Are AliExpress Watchmaking Tools Any Good??

[@47zero]

What a great resource Michael. Thank you. So good to have hands-on views from someone not swayed on brand names or monetary gain.

[@darrentabor4839]

I'd love to see a comparison of the cheaper mainspring winders.

[@ODPwcca]

The Chinese winders are made specifically for Chinese calibers. When winding a spring of such a caliber, the winders work like a charm. For other calibers, the arbors tend to be way too thin, and they don't grip the mainspring at all.

[@Robert-cm1bk]

As per the other reply I bought them and they fit nothing. I resorted to buying the Arbour parts for calibres I work on and drilled out the winders to fit them.

[@gpraceman]

​@@ODPwcca I drilled out many of the winders to accept larger arbors, so now they are more like the generic Bergeon set. Makes the set far more useful.

[@mikenorris5739]

I bought one of the Chinese winders and I found it worked on about half of my mainsprings. I now have bought just size 5, 6, and 7 Bergeon, with red and blue arbours. They do over 90% of springs. I'd go that route from the beginning if I started again.

[@littlecncshop]

​@mikenorris5739 do the bergeon ones fit the Chinese handles?

[@Don_Eilenberger]

Great video.. one other difference between good tweezers (I'm a Dumont 3C & 12 fan) is the difference of the gripping finish on the tips. On good Swiss tweezers there is a blasted sort of surface on the tips, which helps grip small parts without needing excess pressure. On the Chinese ones - even identical looking, the surface looks like a sanded surface. Just doesn't grip very well so you use more pressure and then pwinggggg.... off into neverland goes the size 00 screw.. BTW - the Dumonts can be looked at as an investment. The #12 that I have I purchased about 60 years ago, and I'm still using it.. at the time it seemed expensive, but given the longevity of the tool, it's probably one of the cheapest tools I have. I've got to get myself to simply toss out all the Chinese tweezers, except maybe the plastic ones which are good for handling batteries, and the brass ones for that once in a very rare time that I can't use stainless.

[@markwade1376]

Excellent vid Mike, would love to see a spring winder test please.

[@gpraceman]

My buddy has a Amscope trinocluar microscope with boom arm, while I have the Eakins equivalent of it. We did a side by side comparison between the two. Optics really seemed the same. There were just some minor hardware differences. My Eakins was significantly cheaper from from AliExpress. On the Chinese mainspring winders, I have only found caliber specific sets, not a generic set like Bergeon offers. So, you will often find that the arbor you need does not fit the winder needed, which almost makes them useless. However, I have modified many of my winders by drilling them out to fit larger arbors. I have essentially turned those into generic equivalents. Now they are useful and far less $$ than the Bergeon generic set. I also have an auto oiler from AliX that works well. I have the same caseback opener, hand press tool, and Horia clone.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you for your comment its very helpful.

[@mattwarner2043]

Only 6 minutes in, but I’d love a video on dressing blades. I’ve only just found out it’s a thing and I need to dress mine! Looking forward to seeing what other value nuggets you find in this video! Thanks for another great video

[@JDRichard]

Perhaps I’ll make that video today

[@darrenfessey9544]

I’ve got that case back opener and it opened with ease a case back that nearly gave me a hernia trying to open with a hand opener… what I would say is that when I use it I put a piece of polythene over the case back for protection and it also seems to give the ‘teeth’ a little more grip. Plus I push down the top to engage the teeth with the case and wind the (what you called the) height adjuster up so that you can release your hands and the teeth are still engaged with the case back. Doing it this way avoids the teeth riding up out of the slots and scratching the case if you turn the handle without keeping constant pressure on it 👍

[@davekat4680]

That was 45 minutes well spent 👍 allot of great information. Subscribed 🍻 Cheers and Merry Christmas

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks for subscribing. Pleased you enjoyed this one.

