Great start up tools

[Financesammy]

Hey guys, these are the exact tools I started with last year and use them often. Very cheap and will get the job done. For under 100 dollars you can start frankening yourself!

Great tools to start off Modding:

Crystal Press

Bekith Watch Press Set / Watch Case Closer with 12 Dies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E3QM1M6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Dust Remover

Watch Crystal Remover Dust Blower Pump Pocket Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIUT9I?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Case back opener

Friction Ball Watch Case Opener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058EDAUA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Tweezers

Kingsdun 8pcs Pointed Precision Tweezers Set Professional Anti-Static Long Tweezer Kit for Electronic Repairing,Soldering & Crafting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K9VQRQU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Hand remover

Watch Hand Presto Presser Lifter Puller Plunger Remover set Fitting Repair Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BU0MWAA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Silicon mat

SAUNICE silicone mat soldering /Heat Insulation Silicone Pad Electrical BGA Soldering Repair Station Maintenance Platform with Screw Location Mat (Blu https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZDHJWB?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Screw drivers

SE 75314SD 7-Piece Reversible Jeweler's Screwdriver Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064PUJUG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Rodico (smudge and dust remover)
Bergeon Professional Cleaning Rodico https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008YMGYBU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Silicone Grease (waterproof)

Silicone Grease https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RMFTLE?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf



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[Financesammy]

Feel free to add to the list!


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[GMTG0D]

Awesome thread! Stickied!

 

[Dimy]

Thank you very much Financesammy, this is exactly the guide I was looking for. I even opened a tread some time ago. I started year ago with a cheap set from ebay. It kind of worked for me at the beginning as I was learning with cheap watches and movements. But I really regret having these tools last week when I tried to remove the oscillating weight on fortis with 7750. Scratched the screw badly, and that on the top of watch having a observation case back.
going on amazon now.
thanks again

 

[Financesammy]

Awesome thread! Stickied!

Awesome! Thanks brother. I figured it would help many. It def did for me!

 

[Financesammy]

Thank you very much Financesammy, this is exactly the guide I was looking for. I even opened a tread some time ago. I started year ago with a cheap set from ebay. It kind of worked for me at the beginning as I was learning with cheap watches and movements. But I really regret having these tools last week when I tried to remove the oscillating weight on fortis with 7750. Scratched the screw badly, and that on the top of watch having a observation case back.
going on amazon now.
thanks again

Your welcome bro! The only thing I would recommend when you really start modding is a Swiss set of screw drivers. They can be expensive but worth it. The other ones will work but make sure to check if they are dull. You can actually flip the heads around. 2 per each screwdriver.

 

[JackJ1980]

I’ll try to keep my links to readily available to the general public. This is essentially all the parts I have. Only two I recommend staying with the brand chosen are horotec screwdrivers and dumont tweezers. Rest are examples of more generic or mid-low range options.
Dial protector for doing hands
http://www.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Product_Code=BG7982-60-020&Category_Code=Tools-1Hand_Tools-Dial
Epoxy (don’t use super glue!)
http://www.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=Tools-Supplies-Adhesives-Glue-Epoxy&Product_Code=
Protection tape for polishing
http://www.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=Tools-3Supplies-Tape&Product_Code=
Starting polishing compound
http://www.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=Tools-Finishing_Products-Compounds-Rouge&Product_Code=M-LUX-GRN
Finishing polishing compound
http://www.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=Tools-Finishing_Products-Compounds-Rouge&Product_Code=M-POLINOX
Calipers
http://www.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Product_Code=EDC-902D&Category_Code=Tools-Caliper_Gauge-Calipers
Pithwood for everything in a pinch
https://www.esslinger.com/watchmakers-pithwood-buttons-10-pcs-assorted-sizes/
Hand press
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-watch-tool-hand-press-single/
Rolex case opener (don’t go cheap)
https://www.esslinger.com/made-to-fit-rolex-watch-opener-l-g-openall-case-wrench-with-base-and-holder/
Cape cod:
https://www.esslinger.com/cape-cod-4-x-6-moist-polishing-cloth-pack-of-2/
For satin finishing of watches on a lathe (brushed per gen lol)
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-satin-finishing-polishing-wheel-4-various-grits-matte-brushed-finish/
Lathe
https://www.esslinger.com/benchtop-jewelry-polisher-1-6hp-variable-speed-polishing-motor/
Scotch brite dremels
https://www.esslinger.com/buffs-miniature-satin-finish-diameter-3-4-pk-3/
Polishing dremel attachments (PCL)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0097PM17Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517393816&sr=8-1-fkmr2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dremel+cotton+polishing+wheel
Dremel (for beginners)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002BACCDA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517392477&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dremel&dpPl=1&dpID=31J1yFAxAlL&ref=plSrch
https://www.esslinger.com/economy-zip-lock-bags-with-white-block-for-notes-pkg-of-100-choose-size/
https://www.esslinger.com/zeiss-lens-cleaning-wipes/
https://www.esslinger.com/plastic-dip-watch-oiler/
Beginner oil
https://www.esslinger.com/moebius-8000-classic-watch-oil-1-ml-bottle-individual-or-4-pack/
Smudge prevention
https://www.esslinger.com/latex-finger-cots-box-of-144-choose-size/

 

[JackJ1980]

