Watch Repair/Battery Replacement Kits
Hello folks.
I am looking for a basic watch repair kit. I’d like to be able to change batteries in quartz watches and re-size bracelets and other basic things.
I’ve seen the Bergeon branded kits and I appreciate the quality of their tools, but at 315AUD, it’s a bit too pricey for my needs. I won’t be oiling or replacing watch cogs…
The market seem flooded with cheap Chinese made kits, but does any one know of a basic kit that would be around the 100USD mark? Do you think I’d be better just to buy the Bergeon tools I need separately?
Thanks for reading.
Nick
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I think for the basic needs of changing and adjusting bracelets and changing batteries almost any of the „cheap Chinese kits“ will do the job. It all depends on how often you work with the tools als the cheaper ones wear out quicker. More expensive tools tend to last way longer. I think to get started and for working with it occasionally a basic kit like the one on your picture should do the trick 👍🏻
Excellent! Thank you Matzi!
I've got one of those Chinese kits, looks almost identical to theat one, agree with Matziiii above that it's only really any good for changing straps, the rest of it is cheap crap and a bit meh! Would probably work for most things in a pinch but likely to break quite quickly.
Yep, same as the rest here. Bought the kit for basic needs. I’ve sized bracelets, regulated a few auto movements & replaced my fair share of batteries. It’s worked fine for those.
The one I have was maybe $25 and is fine. Cheap spring bar tools are somewhat expendable so you might want to get a better replacement of that first. If anything wears out or proves otherwise unsatisfactory, you can replace that one item as needed.
If a better case knife, case back tool, and spring bar tool fit the budget, the rest of the stuff is of questionable use, less the workholding vice. I have no idea what the little hammer is for.
Bergen tools Ive heard Teddy on his channel swear by them , anyone got experience with this brand ?
Bergen tools Ive heard Teddy on his channel swear by them , anyone got experience with this brand ?
Yeah, they are pretty much the best you can buy for watchmaking. Swiss made watch tools since 17 something.
Yeah, they are pretty much the best you can buy for watchmaking. Swiss made watch tools since 17 something.
Thanks 🙏
Yep, same as the rest here. Bought the kit for basic needs. I’ve sized bracelets, regulated a few auto movements & replaced my fair share of batteries. It’s worked fine for those.
Thanks Rich.
Yes, if it’s basics, why spend several pennies….
The one I have was maybe $25 and is fine. Cheap spring bar tools are somewhat expendable so you might want to get a better replacement of that first. If anything wears out or proves otherwise unsatisfactory, you can replace that one item as needed.
If a better case knife, case back tool, and spring bar tool fit the budget, the rest of the stuff is of questionable use, less the workholding vice. I have no idea what the little hammer is for.
Thanks Oscar.
Yes, I ought “get over the cheapness” thing I think!
It's IMHO more important to have the right tool for a specific case. Some work well with a narrow push tool, others need something that looks like a tiny crow bar, you have the Rolex style backs that need specific sockets, or many Chinese watches that use a type of wrench.
The basic toolset in the initial post is decent, not great, for many screw in case backs.