[@Hectorsdad]

Thanks so much for this video. I never cease to be amazed and appreciative of the generosity of yourself and others in sharing your knowledge on KZbin. Genuine, enthusiastic and with a gentle humour. Thank you again for all your efforts.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you kindly

[@keithstarling8244]

Another great video, just a comment about the case back opener, I believe the hight adjustment nut is to hold the plunger down on the case back to stop it lifting for the initial loosening.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@keithstarling8244 that’s a good point! I’ve just found I am pushing down on the wheel as I turn which is enough to loosen them. I am learning in the comments which is fantastic !

[@NaNByZero]

@@keithstarling8244 That’s exactly it’s purpose. Most people don’t get that.

[@WatchWithMike]

Good video, Mike! I was particularly interested in the one-push demagnetizer. Yours is a clone of the Elma demagnetizer. In their instructions they make no mention of turning the watch when using it - they simply say it demagnetizes with 'a push of a button'. (Not pushes.) They also offer this good advice: "Small parts should be placed in a sealed plastic bag on the field. This prevents small parts from jumping away from the working field."

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@WatchWithMike good point. I’m still getting used to this tool and as I am demagging with parts in the baskets I’ve had no flying parts fortunately. The turning I thought was a gimmick or people were just doing it for reassurance but I’ve seen it on a few videos over the years and in conversations on my Facebook group.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@MyRetroWatches It really can't hurt to rotate it and zap it again, I'm assuming. But if you're going to go through the trouble, then maybe flipping it dial side down and zapping it a third time should be added to the regimen, just for show! 🧲

[@reluctantcook-pc8zn]

The ideal video for me. Just starting on the journey and really needed this advice. Many thanks......love the content you produce.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Great to hear!

[@martinstabb7059]

Hi Mike. I’m pleased to see the demagnetiser didn’t blow up when you placed the screwdriver directly in contact with it. The note at the bottom of the advert says you shouldn’t do this. As a consequence of your brave action, I have now ordered one. Thank you.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I saw that but I don’t understand why you would have to hover something over it as it does not make much , if any difference. The only thing it can do it make parts jump so if you have a few screws on the plate it would ping them around so perhaps it’s to do with this. In typical Chinese style there are no instructions !

[@martinstabb7059]

@ Clearly the very expensive demagnetisers can tolerate direct contact, so why not this one. I’m with you.

[@getwhtugiv]

I really needed to see this video, Thanks Mike.

[@samsheikh3464]

Loving the T-Shirt Mike so apt... What on earth gave you that idea that a watchmakers life is on all fours looking for bits that have pinged off onto the old shagpile😂

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@samsheikh3464 can I now shamelessly plug my store! Not many people are looking or buying but I’ve got some very apt shirts (and watches) www.time-tees.com/

[@truxton1000]

Great video Mike, at the last Bham fair I was at the stand with the guy from Singapore and we spoke, I regret not buying a watch from him..! Anyway I watched the video and many of the tools I already got the same as you, when I saw that little brass vice I thought yes, I need one as I have a second hand that is loose so just ordered one from Aliexpress. I have recently bought a lot from there, the jewel press, the hand press and some loupes with LED, plus a whole lot of other stuff. Unbelievable prices I would say, I bought a small digital caliper in plastic for just over £2…! Thanks for the video keep them coming 🙏

[@boydsargeant7496]

Great vid Mike! I’ve followed you for about 5 years and my tool journey has been like yours too! Next time you upgrade, do another vid! I’ve recently bought a bezel removal tool, a screw down crystal press and a case back remover and a quartz watch tester all from AliExpress, so far so good. I’ve also recently bought vintage a balance poising tool and a vintage balance wheel truing tool. And a new bergeon 2810 roller table remover (that needed some fettling, might need more). Yes, it’s the cost of tools that slow me down!

