Is there a Craftsman equivalent to watch tools? Mac, Snap-on, etc are the top quality tools out there. Craftsman tools (when they were made in the USA) cost a lot less but are still quality. Harbor Freight is trying to fill the void Craftsman left open. I'm slowly coming around to believe some of their stuff is OK. In any case, while not a watchmaker, I do minor watch things and have restored to buying vintage watch tools when I can find them as the quality is good. So, are there any mid priced reasonable quality watch tools?

 

Buy cheap buy twice. This rings true, always .

Except with watches, a cheap tool Will do damage

A cheap set of screw drivers will work for 3 or 4 screws, then the tips go they slip,scratch, burr
and more.

You tube video on watch repairs is a great way to start, pick up a working seiko and follow through a disassemble and reassemble process a few times.

You will also find great advice from many members on this site- don't be afraid to ask.

 

I'm new to watch repair. Novice. Noob. Don't know anything other than what I'm starting to learn here.

I have only removed a watch back to date to replace a battery, and only the "easy" ones.

Shortly, I hope to have a working but needs some more work Pogue 6139A. First order of business may be replacing the dial. I will also want to replace the seals, and while the watch works, it is running quite fast so it will need some adjustment there. So plenty on my to do list - not yet sure what is reasonable to try now and what will need to wait.

I'm not yet to the point of thinking I can take apart a mechanism, clean it, oil it and put it back together - but given the entry level unit I'm getting, I'm willing to do a bit of work. I have rehabbed old woodworking tools (both hand tools and some classic 60's cast iron) so somewhat familiar with the need to understand the process before I begin and will still expect surprises. i will be reading a lot here and reviewing tutorials before I open anything up.

First thing first is getting some decent tools though.

I'm wondering if there is a good complete toolset that will have decent quality tools to allow me to remove and replace the caseback, stem, pushers, Hour/Min/Sec hands and replace Quartz Watch Movements. There are a ton of complete kits on Amazon - not sure if that is the way to go if there is a higher quality set or if I should focus on individual higher quality tooling through a specialized dealer? Or are there one or two tools that is critical be precision and most others can be upgraded over time if I take a deeper dive into watch repair?

Not sure if I need to dabble in getting oil yet as it seems that may be another research project w/follow up questions.

Looking for thoughts/experiences/recommendations on a starter set of tools.

thanks.

Hello. I’ve been considering purchasing a watch tool kit (not for watch repairs, more for strap adjustments etc) and am looking for recommendations. There seem to be plenty of cheap looking kits on eBay but the quality does not look great. Has anyone found one that is reasonable quality?

 

Most of those all-in-one watchmaker tool kits on Amazon are junk. If you are serious and want good tools, buy the best your budget will allow you to buy. Buying cheap will only take you so far and then you will have to throw them away and purchase something better in the end spending more money than if you had bought quality to start with. Get your tools from the major watchmaker tools/parts supply houses. Esslinger, Otto Frei, Cal Ker, McCaw. Swiss made tools from Bergeon are pretty much the gold standard, but these tools are pricey and sometimes not good value for dollar in my opinion. Horotec is another option and often as good for less money. There are some decent quality Chinese knock off tools out there that are not bad for their intended purposes and often hundreds less than Swiss branded with the same look and function.
Basics:

• Screw Driver set (Bergeon or Horotec)
• Tweezers #7 brass or stainless steel anti-magnetic fine tip. Get a pair of these. Bergeon, Horotec, or Dumont
• Magnification Eyewear (Optivisor 5X and 10x Loupe)
• Case Back Opener - Jaxa Tool with multiple bits
• Basic cleaning solution - Lighter fluid will do the job for basic cleaning. For servicing, you will need more professional options
• Silicone greasing pad for lubricating gaskets
• Demagnetizing Tool
• Movement Holder - Bergeon 4040
• Hand Levers for removing hands - Horotec 3mm version
• Hand Installer - Horotec single station hand installer with multiple bits
• Peg Wood
• Watch Paper
• Bulb for blowing air across parts. Bergeon
• If you get into servicing watches, you will need various watch oils and a set of oilers to apply the oil to pivots and parts. You will also need a watch parts cleaning machine.

Hope this helps.