Watchmaking Tool Kit
Hey there,
I want To get into watchmaking and moding. basically just a little modding on some vostoks or messing around with aliexpress parts. for that I’ll need some tools that Don’t break right away or don’t work. the kits you find on Amazon for around 30€ arent really inducing confidence. I know DIY Watchclub has one on their page but is it any good? And do you have any other suggestions?
greetings
fellow Watch nerd
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Justus
Broke college Student with a weakness for good Coffee and Watches :)
Heidelberg
Member since
Last active: 4 days ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
You need screwdrivers, a back wrench for screw backs, and a back knife for snap backs, and tweezers...at a minimum. Start at Cousins supply house if you are in the EU.
Get their Swiss style screwdrivers
Do not scrimp on tweezer: Get a Dumont #3
The case back wrench sold in the "Amazon" kits works well enough.
I suggest you start by buying the Amazon kit and add the screwdrivers and Dumont tweezer.
I own an extensive!! set of tools--mostly inherited and lots I have purchased new and used. Just to grins, I bought one of the amazon style kits. The screwdrivers are poorly dressed, and the tweezers are marginal. The back opener is decent and comes in handy wen my LG does not open wide enough for modern watches.
I started with a basic kit. Just in case I wasn't going to like watch work. Anything I found substandard I replaced with quality gear. For example, I have a cheap set of loupes but a Bergeon hand band.
My basic watch press does the job and overall I'm happy with my current set up.
Thank you @LittleWatchShop, @Professor_Pi for taking the time. looking forward to this next step 🤝
I would start with a basic kit, and simply purchase on AliExpress what you need beyond that. I would also expect the basic DIY kits to contain items of similar quality, as the cost for name brand tools is distinctly higher.
I personally have upgraded select tools, such as screwdrivers and tweezers, and added loupes of different magnifications, as well as a movement holder. Then there is tons of little stuff, from rodico, watch stems, to finger cots.
I would watch some instructional videos on YouTube, and and you'll get the idea.
Wristwatch Revival is one of my favorite YouTube channels, and it has just the video for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tl7xNPvmyM
I got this kit from Amazon and already fixed 2 watches, only fault is lacking tools to remove & press the hands. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08SR3L3VQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The amazon kits are OK,but the screwdrivers are pretty naff,it's an OK kit for a bit of battery changing and the cashback opener system is OK,get one to start with and add to it definitely some better screwdrivers and tweezers, you generally get what you pay for in tools just depends how much you want to part with when starting out,my screwdrivers are made by eclipse but I bought them years ago so don't know if they still make them and they are top quality.