whatever blade is needed for the task.
Many watchmakers actually have different sets of screwdrivers, each set sharpened to suit a range of movements.

I have found some better priced AF Switzerland and Horotec tools on Esslinger that I hope to order. As far as the replacements, I have found 4 drivers sizes .80mm, 1.00mm, 1.20mm and 1.40mm. I will definitely get other tips as you have mentioned, but I’m wondering if I should get a .60mm in place of a 1.40nm or if either will do. Thanks for the help!

Help for finding proper tools

cal3.2.1

JimInOz

JimInOz

STANDY

JimInOz

Canuck

cal3.2.1

cal3.2.1

cal3.2.1

cal3.2.1

Canuck

cal3.2.1

cal3.2.1

Canuck

cal3.2.1

JimInOz

cal3.2.1

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