anton Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Just curious to see what everyone considers as their "grail" tool when trying to make their reps as perfect as possible. To kick the topic off, I couldn't live without this: The Dremel Stylus rotary tool. This saved me the time and hassle of waiting and loads of money going to a trained "guy" who will (or will not!) work on your reps. For every new rep I buy, I spend maybe two days going through picture after picture of the gen and the real-life model then get to work scraping, cutting, burring, filing, sanding, trimming, buffing, then polishing (on some it's brushing). The end result of working on the reps makes me satisfied as I can now be with watches as I am with cars; making them look as beautiful as they should be! So, what do our fellow members use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Mine would be toothpicks. I've found them to be an invaluable tool for me as there are so many different uses for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir-Lancelot Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 1.3mm screw driver. my keyless works are now safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystalcranium Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Springbar tool. I use it to remove springbars, open casebacks, nudge adjustment posts, pick my teeth....oh yeah....toothpicks for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 They are so many, all quite pointless without all the others... - Several sizes screwdrivers - Case openers (including Narikaa's sticky balls) - Tweezers - Watchsmith paper - Loupes - Case holder - Dust blower - Rodico cleaner - Crystal press w/ several sizes dies - Hands remover & hands pusher I could add: - Dremel - Toothpicks - Digital micrometer and/or caliper - Microfiber and Capecod clothes - Crystal vs glass detector - UV glues and lights ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Mine would be toothpicks. I've found them to be an invaluable tool for me as there are so many different uses for them. Great minds think alike. I sometimes fashion dedicated tools out of toothpicks, especially hand-pushers. Oh, the tool that makes me giggle most when using it is Joe. This is Joe: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdavis Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Tweezers are my most essential and frequently used tool when working with my watches. It is the one I could not do without. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 I think I'm going to have to get a Sharpie and draw a smiley face on Joe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Great minds think alike. I sometimes fashion dedicated tools out of toothpicks, especially hand-pushers. Oh, the tool that makes me giggle most when using it is Joe. This is Joe: You know there is a gold mine of opourtunities with a tool like that... RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Most indespensible tool is without a doubt, the Loupe...without it, nothing else is useful...well except for "Joe"... RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avitt Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 The last tool that I would give up would be the springbar tool. Let's face it, if you only had one tool, you couldn't do anything to your watch (OK, maybe you could open the case with a case opening tool, but then what?). At least with a springbar tool, I could still change the straps... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Mine is EMS - that is what gets the watches back and forth to Rob. With that the only other tool I need is a watchwinder. I hate having to reset all those day/dates. I do screw off the caseback and play around inside or change a strap every once in a while to "get my hands dirty". The problem with "getting my hands dirty" is that it usually results in someone else getting his hands dirty to fix my mess. Ask Rob about the toaster incident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubbchubb Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Most indespensible tool is without a doubt, the Loupe...without it, nothing else is useful...well except for "Joe"... RG When speaking about watch tools... this is the one... and no surprise that The Zigmeister pointed at it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Ask Rob about the toaster incident. You advise someone to "dry" their watch with a smudge of moisture under the crystal, by putting it in a "warm" toaster oven with the crown open, they end up roasting the watch and popping the crystal out of place, and you never hear the end of it... The good news is that the watch is sealed well and waterproof, since the only way for the expanding air was through the crystal. RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archibald Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 This saved me the time and hassle of waiting and loads of money going to a trained "guy" who will (or will not!) work on your reps. For every new rep I buy, I spend maybe two days going through picture after picture of the gen and the real-life model then get to work scraping, cutting, burring, filing, sanding, trimming, buffing, then polishing (on some it's brushing). So, what do our fellow members use? Since the only thing I ever attempt is installing is gen dials and hands on Mullers--I guess the handy Swiss screwdriver set, hand puller, dial paper, and rodico are the only tools I need....oh yeah, and toothpics! I'd love to see some pics of non-Rolex cases you've reshaped, w/ that dremel! I've always been tempted to hit the Cartier Santos case because it would be 1:1 with a little more width to the rounded, polished area.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 Nanuq -- With that chainsaw tool of yours, it is no wonder your thumb is so famous (whatever is left of it). My singlemost indispensable tool is a 4x loupe. Without that, little else would be possible. Archibald - These were reshaped with a combination of dremel and hand files (the Patek could use a bit more tweaking & a datewheel with a bolder font) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Usil Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 My sticky balls. Can't live without this essential tool. All work begins and ends by twisting my sticky balls. Usil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 I forgot about the dog.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 How does the dog help with watch repair? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TTK Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 (edited) 3x tools I can live WITHOUT......Leonado......Catatonic.....and Humbone..... Edited June 19, 2007 by TTK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TTK Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 Definitely NOT a hot dog....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 TTK - I have been trying to email/PM you regarding another MBW. Can you check your gmail please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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