Texski

Alan, Thanks for your response. I was looking to blow alot of money, so could I just get 4 of your pressure testers? I'm teasing. I registered on your website last night, and have started an email to you. I'd like to send you a list of things I think I need, and you can help me pare it down, or steer me in a better direction. Thanks again, Mike

I found a good explaination for the types of Dumont tweezers. It gives their hardness, temp rating, corrosion resistance, magnetic properties, and a brief description. It mentions things like, "more likely to break than bend". http://store.wpiinc.com/Dumont_c_70.html So what am I looking for in tweezers? Will a 'harder' set of tweezers be positive or negative. I saw some Dumont Titanium tweezers that are just a few dollars more than the anti-magnetic. It looks like they are very soft. And then there are those carbon fiber tweezers. A step up from plastic? It seems like that might be nice for rotors, ect. Thanks for humoring this inquisative mind. I don't want to stop in the middle of a project because my tweezers are limp as noodles or they are so hard that I just cut a stem in half. I am sure you guys could build a watch with a fork and toothpick. I have skills, but no experience with watches. I don't want to make that worse with bad tools. And opening hands . . . I'll do a search, but can you help me narrow the field? "Broaching hands", "opening hands" ? Thanks again, Mike

I saw the hand vice! Best price for Bergeon's is around $80. He has some other things that caught my eye, too. I wonder how long shipping takes? I have beautiful parts that want a place to call home. I'll PM him. One more question. I was sent a leather stroop with my hands. It is on a stick, and has grey leather, it is Bergeon. He said that it is used on the hands. Any idea what it is used for? Thanks again, Mike

Guys, Thanks for the responses. I am not real clear, could you be more specific . . . who should I ask about tools? From what I have read, isn't Offshore in Australia? I'm in the US, and my assumption is that I would be paying alot for shipping and it may take 30+ days. I'll follow up with him. It seems to me that there are a few tools that you should by the best you can afford . . . screwdrivers and tweezers. I have found a set of 6 Horotec screwdrivers, and have been looking at tweezers. I am leaning towards some Dumont, unless someone has a better suggestion. Thanks Bike, for the suggestion. It looks like there is SS and anti-magnetic. Does it matter, one better than the other? I understand that I will need to open the second hand tube with broaches. How do you hold the tube? Bergeon has a tool for this, but my guess is that most people aren't using this. And what power loupe(s) do you recommend? It looks like some of the tools does not have to be 'Swiss Made', but where else do I need to step up. I don't want to pay more than I have to for an opener, but I don't want to buy something that has cheap jaws and scratches my back. Thanks again, Mike

I will be making my first swap in the near future (7750), so I am looking at tools. What do I need in the way of tweezers? I have seen Dumont #1, #3a, #5 and #7 in a set. Bergeon is out of my price range. If I am working with chrono hands, what size do I need . . . thinking of the Presto-type. And hand presses? Screwdrivers. What size flats, and do I need phillips? I am in the US. Other suggestions appreciated.

It may be getting close! Thanks for your responses. I don't think China has the ability to replicate things like IWC's dials, and I would hate to see these parts become difficult to obtain.

Let me preface this by saying that my goal is not to insult or accuse anyone of wrong-doing. Realize that we all have an 'itch' that is satisfied by our interest in watches. And our reasons for being drawn to watches are as diverse as we are. Some of us may be drawn to the beauty of the design but cannot afford the genuine price. Others may be drawn to the technical merits of these watches, and are satisfied by the precision and modifications. And yet, some may just want to get a great deal, having real at a fraction of the price. Of course this is not an exhaustive list, and I am not making a caricature of anyone here. My point is that we are drawn to this culture for various reasons and we shouldn't expect everyone to adopt our reasons or impose ours on others. With that said, I will be building a 3717 Spitfire, and have considered Genstein vs. Frank. As I look at other threads, I see a trend and I think it would do us good to talk about this and consider the ramifications. I see a trend to produce IWC Gensteins for sale to consumers, and there seems to be a growing market for this. My concern is that when the Richemont Group’s analysts begin to see a sharp increase in replacement parts going out the door, will they begin adopt a policy like Breitling, requiring parts to be returned first? Will this 'loophole' be closed if we abuse it? Will the increase in replacement part sales draw unwanted attention to our craft? Maybe others would be more sophisticated than I, but how will it look when you see orders for: (5) 3717 cases (5) 3717 backs (5) 3717 faces (5) 3717 hand sets (5) 79320 movements (3) 3717 bracelets (2) 3717 croc straps (2) deployment clasps . . . Will IWC, in their pursuit of profits, identify their unassembled watches going out the back door, and severely limit the availability of quality parts? Or am I being a hypocritical alarmist?

Can't seem to find this? And, what would be the best AR for 371702 white face? Thanks

I think you would be better off using a digitizer and a set of calipers, a height guage, then model it in CAD. The digitizer would make it faster/easier, but is not necessary. Just make sure your CAD file is compatible with the CNC. Good Luck!