I'm thinking I'd like to start taking some watches apart and see what I can learn through observation, dis-assembly, and re-assembly. My FIL has some old watches that he inherited (they were just piled-up in an old box - no sentimental value), and I'm browsing eBay listings. I'd like to just get comfortable taking a mechanical watch apart and putting it back together. Then maybe I will get the courage to try some cleaning and maybe even repairs (but definitely not on my Speedy Pro).
I'm seeing 'watch repair kits" on eBay for anywhere between $10 to $1000. Any recommendations on what I should be looking for to be included in a kit just to get started fiddling-around on cheap watches? I'm obviously thinking $10 to $20 wouldn't be difficult to part with, but if for only a few more dollars I could get something that would be really useful it would be cool to get some input from those who have experience.

 

The only advice I can give is that you get what you pay for quality wise. I have some cheap ‘watchmaker toolkit’ tools and they are horrible. I have Bergeon screwdrivers and they are vastly better than the cheap ones.

 

I watched a few videos by watchmakers who are forum members. It looks way too complex for me.

You are brave!

I think I have a better chance at finding the cure for cancer than taking a watch apart and putting it back together!

As for tools, you are better off getting them at a proper watch parts and tool supplier. There are books on watch repair that will tell you what you need.

Best of luck!

 

There are some threads on the general topic:
(There are also some threads recommending introductory books and videos for watch repair.)

https://omegaforums.net/threads/screwdriver-set-recommendations-for-watches.132610/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-making-repairing-tools.22088/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-repair-tools.10704/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommendation-for-a-basic-watch-toolkit.102773/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/tool-kit.70488/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/good-watchmakers-tool-kit.70085/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-case-opener.57612/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-making-repairing-tools.22088/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vin...ing-removing-tools-3-sold-individually.11788/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-back-opener-recommendations.50584/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-tools.72118/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/quality-watch-tools.69466/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/where-to-buy-watch-tools.11385/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/what-are-your-tools.55331/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/strap-changing-tools.85495/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/suggestions-for-snap-back-case-back-opener.74681/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/bergeon-spring-bar-tool.88478/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/where-to-buy-watch-tools.11385/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-better-bezel-removal-tool.46586/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/need-recommendation-for-the-best-watch-case-opener.1778/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/which-proper-spring-bar-tool.60517/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/best-tool-for-link-removal.51511/

 

Hey mister, wait, you dropped your mic!

 

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. This is apparently a question that has been asked here many times.
What I was looking for wasn't so much advice or resources on where to find necessarily high quality professional watchmakers tooling - I'm just not looking for that or willing to invest in that at this point. It's more like when you bought your first car, you made sure you had a working jack, jumper cables, vice-grips, a couple of screwdrivers, a flashlight, a few rags, an ice-scraper/brush and a couple of 1 foot X 2 foot pieces of carpet remnant (if you lived in an area that got snow). I just want to know what tools I will find that I will need just to get started.
- soft-jaws vise to secure watch body
- case-back removal adjustable wrench
- case-back pry knife
- tweezers
- screwdriver(s)
- bracelet/band spring pins removal tool
- ...what else?
Any specific characteristics of the necessary tools I should be on the lookout to avoid?
I have a couple of decent microscopes, but does anyone recommend using and eye-loupe or one of those headband binocular magnifiers?
I have watched a few videos on taking watches apart and cleaning & repairing, so once I get some tools for myself and start fiddling-around a little, then I will go back to the videos for more info, or maybe some books. After pulling apart a few watches I may find that I'm not as interested in the process, and at that point I don't want to feel as though I've blown a bunch of cash on things I will never use again.

 

Yes, I'd recommend a couple of loupes and I do personally like the headband magnifiers. Soft jaw (carbon fiber or nylon) digital calipers are handy. A crystal/bezel press. Springbars. A case-holder with adjustable nylon pins that fits into a bench vise. Maybe a movement holder. If you're going to start removing hands you'll need tools for that, and maybe the protective foil.

 

Before you go messing with watch movements, may I suggest you start with cheap pocket watches. The parts are a little larger to work with as you develope the necessary skills. Also a quick class at some place like the NAWCC while not a in depth class, it will give you a basic idea of what is involved.

 

I will look into that - thanks for the tip!