[@tonyscott7989]

Another great Video, thanks Mike. I have the screwdriver set and love it. Hand setting tool and caseback opener ordered fror xmas from the kids a couple of weeks ago. Comment on the Amscope, I had one same as yours . Not impressed with it. Tended to move out of focus when concentrating, looking down on the eyepieces with slight pressure. So after seeing Andy Windle vintage Japanese Swift brand one. Managed to source the same off the UK Ebay whilst visiting over there. Cost about the same as a good steak, and it's a game changer for me. Very impressive bit of kit. Cheers and merry Christmas from Brisbane Tony

[@OceanST955]

Man uthanks for this really useful video. I've just put in some AliExpress orders because of it (movement cushion. Case Back opener, etc.). I have tried the chinese mainspring winders and they were awful. They had steel arbors, but the snig on them was too small to catch the spring. I have bought bergeon ones as I go along of only the sizes I needed. 50 quid now and again, and I have built up a set of about 7 sizes now, and dont need anymore as these cover the range I need. I have learnt how to do lefthanded springs with right handed winders using old mainspring washers! Fantastic work Mike, and the facebook group has saved my bacon many times.

[@SILKYSMOOTH30FPS]

From what i've tried, the glass press, the bazel remover and the timegrapher are excellent. I got the crown tuber remover as well, and it looks well made, but haven't tried it yet.

[@terminal-velocity111]

Really enjoyed this video. I’ve learned so much from you over the years. You’re close to a 100k subs!!!!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. Yes 100k for Christmas!

[@TristanColgate]

I've got that caseback opener, mine came on a metal base. I've used it for a cross threaded case back that I could not budge with a regular hand caseback opener. Absolutely fantastic. (Mine came with the set of rolex back openers, and I think there's a set for breitling/tudor hex style backs too). Zero regrets.

[@mltrymn1213]

I have it too. Quality control was lacking at the factory though. The base was installed backwards and there's no way of switching it around since there are only 3 screw holes on the bottom. Technically, I could flip it around, but I don't want to have to fill and drill new holes in the base.

[@volvomann100]

Fantastically helpful video and given me some definite pointers. Thanks Mike, much appreciated.

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Thanks!!! Really helpful. Never seen the tool used to tighten the tube for the hands. Looks like a good tool to have. Appreciate the information. Take care.

[@WrightsW5]

Yes, certainly a tool for everything! I like that one click demagnetiser, I've got the usual small blue one that nearly everyone has.

[@HandsofTime10]

What a great video! I dont know why people turns watch 90 degrees when demagnetizing but i think its because demagnetizing area is not big spot on surface. I have same one click demagnetizer that you have and in my machine i noticed that if you push long enough and wait until you hear two clicks the watch is fully demagnetized. I assume that my machine is faulty somehow. Top tip is if you demagnetize small parts is To put them in small plastic bags. Hairsprings etc.. I almost forgot. Manual says that if you demagnetize big things you have To demagnetize them in parts you cant do it all at once

[@owen-trombone]

Love this! Appreciate you sharing your learnings on these tools.

[@Paul-rs9bd]

Many years ago when I was a TV engineer on the old Cathode Ray Tube TV's when we de-magnatised (degaussed) the tubes we'd turn the set 90 degrees and run the process again. This was because the magnetic field of the earth could cause issues on the steel grate which would cause landing errors. Obviously beams of light are a lot easier to effect than metal parts, but I do wonder if the turn is believed to be something to do with the earths magnetic fields?

[@gpraceman]

Now that brings back memories. I worked for Sony for many years, manufacturing CRT's for TV's and computer monitors.

[@khronosbest9448]

Thanks Mike for taking us along on your tool journey ! I also have purchased innumerable tools and parts from Ali Express with the vast majority of my experiences being quite positive. Inso far as mainspring winders go , the Chinese sets seem to be caliber specific whereas the Bergeon set is defined with a number ( ex. 14 ). And i also find as long as the winder is made of steel you should have no problem with its use. Just one more thing about your possible future purchase of a tri- nocular microscope. Make certain you purchase a "simulfocus" model so you can use the camera and BOTH eyepieces simultaniously. Be more than happy to walk you through it if you wish. Stay well and Merry Christmas Mike !🎄

[@gpraceman]

On the winders, you can drill them out to accept larger arbors. I've essentially converted mine into a close approximation of a Bergeon generic set.

