My needs are simple but I seem to be finding dozens of options and cannot figure out what specificly I should purchase. I would like to be able to remove case backs and change out bracelets/straps on my watches. Can you guys give me some direction on what to spend my money on. I think I need a case holder, case back tool and pin removal set. Is that it? Any thoughts on brands or specific models I should be looking for? Thanks.
I have a Bergeon spring bar tool for switching straps. Works wonderfully. Thats about the extent of my ability though!
First port of call for opening the case back would be the rubber ball. If that fails, I would avoid a Jaxa tool for opening the case backs. I use a Horotec Minipress and if your eyesight is not so good, a loupe to make sure it is seated correctly before applying pressure. There is nothing more sickening than the feeling you get when you know you have added damage to a vintage watch. The watch Gods also keep score and punish you for such misdemeanours.
Thanks for the info. Looks like a pin tool, rubber ball and a press should do the trick. Stewart H, why the negative on the Jaxa tool? Also, it looks like a good knife would be usefull for opening press-on case backs?
What Mothra said. Look at the back of your vintage watches and see how many have deep,ugly gouges emanating from the case back's indentations and you'll see why the negative. Re. the case knife. I have a couple of different ones but I find that, more often than not, they are too thick. Mostly I use an old, blunted Stanley knife blade or the Horotec Case Crab.
Pretty much anywhere that sells watch tools. I have a couple of them I bought from Cousins. https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/eyeglass-holders