Need caliper recommendations…

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M'Bob

·Jun 22, 2023

I’m looking for a decent pair of calipers for horological measurement that are accurate and reliable, but not at the level a professional watchmaker would use. And suggestions appreciated.

 

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JimInOz

·Jun 22, 2023·Melbourne Australia

For measuring lug dimensions, case diameter/thickness? Measuring spring bars etc?

I'd suggest a non-scratching set of basic calibers in composite material, not stainless steel.

You should be able to find an equivalent to this in the US.

https://www.automegastore.com.au/pe...-digital-caliper-with-carbon-fibre-composites

 

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Dan S

·Jun 22, 2023

JimInOz

For measuring lug dimensions, case diameter/thickness? Measuring spring bars etc?

I'd suggest a non-scratching set of basic calibers in composite material, not stainless steel.

You should be able to find an equivalent to this in the US.

https://www.automegastore.com.au/pe...-digital-caliper-with-carbon-fibre-composites

I also like the "carbon fiber" jaws, they are a good compromise for me between precision and avoiding damage. I have one with hardened steel jaws also, but I don't like to bring it anywhere near a watch case.

 

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NT931

·Jun 22, 2023

M'Bob

I’m looking for a decent pair of calipers for horological measurement that are accurate and reliable, but not at the level a professional watchmaker would use. And suggestions appreciated.

I use a pair of inexpensive digital calipers with plastic 'jaws' that don't scratch cases, bought from Aliexpress inexpensively, accurate to 0.1mm, kinda like the one above.

It's good enough for me for measuring case width, lug width, even springbar thickness as it can measure the difference between 1.5 and 1.8 and 2.0mm springbars.

 

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RevZMan123

·Jun 22, 2023

i got the same thing from amazon, the carbon fiber non-marring. Good cheap stuff.

 

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rendo

·Jun 22, 2023·faux legend

Carbon-fiber makes sense. I bought a cheap plastic one on Amazon (WEN brand) to avoid scratching watch cases, but the accuracy is just good enough to measure the lug width. I keep going back to my cheap steel caliper for more accurate measurements. Also, the plastic jaws chip off easily, which shouldn't be a problem with carbon fiber.

 

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Canuck

·Jun 22, 2023

For my purposes, digital calipers are not accurate enough for the finest work that I do. Digital calipers (at least the ones l’m familiar with) aren’t accurate enough for (for example) fabricating a balance staff. Fine for measuring watch crystals, lug widths, clock repairs, etc., but give me an old fashioned metric caliper for work on watches.

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 23, 2023

For any work that needs to be precise I've always used Starrett calipers, gauges, and mics. Shoot, I even think the ruler I have on my work bench is a Starrett.

 

R

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RonP

·Jun 23, 2023

For small measurements like the thickness of a spring or a pivot the JKA taster is the very best.
Else all the recommendations for a caliper above make sense.

 

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Archer

·Jun 23, 2023·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

R RonP

JKA taster

Think you mean a JKA Feintaster...

For fine measurements, a good set of micrometers is fine - I've never felt the need to spend the money on a Feintaster.

For calipers, it really depends on what is being measured, and what accuracy is needed. Starret isn't what it used to be, like many tools, but should be fine for hobbyist activities. I still use a set of Mitotoyo micrometers and calipers that my father bought me in the late 70's...

 

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gearjockey

·Jun 23, 2023

Get these all day long on EBAY $40-65 some new, some rebuilt or lightly used.
Probably some of the finest vernier caliper you can find-for the money.
Don’t even think of trying to measure the case of your watch without covering jaws with thin tape. It will instantly pick up vertical scratches.

 

R

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RonP

·Jun 23, 2023

Hi Al,

Watchmakers are often opiniated on what they think is the best tool fitting their needs, education and what worked for you in the past.
So I fully respect your preference for a micrometer and for me the JKA feintaster works best.

 

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Archer

·Jun 23, 2023·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

R RonP

Hi Al,

Watchmakers are often opiniated on what they think is the best tool fitting their needs, education and what worked for you in the past.
So I fully respect your preference for a micrometer and for me the JKA feintaster works best.

Having used the Feintaster in school, I just don't think I need one for measuring pivots, etc. as I've been using mics for decades. They require having a feel for it, so if an alternative works better for you then by all means use what you prefer...

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 23, 2023

Archer

Starret isn't what it used to be, like many tools, but should be fine for hobbyist activities. I still use a set of Mitotoyo micrometers and calipers that my father bought me in the late 70's...

That's a shame, but it does seem to be the norm.

My newest Starrett mics are also late 70s. Most of them are older, having been either my father's or my grandfather's originally.