[@markhondaturbo]

Great video, ive always felt the best was always needed, but some things i cant justify the Bergon price for how simple or infrequent it is used. I'm happy to see we have very similar screwdrivers, and i also got real rodico. I just subscribed, hope to see more detail on tools and cutting tool blades etc

[@NaNByZero]

I bought this caseback opener for 87 Euros and it’s great. It saved my life. I wanted to remove a very small caseback and my other tools totally failed. This guy did the job. I also have your jewel setting tool and mine is also totally fine. 🕐⚙️🍸

[@MyRetroWatches]

Great feedback. Can reassure others who might read. Thanks

[@MrSloika]

I've worked on watches where the gaskets have fossilized and it seemed like nothing would get them open. Then I learned this trick from a watch hobby forum. Obtain a cheap Chinese case vise...I bought mine on eBay for 7.99USD. Next obtain a rust free bolt of about 19mm. Clean the watch back and bolt with alcohol. Attach the bolt to the watch case back with Kr*zy Glue or equivalent. Allow the glue to cure for 24 hours. Place the watch into the vise and then spin off the case back with a mechanic's box wrench of the appropriate size. OK, what about the bolt that's glued to the case back? No problem. Drop the case back with the bolt into a jar of acetone. In less than an hour the glue will totally dissolve. As an added bonus any old gasket material that's adhering to the case back will also dissolve. This method has worked for me every time with NO damage to the watch case back. Of course this method only works with metal watch cases and should not be attempted with the anything made of plastic or resin.

[@hugov392]

The main drawback of those style of screwdrivers is they have that stepped shank that makes the ends/tips different sizes from the Bergeon ones, so you can't just replace the tips. I don't understand why they do this, as otherwise I would have bought the Chinese handles and got some Swiss tips to go with them. Instead I had to buy the Bergeon set.

[@MyRetroWatches]

To be honest I’ve just assumed they would fit as they do on my older set. I rarely change a blade anyway was I just keep dressing them up all the time.

[@jonirons]

This is a great comprehensive guide. Thank you!

[@yanholland315]

Good range of kit and advice there, didn't realise you were working on this when I typed up my thoughts for the group yesterday 🤦.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Don't worry! the post about the Cousins thing was a few weeks ago and was the catalyst for this video to be made!

[@letshaveago2201]

Thanks at 60 i think starting out the price of stuff has held me back but now i know i dont have to sell my kidney ive just ordered a set of screwdrivers from Cousens, which will go with the bits i have come by over the years. all of which has been poor at best. Great content and keep up the good work.

[@OBZ-f7j]

legend mate. Nearly 100k subs.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@OBZ-f7j exciting

[@joseantoniogomez6097]

Genial!! No había pensado en eso!! Así al menos podré darle uso. Muchas gracias!!

[@georgehughes2183]

Merry Christmas Mike, to you and yours.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Likewise. I love Christmas

[@johnvaluk1401]

Hello Mike. Great video. On the broken screw extractor Bergeon sells replacement bits. They are not drills but have milled ends with sharp points to grab the and hold the broken screw remains.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Nice I will look at them . The ones that came with this tool are just micro drills but then when if bought on Ali it’s like £20 ..!

[@johnvaluk1401]

@ yes I scored a vintage tool and just bought replacement tips

[@PaulewingStHelens]

Great video Mike. I’ve used Ali express for quite a few tools and can’t complain. I’m pretty sure a lot of the tools are exactly the same at Cousins but much more expensive.

[@da___man]

I highly recommend getting a good optical microscope. I have an Amscope trinocular, like you mention, Michael, on a boom and it is great though I am having very difficult time trying to find a dedicated microscope camera that produces a video that is of good quality. Ideally the camera would have a full frame sensor. You mention that you would only use for oiling but I find that I do everything through the scope and rarely use loupes. However, I am an ophthalmologist and spend my entire day looking through very expensive microscopes (Haag Streit slit lamp to be precise) and am very comfortable operating through microscope.

