10 Must have watchmaking tools for beginners and professionals│Horology DIY

The first ten essential watchmaking tools that would get you started.
One rule here: buy the best tool you can afford- and buy them from someone
you can trust.
The recommendation list is a result of decades 'behind the bench' experience you can only get from a practicing Master Watchmaker.
Yes, we do have tools to sell, but the purpose of this video is not to sell you the tools, but to make your life easier by pointing you in the right direction. It's all here: suppliers, tool numbers, price and more.
1.shop.clockmaker.com.au/6-loupes
2.shop.clockmaker.com.au/9-scre...
3.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/1...
4.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/1...
5.shop.clockmaker.com.au/12-twe...
6.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/1...
7.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/1...
8.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/1...
9.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/2...
10.shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/9...
Check out our shop for more: shop.clockmaker.com.au/
/ nicholashackowatch
www.nicholashacko.com.au/
clockmaker.com.au/

[@gregbrindley8168]

Succinct, informative, excellent!

[@sinjon]

This video has been brought to you by our friends at Bergeon A Swiss made dust blower lol

[@buzzufy]

Great video! Very informative and this is best for beginners. Thanks for the video!

[@andrewhill9763]

Fantastic video, looks great and very informative 👌

[@kkcwl]

Very informative and well advices given. Thank you.

[@richshap824]

Keep em coming they are all great

[@josephrowe3867]

Great video and thanks for your helpful tips!

[@Hawk89gt]

What a great, to the point video!

[@tommycartwright]

Good onya Nick, nice vid mate!

[@roadshowautosports]

For those who don’t believe this guy, questioning cost when working and learning on cheap watches, it is a Valid point but, even if you’re trying out to see if you like it, cheaper tools will cause frustration and may discourage you from pursuing a career or enjoying what you do. Have you ever tried to learn to play guitar with a very cheap one? Mechanics still always use best tools from school to the retirement, I wonder why? Like anything else, the right tool will only make the job easier, efficient, and provide great results, specially when it comes to watchmaking! The ability of utilizing it right will come from the artisan himself/herself. When I started a few years back, affording such expensive tools wasn’t feasible at all, and I had to get middle of the road quality to start, but never the cheapest. It works and I still own most of them, while slowly acquiring better ones as I go. You’ll understand better what he says about screwdrivers and tweezers when you ruin a few little projects after a couple big scratches on the beautiful movement, and/or a screw or two fly into the oblivion to never be found again! Then you’ll realize “damn cheap screwdriver”! Also consider that you can buy some tools like screwdrivers made in France that are really god at less than half of a Bergeon set, work your skills and them replace blades for better brands as well, this easy you don’t need to buy a whole new set out expensive brands. Tweezers is a different story, there’s no replacement for a good quality one, and let me tell ya, THEY ARE EXPENSIVE but you don’t need a large quantity, just a few to start. Try buying tge same model in god quality, and a cheap one at the same time for comparison, you’ll see it! I get mostly vintage for a good compromise between quality and price, as we all know back years even centuries ago, those watchmakers were doing a marvelous job with them, and that tells you something. Before getting anything used or vintage, please, do your research, ask questions, and balance the cost and risk involved between new and used. I had my fair share of good deals but also swallowed some lemons whole throughout the process. Just be careful and havre fun while at it, otherwise it ain’t worth it!

[@R2robot]

To the point. Thank you!

[@jonanderson813]

Well done, that's on the money for an introductory video. The next series of 'how to use them' will be very informative..music is great too.

[@kamryncallen8519]

sorry to be so offtopic but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@kamryncallen8519]

@Kane Dario thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@kamryncallen8519]

@Kane Dario it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my ass :D

[@kanedario7639]

@Kamryn Callen Happy to help :D

[@ssdc2]

Great video, I am hopefully going to start your Seiko project soon. Finding a decent table and chair to work from is my first challenge.

[@rypaz87]

You could always go the fun route of building them! Nothing beats complete customization to your own measurements.

