Need some advise for tools

[Moppel]

Dear watch lovers,

so far I have only done minor work on my reps, like gluing back a fallen off marker or regulating the movement for better accuracy.

I feel it is time to go a bit deeper. Inspired by Pugwashs work on his IWC 3717 I would like to put on a date indicator with the correct date font

both on my SMP Chrono and on my TAG Carerra.

I know that I will have to use the following tools:

- hand remover

- movement holder

- hand fitting tool

I already have a case opener and some screwdrivers and other necessary stuff. But I would really appreciate some advise on the tools mentioned above.

Can I use any hand remover/movement holder/hand fitting tool to work on the Asian 7750? Because if I succeed I would like to extend the work onto other reps which may have a different movement, and I don't want to buy the stuff again only in order to fit.

Maybe you guys have some kind of "necessary tool list".

Thanks & cheers

Moppel

[jdavis]

You can buy most of the basic things that you need from Ebay sellers. If you want higher grade tools, Jules Borel or Otto Frei can supply with genuine Swiss tools that are expensive but excellent products. Unless you intend to make a profession of watchmaking, the basic tools will serve a hobbiest well.

I strongly recommend that you purchase a jewelers lamp and magnifier with articulating arm Harbor Freight Tools has this one listed magnifier lamp which is a steal, if it is any good at all.

Other things to consider:

bench mat (it will keep those tiny screws from bouncing into no mans land when you drop them )

small parts tray (I have used a small plastic lid in a pinch)

case holder

movement pad

crystal or case back press

good tweezers (one of your most valuable tools)

hand puller

spring bar tool with interchangeable ends

10x Lupe

hand puting tool

silicone grease for case gaskets (0-rings)

tube of Hypo cement

optical lens cleaner and micro fiber cloth (cleaning crystals)

dial duster

good set of screw drivers on a rotating base

case openers

I am certain that other more experienced members could add or subtract from this list but, it should be a good start.

Edited August 6, 2007 by jdavis

[Moppel]

Hi jdavis,

thanks for your reply.

I just got back from a two weeks vacation and saw your reply today.

I already have some of the tools you mentioned.

But I do have a questions though:

what is "Hypo cement" and what is it used for?

Anyway, your list seems to have some stuff that I haven't thought of.

It is a good basic to do my next Ebay shopping.

Cheers & thanks

Moppel

[offshore]

Moppel,

Hypo cement is sold by G-S (Germanow-Simon), for fitting (some) watch crystals.

Offshore

[FxrAndy]

If you are in EU i would recoment CousinsUK

[Moppel]

If you are in EU i would recoment CousinsUK

Hi there,

I am located in Germany and have ordered once from Cousins. Unfortunately, the shipping cost is a bit high. But there seems to be no way to find date wheels or other watch stuff here in Germany. So I guess I have to order from them.

Cheers

Moppel