Oiling a mainspring is requires a special type of tweezers or as I was taught a custom tool that is really easy to make yourself. There are probably multiple ways you can make this but here’s my 7 step version: Step 1 Acquire the following 3 key components: A set of tweezers you do not … Read more
The sign of a good watchmaker is that once they have finished working on a watch, there are no visible signs that they have been there. This is relevant for the entire watch and movement; however from a purely cosmetic perspective (and for most average watch wearers), it is the dial that is the key … Read more
As you’ll learn very quickly through your watchmaking journey, watch contamination is a big concern. Even the smallest dust particle or oil in the wrong place can make the difference between a watch losing 6 seconds a day to one that loses 600. This may not sound like too much of an issue to most … Read more
Watch parts containers, also sometimes referred to as parts holders, parts trays, storage boxes, compartment boxes or just simply pots, may not be regarded as essential by some, but they sure do make life a lot easier. You will use these every time you work on a movement, not only to store parts you’ve removed, … Read more
A watch movement is a finally balanced machine which can easily be thrown out of balance by contamination, hence the need for regular service intervals. Everyone has oil in their skin, under each of our pores is a gland that produces natural oils called sebum. This helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Unfortunately these … Read more
Before you can even see (unless the watch has a display case back) and work on a watch movement you need to remove the case back.
Once you have removed a watch movement from its case it is not recommend to place this on a desk or other flat service. Mainly due to contamination but mainly due to the potential risk of damaging a protruding parts. It is therefore common practice to use a movement holder to safely secure the movement … Read more
Watchmaker tweezers are another vital addition to your tool set. They are meant to act as an extension to your fingers. They should be held between your thumb and first two fingers as if you are holding a pen. With practice you should be able to rotate them through 360 degrees while holding your watch … Read more
Along with watchmakers tweezers, watchmaking screwdrivers are likely to be your most used tool while working on a movement. It is essential to have a wide selection of watchmakers screwdrivers to hand so that you can select the best screwdriver for the task. Make sure you to use the correct size screwdriver, rule of thumb … Read more
Hi everyone, welcome to my first of many posts on Watchmaking & Me covering the Essential Watchmaking Tools! I only took my first steps into watchmaking as a hobby back in 2019, but feel I have learnt so much in that time, and wanted to share it with you. I started studying watches as a … Read more
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