[@ssdc2]

@@rypaz87 didn't think of that. Still a little scarred from building a Guinea pig enclosure.

[@flightisallright]

Awesome!

[@ROBRENZ]

Excellent

[@seanrorie2081]

I need them all

[@tbone1015]

Thank you.

[@yusufkohgy9122]

Awesome video! It’s my little brothers bday and he’s really into watches and I really want to get him a watch tool kit but dnt know any good quality tool kits. Do you have any recommendations? Please let me know Thank you

[@ketenangan7]

Nice

[@PpaStrmpf]

Agree about most but disagree with Bergeon screwdrivers even though very good not the best for the price you pay. Nice video. Thank you.

[@hectorgarcia8691]

The best of the best watch houses only use bergeon , that’s how good and reliable they are, though expensive as hell 😅

[@augustoguizeliniferreirada8759]

Great video! Looking forward to learning more from you 🙂 If you please, what exactly is the pin vice? Is it the tool for holding the winding stem?

[@MasterWatchmaker]

Hi Augusto - yes it is! Actually any cylindrical object - stem, spring wire, even screws. This was a quick intro video, there will be more detailed one explaining how to properly use tools . Stay tuned!

[@augustoguizeliniferreirada8759]

@@MasterWatchmaker Thanks for the answer!

[@DJKinney]

Paid for by the Swiss Trade Commission.

[@jdonthetrail9041]

Hello Nick I have a question about which mainspring winder set to buy. I want the bergeon, but they vary in price from $800-$2000. I done mind spending the money, I just dont want to purchase something twice or over buying. I am a beginner.

[@DutchClawz]

I purchased Bergeon screwdrivers with recurve tips, they are not for resharpening I think..

[@polloloci21]

What oilers do you recommend?

[@mohanmanickam6811]

Great video. I've noticed that the loupe numbers may vary between makers and may have different magnifications. I.e. between A+F and Bergeon. Do you concur?

[@MasterWatchmaker]

Hi Mohan - here is the Swiss 'loupe formula' : [loupe number] x [magnification] = 10. I.e. Loupe #1 has x10 magnification. Loupe #4 has magnification x2.5 etc.

[@mohanmanickam6811]

Master Watchmaker Thanks Nick. Very informative. Looking forward to more of your videos. The first tool I bought was a Bergeon 6767-F Spring Bar Removal tool. Before even touching movement, the basics for me was to change a watch strap. And another basic tool I got was a case back opener, Bergeon 4932. These are what I bought and my opinions only. Thanks.

[@ridhwaantarajia4802]

Thanks for the informative video, On the subject of the screwdriver sharpening board. I've come across: 1. 3M WET OR DRY CLOTH 8000 MINT GREEN 1mic 2. 3M WET OR DRY CLOTH 1200 BLUE mic 3. 3M WET OR DRY CLOTH 600 GRAY 15mic Kindly confirm whether this is the same item used for the screwdriver sharpening board. If not please forward me the item description and probably the link from the 3M site. Thanks in advance Ridhwaan

[@tvm2209]

For a complete noob would you recommend me buying all these products or should I start off with cheap tools since I am new at handling these tools and may break them due to my lack of technique using watchmaker tools?

[@blueneet84]

Spend the money and get decent brass tweezers and screwdrivers at least. The important part about screwdrivers is to get ones where the head can be replaced easily. Skip the hand removers and just get hand levers too.

[@DutchClawz]

I do have a few chinese alternatives for some of these tools and they work perfectly..

[@thebrizzell]

Please keep going. What's the next 10

[@hadiblz7157]

Hello, I want to learn to manufacture mechanical watches. What are the specialized universities or schools specialized in this science?

[@igedeputra8625]

what size magnifying glass

[@gerritvisser]

Surpringly reasonable prices. Decent tools needn't be expensive. The only pity is that you don't ship outside Australia.

