Tools needed

[Jerrr88]

Just really starting to get into this hobby & want to pick up some tools that I’ll need. Any suggestions on what I will need or maybe even brands of tools?

[cosmic2000]

Just a quick response for now.
I made good experience with buying only good quality-tools. No bargains never because you would buy twice.
Cheers for now.
c2000

P.S. How did I start? I always bought only those tools that I needed for the current project. So I figured out what had to be done in the first place. So my toolbox grew and grew over the years and I did not have to spent so much money at one time. That allowed me to buy good quality. Bergeon and Flume are my first choice. I have to buy them in the bay, cause I am no watchmaker.

[Vesire]

yes, chinese tools are not recommended if you will use them a lot and on expensive watches. Good tools make the job much easier.
I use cheapos and im not satisfied, but i only do 3-4 things, assembly, nothing else.

Check the brand bergeon, quality goods.
You will need sharp screwdrivers, movement holder, back opener, some twizers , tools for removing hands, tool for puting hands, some watchmaker's Rodico , dustblower, loupe and patientnce ofcourse.

[daevildog]

French screwdrivers (with replaceable heads/blades) are a set is good/cheaper alternative to swiss ones. Can buy from julesborel.com if in US.

[straps68]

For case reshaping, I recommend precision/needle files from Grobet USA or Vallorbe Swiss.

I agree with what the others said above about Chinese tools, although I have a Chinese made blower and it works great. As for the other Chinese tools I've tried, in a lot of cases you don't even receive what was pictured - a 10x lupe is more like 3x and the "optical glass" is not...

[Jerrr88]

Okay looking at these screw drivers, which would you go with? If it’s the individually sold ones then what sizes would you suggest?
https://www.esslinger.com/af-6-pc-profe ... oden-case/

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-6899- ... -in-pouch/

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-8899- ... ividually/

I’m also looking at some Bergeron Carbon Fiber Tweezers & Presto Hand Remover.

[daevildog]

I have this set:

https://www.esslinger.com/screwdriver-s ... to-3-00mm/

[Jerrr88]

Do you like that set daevildog?

[blueradish]

I always bought only those tools that I needed for the current project. So I figured out what had to be done in the first place. So my toolbox grew and grew over the years and I did not have to spent so much money at one time. That allowed me to buy good quality. Bergeon and Flume are my first choice. I have to buy them in the bay, cause I am no watchmaker.

Best advice, I did the same.

[straps68]

Okay looking at these screw drivers, which would you go with? If it’s the individually sold ones then what sizes would you suggest?
https://www.esslinger.com/af-6-pc-profe ... oden-case/

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-6899- ... -in-pouch/

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-8899- ... ividually/

I’m also looking at some Bergeron Carbon Fiber Tweezers & Presto Hand Remover.

How many screwdrivers do you need? Depends on the movements you'll be working on. For many pocket watches, all you need is 1.0, 1.4 and maybe 2.5 (ratchet wheel and case screws). It's good to have spare blades. A rotating stand is awesome but not essential.

Another great tool to have is a demagnetizer. Here as an exception, a Chinese one from eBay will do great for just a few bucks.