Expensive tools

[jody73]

My ordered tools have arrived and I just need the movement (in mail) and I'm ready to start the TimeZone Watch School part 1

Considering these tools, which is just for the most basic disassembly/reassembly, cost me about 390$ delivered at my house it is clear that this is not a cheap hobby The tools for part 2 will be of equal cost. In addition this shows me once again how expensive everything actually is in Norway!

Hopefully though these tools will last since they are supposed to be of high quality. In addition I might save some $ when I hopefully in the future will be able to service my own movements.

[offshore]

Jody, Your bank account may be cursing the cost of good tools now-

but it wouldn't be half the cursing we would hear from you, if you had purchased cheap tools!

A wise move.

Offshore

[Logan]

You'll need some hand remover and setting tools very very soon..

[chubbchubb]

The reason for the higher cost is that you bought Bergeon tools. They are very good but also not cheap. Like with any tools you buy, you can go different routes. If you just plan to remove one link from a submariner bracelett, you don't need Bergeon screwdrivers. However, if you are serious about this hobby, good tools are paramount.

Have fun...

[offshore]

You'll need some hand remover and setting tools very very soon..

Certainly those will need to be high on the list!

Jody, keep your eyes peeled on the 'bay, and any local auction sites or some of the used tool specialists...

Dashto,-

http://www.dashto.com/newlists/tools.htm#011

Uncle Larry

http://www.execulink.com/~lfoord/tools.html

As an example, I recently picked up a Bergeon hand setting kit, which sells at something stupid like $300 for $45, and a Bergeon case back kit, (5338-2F) which also is +$300, and I found that for $60.

Both of these are just beautiful things to work with. They actually make ordinary repairers feel almost professional!

You are probably better to makeshift those 2 items you need, until some quality things come along.... I used a cheap Indian hand lifter for a couple of years (polish the base of the feet), and the end of an empty biro refill to set the hands...until I found what I really needed.

You will not be sorry in buying quality, even if it means having to use substitute items, or to use very cheap items as a stop gap.

Take your time, and build a quality kit...it wlll make you a better tradesman.

Offshore

EDIT to add. Actually i just remembered that I now have surplus a Bergeon hand setter, (7401-1) which does 0.5, and 1.00 hands. It can go for $20. Give me a PM if interested.

[trailboss]

Yep, good tools are a investment for life and Bergeon are the Snap-On of watchmaking. You think watchmaking is expensive? Try motor mechanics. My set of tools (mostly Snap-On) would be the bare minimum for a working mechanic and owes me something on the far side of thirty grand!

I used a cheap Indian hand lifter for a couple of years (polish the base of the feet), and the end of an empty biro refill to set the hands

Yep, and I suspect that I'm still useing that very same hand lifter. It works again BTW Offshore, I fixed the bent bow spring and it pushes evenly again.

Jody: You could do with a hank of Rodico too mate. It's proberly the single most usefull substance in watchmaking from holding hands to removing marks from dials and dust from MVTs. Some watchmakers paper wpuld also be nice. Used for wraping or protecting parts (storeing dials, hands etc) it leaves no lint behind. Appart from that and a small pair of nedle nosed pliers, a very small hammer and a bench vice you have it covered. Buying some very small ziplock plastic bags would be a good idea too.

Take good note of the chapter on you work area, Clean and clear is the way to go. Fortunatly I have a tiled room to work in as carpet is a great black hole for small parts that will invitably spring from your grasp. Most importantly, have fun!

Col.

[offshore]

carpet is a great black hole for small parts that will invitably spring from your grasp.

@ Col,

As you know, I am in the process of moving.

Today I bought a 3 m x 3 m piece of carpet protector for my new work room!

Carpet is the pits! It eats parts.

(Glad you are getting something from those hand removers!)

Offshore

[freddy333]

Jody, Your bank account may be cursing the cost of good tools now-

but it wouldn't be half the cursing we would hear from you, if you had purchased cheap tools!

A wise move.

Ditto.

[jody73]

When I first joined this site and got my first rep, I bought a cheap 30$ tool set for removing links and spring bars etc. After changing two spring bars and removing one link the tools were ruined. Pretty useless. I then bought a Bergeon spring bar tool and what had been difficult spring bars became so simple.

So I figured when I decided on learning more about disassembly/reassembly that the tools would be half the job.

Thanks a lot for your inputs guys. Much appreciated!

Will send you a PM Offshore

[sander]

Good tools are a must if you would do more than just changing straps.

Just bought the newest Bergeon screwdriver set and a new Waldmann light.

Tools are important but so is the light. What a difference it is when I compare it with a normal lamp.

I think it's a good investment. These tools last for ever!