Visor
https://www.esslinger.com/led-visor-lighting-system-attachment-for-optivisor-headband-magnifier/
https://www.esslinger.com/seiko-s-282-professional-watch-case-back-knife-pry-type-remover-opener-for-snap-on-backs/
Punches
https://www.esslinger.com/pin-punch-set-of-3-watch-band-link-pin-remover/
Hand remover (don’t cheap out here)
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-7-watch-tool-presto-7-hand-remover/
Bezel remover (hand held)
https://www.esslinger.com/swiss-watch-hand-operated-rubber-bezel-remover/
Bezel remover (better)
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-tool-watch-bezel-remover/
Crystal press
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-tool-crystal-press-and-case-back-press-with-nylon-dies/
Bench lamp (you NEED light)
https://www.esslinger.com/professional-led-bench-lamp-with-dimmer-switch/
Basics kit (Amazon has more - key is get hammer and case opener with the two teeth)
https://www.esslinger.com/13-piece-watch-repair-tool-kit-in-hard-plastic-case/
Book
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-repair-for-beginners-an-illustrated-how-to-guide-for-the-beginner-watch-repairer/
Rubber ball (so important)
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-case-opening-friction-ball-watch-back-opener-tool/
Dust blower
https://www.esslinger.com/economy-dust-blower-rubber-5-x-2/
Tweezers
https://www.esslinger.com/watchmakers-dumont-high-precision-tweezers-carbon-4-3-8-3c/
https://www.esslinger.com/dumont-high-tech-tweezers-s-s-non-magnetic-4-3-8-5/
https://www.esslinger.com/dumont-high-precision-tweezers-carbon-4-3-4-1/
Bench mat
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-ultra-thin-bench-mat-msa-24-208/
Dust cover parts holder while in progress working
https://www.esslinger.com/dust-cover-with-tray/
hand tools
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-watch-hand-installing-and-fitting-tools-set-of-4/
screwdrivers
https://www.esslinger.com/horotec-watchmakers-screwdriver-set-with-stand-6-sizes/
pressure testing
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016NNS2IO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517394437&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=watch+pressure+tester&dpPl=1&dpID=41aYnfHG7cL&ref=plSrch
Easy O ring greaser
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-gasket-o-ring-lubricator-silicone-grease/

I use almost all of these often. You’d be surprised. Hope this helps. Pros use twice as much and 15x more expensive.

 

[JackJ1980]

That took longer than I planned to pull but I hope it helps people with things they may have not even thought about yet or wondering what’s missing in a project they’re doing.

 

[SuperLory]

Massive piece of lifesaving info

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[Timnic54]

Great valuable info guys

 

[PlanetZoom]

That took longer than I planned to pull but I hope it helps people with things they may have not even thought about yet or wondering what’s missing in a project they’re doing.

Thank you for the effort. That's quite a list.

 

[WatchGuy]

I think @JackJ1980 covered it pretty well.

To add, and ultrasonic cleaner
Amazon Ultrasonic Cleaner

I like these screwdrivers cause cheap and replaceable heads means you can fix or replace for cheap.
Amazon Screwdriver Set

A timegrapher if you want to check accuracy or service. You can spend more here, but the cheap ones work well
Amazon Timegrapher

Microstella for rolex movements if youre into that thing
Startime Microstella

Some dip oilers. You can use automatic, but pricey.
Startime Dip Oilers

I love these for cleaning dials and hands, but they are pricey for what it is.
Startime Dial Swabs

Grey Rodico. Tends to leave less residue than the green/blue
Startime Grey Rodico

Carbon tip tweezers for delicate items.
Startime Carbon Tip Tweezers

Dial strips. Prefer over dial dots. these also fit well on the movement spacer rings for eta movements. the dots you need to cut in half.
Startime Dial Strips

and movement holders. i prefer movement specific ones as you just have to set it in the holder and its ready to go. but the adjustable ones work well too. just a matter of preference.
Startime Rolex 3035/3135 Movement Holder
Startime Generic Holder

 

[ChefZorba]

Such a great read and informative as all hell.

Stupid question for the pros...somebody had to ask this lol

Concerning bracelets with screw in links: is there a particular screwdriver that is recommended to use or is an “anything that fits” ok? Personally I’d rather use a screwdriver designed specifically for this. Would these be the same screw drivers that I would buy in a watchmakers set listed in the above comments or a different screw driver all together?

Edit: I did just order a set of 10 Bergeon .5mm - 3mm screwdrivers to start my amateur watch smithing career so could I just use these?


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[JackJ1980]

Such a great read and informative as all hell.

Stupid question for the pros...somebody had to ask this lol

Concerning bracelets with screw in links: is there a particular screwdriver that is recommended to use or is an “anything that fits” ok? Personally I’d rather use a screwdriver designed specifically for this. Would these be the same screw drivers that I would buy in a watchmakers set listed in the above comments or a different screw driver all together?

Edit: I did just order a set of 10 Bergeon .5mm - 3mm screwdrivers to start my amateur watch smithing career so could I just use these?


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Bergeon screw drivers smh. Just kidding. Solid. That’s all you need. The reason I recommend horotec blades is the curvature of the blade away from the flat point. For screw that are external, if you’re good any will do mentioned. If you’re really worried, they make beryllium that isnsofter than steel so it doesn’t scratch.

 

[JackJ1980]

You can use the same things from Esslinger, Amazon, or ofrei also.

 

[ChefZorba]

@JackJ1980 I bought those before I read this thread

...I do have a shopping cart loaded with recommended items from you guys...


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[martijnp]

Interesting, thanks for sharing!

 

[PACCBET]

For the Canadians: http://www.somalcanada.com/products/

A great place to get your watch needs, everything is in wholesale price (prices listed are in CAD!). Real friendly and helpful young guys too. Much easier to go to the place itself if you live in the GTA.

 

[muscles]

Tools are good. Hmm, maybe raffle some off