Basic Set of Quality Watch Tools

[bcdunham]

So I'm just now getting the watch bug. Have a Baume, Tag, Panerai PAM 48, and just bought (but not received yet) a Rolex Explorer II. I'm also on the hunt for an IWC Portuguese Chrono-Automatic. Do not plan on doing anything that I know should be left for an expert, but currently change and adjust straps and would like to be able to periodically buff/polish the watch and remove the caseback to admire - but not mess with - the movements. Right now I have an extremely cheap set of jeweler's screwdrivers that I think I got it for free from American Express. They've been sufficient for strap changing, but slip all over the case when I'm trying to work with it.

During the limited time I've searched for tools I've found either what would have to be crappy kits given the price ($20 - $30 for an entire kit) or over-the-top professional kits ($300+). I'd like to buy only the tools that I really need and have those tools be of a nice quality. So....what would type and brand of tools should I get and what retailers should I consider?

Thanks a lot for your time and expertise,
Brian

[ParisDakarBmw]

ofrei has a good website for watchmakers, and supplies.

[Tools]

Bergeon brand name tools are top-of-the-line. A few years ago Rolex thought that they might change the quality of their products and so bought into the company to ensure they remained up to the standards they wanted..

There are others, of course, but they are the Snap-on tool for the watchmaker.

[bcdunham]

Thanks guys. I've heard of that retailer and seen that brand of tools. What tools would you recommend I buy: a few screwdrivers, spring bar remover, pin remover for bracelet, and caseback remover? Does that get it?

[Damage Inc.]

As Paul said, Ofrei & Jules Borel are two good places. And as Larry said, Bergeon makes nice tools...so does Horotech (IMO).

[Speed]

Originally Posted by bcdunham

Thanks guys. I've heard of that retailer and seen that brand of tools. What tools would you recommend I buy: a few screwdrivers, spring bar remover, pin remover for bracelet, and caseback remover? Does that get it?

Do you really foresee yourself taking the case back off of a Rolex?

You will want to get it pressure tested after removing the back...

Here is a great site / write up on removal.

http://www.minus4plus6.com/caseback.htm

[Tools]

I think our own TRF Case-back removal how-to article in the Reference Library is way better....

Rolex Case Back Removal

[bcdunham]

Originally Posted by Speed

Do you really foresee yourself taking the case back off of a Rolex?

You know, it's probably not a good idea - at least until I get a better understanding of my watches. Afterall, I've got an excellent watch repair place not too far from me.

Think I'll just purchase a Bergeon 1.60 mm screwdriver and spring bar remover now and look to add bracelet link pin and caseback removers down the road. Thanks guys.

[Rikki]

A fully equipped watch shop has in some cases more than 50 thousand dollars worth of tools as does my shop. Think long and hard before you take things apart that's the easy part putting them back together is a whole other story. Rik