Going to the watchmaker costs not only time, but also money. However, simple adjustments such as changing the batteries or the bracelet as well as minor repairs can be carried out by yourself. All you need is the right watchmaker’s tools and a little flair. In today’s blog post, we therefore present the most important watchmaking tools that every hobby watchmaker and passionate watch collector should have at the ready.

What exactly are watchmaking tools?

First of all, the term “watchmaker’s tools” covers all utensils that are needed for the manufacture and repair of watches and watch movements. Accordingly, watchmaking tools are divided into different parts that are designed for both the rough and fine mechanics of watches. This means that special watchmaking tools can be used not only to change batteries and wristbands, but also to replace the dial or the watch hand if necessary. But which watchmaker’s tool is one of the most important and should not be missing? Find out more in the next section.

The most important watchmaking tools for watchmakers, watch collectors and do-it-yourselfers

For minor adjustments and repairs to your own watch, it is well worth taking a closer look at tried and tested watchmaking tools and their functions and possible uses. The following utensils are among the most important tools:

Spring bar cutlery: This makes changing watch straps child’s play!

If you want to change your watch strap, you should use a so-called spring bar tool. With this practical watchmaker’s tool, the small bars with which the strap is attached to the watch itself can be optimally pushed away. With the spring bar cutters, the old watch band can be removed from the watch quickly, easily and without the risk of damage. Afterwards, the new bracelet can simply be reattached to the same places using the small spring bars.

Pin presser: This makes shortening metal bracelets as easy as magic!

Shortening metal bracelets can be particularly tedious – unsightly scratches and other blemishes are always the result. But with the pin pusher, this problem is finally a thing of the past, because it ensures the quick and scratch-free shortening of metal watch bands. As soon as the pins of the respective watch links have been squeezed out, the watch link can simply be removed – and the metal watch band is one link shorter.

Case holder: An absolute must for repairs to the watch case!

The case holder is particularly useful when working on the watch body itself. This includes, for example, opening the case cover, where a secure fixation of the watch is almost indispensable. But cleaning work on the watch also often requires a reliable fixation.

Case back opener: This makes opening the case back particularly easy!

Since we have just been talking about opening the case back, we would like to turn directly to the case back opener. Elaborately and filigree designed watches in particular have a firmly screwed down case back. With the help of the case back opener, however, it is child’s play to open the case back, so that the movement can be checked for function within a very short time.

Spring cover opener: The perfect problem solver for watches with a pressed case back!

In the watch industry, so-called pressed watch backs are those that are applied to the watch case with tension pressure. This type of clasp is mainly found on cheaper watch models. If you have unsuitable tools, you may quickly reach the limit of your nerves, because the danger of slipping is great. However, this problem is solved within a few seconds with a spring lid opener that fits well in the hand. It is therefore also an absolute must-have.

Small screwdrivers: Indispensable for delicate work!

Small-part screwdrivers are specially designed for the tiny screws on watches. They are therefore ideal for loosening the screwed underside of a watch without scratching it.

Anti-magnetic tweezers: This makes fine and delicate work on the movement child’s play!

When it comes to delicate work and repairs on the sensitive movement, anti-magnetic tweezers are an excellent choice. Thanks to the pointed ends of the forceps, even the smallest parts can be grasped without difficulty.

Watch magnifier: How to check the quality of watches!

Anyone who has ever taken a look at the inner workings of mechanical watches will have noticed that the manufacturers have done an amazing job here. Such a high level of precision is rarely seen. With a watch magnifying glass, all these components can be viewed with the naked eye. However, we do not recommend repairing them unless you have good knowledge of the subject. However, the watch loupe is particularly suitable for a safe quality check, because anyone who is not quite sure whether the watch they want to buy is a fake can use a watch loupe to examine the finer points and the quality of the timepiece more closely.

Antistatic brush: For the proper cleaning of watches!

Last but not least, we would like to address the proper cleaning of watches, because this also plays a decisive role. Simply wiping the watch with a sheet is not particularly advisable, as this can result in unsightly scratches. If you want to clean your watch, you should always use a soft microfibre cloth or, at best, an antistatic brush. This ensures that watches are cleaned carefully and properly without causing scratches or other blemishes.

What is important when buying watchmaking tools?

When buying watchmaking tools, quality plays the most important role – this applies to professional tools for watchmakers’ workshops as well as for private use. The focus is always on the watch to be repaired. Working with inferior watchmaking tools carries a high risk of unmanageable hazards. There is nothing more annoying than when tools of inferior quality cause damage to an expensive and cherished watch. For this reason, it is worth investing in high-quality and solid watchmaking tools. As a rule, the purchase price also gives a certain indication of the respective product quality, so it is better to stay away from inexpensive tools. The brand name of proven watchmaking tool specialists is also a clue in the search for professional quality.