[@MasterWatchmaker]

Hi Gerrit - unfortunately the COVID situation is creating havoc with the postal system. Hopefully, this will change sooner than later. Thank you for watching!

[@gerritvisser]

@@MasterWatchmaker I'll just be patient then, thank you for explaining.

[@danbuegsnerf3428]

Hey guys! Any idea when the Presto 1 will be available again?

[@MasterWatchmaker]

We have two dozen on order from Bergeon... and they have none in stock at the moment... We'll get them - eventually...

[@danbuegsnerf3428]

Great to hear. I'll be making an order as soon as you get them :)

[@drkujavec]

I want to go further with this and even own a timegrapher etc, but the biggest issue for me is the mainspring winder...

[@dashofawesome64]

You can also use an app for it. Its just a microfoon with a compuer behind it knowing the right timing.

[@Leigh-ux9ry]

Are there any watchmaking courses in Australia at the moment? I've had a look online but there doesn't seem to be anything available at TAFEs right now

[@MasterWatchmaker]

TAFE is currently conducting online classes only, not yet sure about the next year...

[@Leigh-ux9ry]

@@MasterWatchmaker Thanks for replying! I called NSW TAFE but they didn't seem sure whether the course was continuing in the future - current one isn't running :|

[@GarryAndrews_]

I can’t find anything in Melbourne. Keen if you know of any

[@biggamehunter2219]

Can Anybody please give me a full list Of every tool I will need to work on pocket watches? Not just the basic beginner tools! A list of everything I will need? And ware to get them ? For a good price?

[@crookedtool]

There are no good prices. The prices are either $garbage.99 or $F-you,000.00

[@jaimerivera2545]

What magnification loupe #3 and #1 have??

[@gregrepac6654]

1 = 10x 3= 4x

[@MHM1975]

The time stamp @2:56🤣

[@jimbelcher6877]

I guess with this first set of tools there is no need to remove the watch back?

[@allyw7405]

Like asking an F1 Mechanic about basic tools

[@skitstorm5634]

As a watchmaker, what’s your recommendation on knowledge regarding math. I’m applying for a watchmaker school next year and since math never was my strong suite in school I believe I need to increase my skills. How advance math is used as a watchmaker? A former student of the school said that fractions is commonly used. But besides that I don’t know. Great videos. Thanks.

[@FelsinderBrandung92]

I´m a watchmaking student myself and math isn´t really important, i would say it is not much more than you learned in school.

[@skitstorm5634]

@@FelsinderBrandung92 the only issue is that I didn’t learn so much in school. I know the basics, add, subtract and multiply ofc but then my knowledge is fairly limited. But I’ll check with the school and a colleague will help me with what I’m lacking. Hope you enjoy the school.

[@FelsinderBrandung92]

@@skitstorm5634 I was scared about math too, because I was last time in school over 10 years ago. But it was easier than I thought, even if your not brillian in math, there are a lot of other things where you can show your talents. And if you are finished with school you wont use math on a daily basis. School is a lot of fun, and very interesting, for me it was the best choice since a long time.

[@saudiranger4007]

Sir, why you don't just make a paid course on education platforms like Udemy with a comprehensive vision for horology ,like type of watches depends on functions, beat, and watchmaking "cleaning fixing etc" It will be more convenient for newbie watchmakers

[@ignacioanaya3403]

Inexpensive Chinese tools perform as good as the most expensive brands, Results always depend on the skills of the person who handles them.

[@-gray3472]

Sure, the skills I've learned with making the cheap Chinese tools work have actually made me much better at fixing things. The constant taking apart of the torque wrench to reset the spring mechanism, the reshaping of the screw drivers because of the inferior steel or hardening, the tweezers that never meet perfectly at the tip but with some modification, sanding, bending, and maybe even heat treatment, they perform as good as the most expensive brands. I guess this is why there are websites dedicated to modifying tools purchased at Harbor Freight to actually make them decent to work with. With the time it takes to make an inferior tool work as intended, I could have made up for many times over with the purchase of a better tool and spent more time fixing or building whatever it was that needed to be built or fixed. If you can't afford a new quality tool perhaps look into a used quality tool. It will still outlast the inferior tools often labeled Made in China. A lesson it took a cheapskate over a decade to learn because I didn't value my time as much as I should have and continued to buy cheap crap made often made in China. And indeed results always depend on the skills of the person who handles them. This I agree. Performing as good, is subjective at best, limited in scope, and or naive.

