![]() The older Green one is okay, but the Premium gray leaves no residues at all. Rodico cleaning putty Putty-like thumbtack substitutes can work, but the real stuff isn't expensive. Parts trays I use artist's watercolor trays from WalMart, less than $1. ![]() A tool to remove the strap/bracelet from the watch I like the cheap Bergeon 6767 (the one with fine tip). Rubber dust blower : To remove dust, or to dry a part. Crystal lift For installing and removing plastic crystals, the only way to access some watches with one-piece cases Pin vise For holding stems and similar. Crystal press For installing crystals and bezels, and for closing stubborn snap-on backs. Case knife One of the easiest tools to substitute, but inexpensive. If you go for the Asian copy of the Jaxa tool, remember you can still buy a good Bergeon set of replacement bits. Case wrench Jaxa-style is the best cheap version. Cheaper ones just have the lens, you wind up having to go cross-eyed to see. The real ones have a prism that helps with close vision. An Optivisor (headband mounted stereo magnafyer) is nice. Drill some holes in the body to reduce fogging. You'll want a x4 or so to get tools between the loupe and the watch, and a x12 or so to inspect extremely close. Loupes If you're as nearsighted as I am, you can just barely manage without one, but they are too cheap to do without. For a last fine sharpening job, you can use an Arkansas stone (they're gray or bluish/white colored). ![]() Always put some PETROL on it BEFORE sharpening anything on it, or the stone will get clogged up with metal fragments. You'll need a sharpening stone: buy a double-sided USA Norton "India" stone (orange/brown): one side is coarse, the other one is fine. ![]() I'd rather have cheap screwdrivers and a sharpener than a good set without. Screwdriver sharpener Possibly not right away if you get a very high quality screwdriver set, you'll need it if you get a $15 screwdriver set, and you'll need it eventually no matter what. If your camera won't take close-ups, you can probably hold a jeweler's loupe in front of the lens to get closer. Nearly Essential Tools Digital camera Unless your memory is a lot better than mine. Do not get the Chinese/Indian ones, their sides are not parallel. Movement holder or movement rings It's just barely possible to work without them, but only barely. Depends on local rules here I can get them without a prescription. A reasonable substitute is an insulin syringe with a blunted tip. Dip oilers will work, but it is likely that your oil will be contaminated before you use much of it. Watch oil and oiler I like fountain oilers, because they save oil, especially if you don't do all that many watches at a time. An anti-magnetic steel pair (size 1 or 2 whereas a fine size 5 is for hairspring work only), and any brass one, as brass is softer than steel, so it won't leave any mark on the steel, and brass is anti-magnetic (AM is always obviously written on these). I'd get one quality pair (Dumont is a very good brand), and a couple of less expensive ones to start. Do not get the anti-magnetic ones, as these are way too soft. Bergeon makes a nice set, but a bit overpriced. The USD 50 AF (which is a French-made one, but rebranded) is a sure bet. A full set (nine screwdrivers, from 0.6 to 3 mm) is much better. Tools You'll Need For Watchmaking Essentials That You Can't Do Without Screwdrivers 0.5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm at least.
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