Evening all,

I'd like to get myself a decent Loupe and Springbar/strap pin removal tool.

I've been looking at the Bergeon kit, which seems pretty decent and pretty good value.

The 6767F/S comes up a lot in various forum threads... so pretty tempted by those.

One the Loupe... I'm not even sure what I should be looking at?!

Keen to have recommendations from those here who know better than I.

So....who's got what?!

 

The Bergeon is a must and I've heard great things about Loupe System

 

They look amazing, but with a $500 starting price, they're a little out of my league! ;-)

Was thinking something sub £50/$75.

 

I got this one, a basic tool that works well for me, within your budget.

http://www.ofrei.com/page354.html#7207

 

The degree of magnification depends upon its intended use. The higher the magnification, the smaller the focal distance. For instance, a 5x eyepiece focuses at 2" (50mm) whereas a 10x eyepiece focuses at 1" (25mm)

If it is just for looking at your watches in detai, I would suggest that 5x is the furthest you would want to g. If it is just to avoid scratches when changing straps, them 3.5x should be more than good enough.

An aplanatic eyepiece will avoid distortion at the edges which is especially useful with the higher magnification.

These are the ones I use:
https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/bergeon-aplanatic

 

Thanks Stewart, I was looking at those, but had no idea which magnification I should be leaning towards... was reading an article on optics to try and work it out... thanks for saving my brain!

 

This forum is also a great place to get advice FROM basic tools!

 

Isn't that the advice that I give out?

 

wow.. that's an impressive loupe! I just use a basic Bausch & Lomb 5x. I've never had to use a 10x. For me the most important thing is good ambient lighting, a nice warm light not too bright and not too white. I also use the Bergeon kit for the spring bars, a little bit of a trick getting used to them without hitting the lugs.

 

If all you are doing is changing straps/bracelets, 4X is plenty. For limited use for very short durations, quality can be lower since you won't be looking through it long enough for any eye strain to occur.

Cheers, Al

 

Purists hate them, but if like me you only want to do basic checks and admire movements, these work well.

 

Try a entomologist supply place, similar loupes half the price