[@crookedtool]

@@-gray3472 Thanks for the insightful post. I'm trying to find a balance between cheap tools and quality where it matters. There's no way I'm spending 40 bucks for a janky rubber bulb, or 10 bucks for 3 tiny sheets of plastic (for removing hands)!

[@bernardocourrege6283]

Is there any harm done if an automatic stops (power runs down) during a day/date change? For example, a Seiko skx, which takes 5 hours to complete the whole day/date change.

[@sinjon]

No harm done, just advance the time to say 6:00 or somewhere out of the range of 9:00pm - 3:00am and set the date

[@crookedtool]

Yes, great harm. You might as well throw it in the trash. While you are at it, you better shoot an email on over to the manufacturer letting them know about this clearly overlooked design flaw. You're probably the first person to discover that, so I'm sure they'll be more than happy to incorporate the fix into a new design.

[@sinjon]

@@crookedtool Forget to take your ‘don’t be a dickbag’ pill today?

[@hectorgarcia8691]

You only buy Good tools once, they last a lifetime and then some

[@maxverstappennonofficial]

Tell me its sponsored by Bergeon without telling me it's sponsored by Bergeon.

[@ZakWlak]

Tool number 11: $479 desk light with built in light switch (Swiss made). Don't bother with Chinese lights, they won't work.

[@dudet9662]

china be like: awe you aso berry rice-ist

[@Mongsierler]

This video sponsor by BERGEON

[@thorhagen295]

Aliexpress

[@greyhall1]

No mention of a case back opener! These tools are useless if you can't get at the movement.

[@sinjon]

A Bergeon rubber ball. It’s the best rubber ball on the market

[@AlpineTrails]

Good video but for someone that's starting this as a hobby that's a ridiculous amount of money to pay for some tools. Worth it if you're working on a $3k watch but not if you're just trying your skills on a $10 one.

[@roadshowautosports]

Valid point but, even if you’re trying out to see if you like it, cheaper told will cause frustration and may discourage you from pursuing a career or enjoying what you do. Like anything else, the right tool will only make the job easier, and the ability of doing it right will come from the artisan itself. When I started a few years back, affording such expensive tools wasn’t feasible at all, and I had to get middle of the road quality to start. It works and I still owe most of them, while slowly acquiring better ones as I go. I get mostly vintage for a good compromise between quality and price, as we all know back years even centuries ago, those watchmakers were doing a marvelous job with them, and that tells you something. Before greying anything used or vintage, please, do your research, ask questions, and balance the cost of the risk between new and used. I head my fair share of good deals but also swallowed some lemons whole throughout the process. Just be careful and havre fun while at it, otherwise it aging worth it!

[@vote4carp]

Sorry, but it's not a necessarily "cheap" hobby to get into. If you're planning on repairing cheap watches to see if It's something you even enjoy, I'd probably stick to a few screwdrivers, a movement holder/vice, a case opening ball and knife, and a loupe. Oh, and obviously some entry level tweezers. Even if you find it's not your "cup of tea," half of those tools can be used for other things around the house or business. 🤷‍♂️

[@shanemeyer9224]

I’ve learned the hard way in this hobby you don’t want to buy cheap tools period, if your not willing to fork over the money for good tools don’t get into watchmaking, it’s not a cheap hobby. You may think a tool is a tool, but it’s not like working on a car where harbor freight tools work just fine because with watches, they are small and can be damaged extremely easy. Things you can cheap on are loupes, dust blower, and even a watch hand tool but don’t cheap out on holders, screw drivers.