[@steveallum8148]

Hi Mike, great video, thanks. Would love to see a main spring winder comparison please.

[@onthehamsterwheel365]

Interesting indeed, thank you. What about oilers? I’m literally just starting out and tools are a big topic for me. Ciao

[@MyRetroWatches]

I use Bergeon oilers. Always have, they are pretty cheap and if not misused last for a long time. That said I just upgraded to a Bergeon ergonomic oiler which was £20!

[@onthehamsterwheel365]

Thank you for your reply. I’ll have to see then where and how to order from them. The auto oilers i see in many videos look real nice. Take care. Ciao

[@johnhannon]

I have the demagnetizer, hand press, jeweling tool and case back tool. They all seem to work well for me. I have to go easy with the hand press tool. It is easy to apply too much pressure on the watch movement. Some of your Ali product links are directing to the movement cushion only. Plastic sticks and dial boxes both do that for me. The others seem OK.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@johnhannon thanks for the info I will look at the links now!

[@dunderhay9169]

Very interesting thank you. I recently bought a cheap case back press that uses a screw thread and it is pretty good at applying vertical pressure, no where near as good as your press, but not bad for £7 👍

[@Trevorpartington-yc6ri]

Great video and this will help me a lot , thank you :D

[@perkulo6379]

Thanks Mike for the tool reviews, very helpful. I bought a Chinese stereo microscope, top quality, I only regret I didn’t buy the one with camera.

[@MyRetroWatches]

In the new year it’s one of the things I will be looking at .

[@gpraceman]

Better to shop for the camera separately, IMO. You don't really need a high MP camera, as the optics of the microscope are going to be the limiting factor. One from 2 MP to 5 MP will do. You will need a C mount camera adapter (0.35X seems the best option) and likely a C to CS mount adapter to get the proper focus.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@gpraceman thank you. Very helpful

[@jorgerumayorbanda4908]

Great video!!! Thank You! One recommendation to remove stuck crown tubes, please!!

[@HektorBandimar]

Interesting video, thanks. I wish I could take the bracelet off my watch, it's a good watch I've had it for years, but the tolerances are so tight on the fitting, I can't seem to find the correct tool to allow me room to get to the spring bars.

[@davidwebb3253]

Great video MIke, fantastic that you have assessed the products for us. I also wish I'd bought the revolving stand for the screwdrivers, which I use increasingly. Case open looks like a possibility . If you upgrade your microscope ,do you want to sell me your old one ?. (serious offer ). Cheers & Merry Christmas .

[@hvrijsse]

Great video. The only thing I miss is a tool to remove press-on casebacks. Some watches are slammed shut with a sledge hammer... Timex comes to mind. Now I leave the cursing to the watch makers in town. They use crow bars, I think.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@hvrijsse a watch press like the Bergeon one I shown for crystals also presses backs on. There is a. Chinese copy of that tool too.

[@hvrijsse]

@@MyRetroWatches It's more about removing. ;-)

[@truxton1000]

@@hvrijsse I have used a Stanley tool blade which I hammer in gently, has worked on those very tight cases so far!

[@stewartmckenzie9860]

Another great video, I am especially happy that you still need to ream a hole, I spat my coffee over my laptop! Nice one Michael! Merry Xmas and Best Wishes for 2025 to you and your family.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Tight holes need to be reamed

[@terabeatnik2000]

Great video! I'm certainly going to get those sweet screwdrivers, and I deffo need better tweezers. However, I have never really had the need for mainspring winders, they are not that hard to get back in just using my hands.

[@robertmabry6998]

What is the shaft diameter for those drills on the screw extractor. They look exactly like the tools used in my cnc. They come in .3, .6, 1, 1.5 and 2mm working ends.

[@kenlipper874]

In regards to the hand seater, the grey knob on the top unscrews and there are different ends in there. At least on mine!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Not on mine sadly.

[@gpraceman]

Only some of them offer the extra tip storage.

[@Janom66]

Mike, thanks for the interesting, informative video. It's always interesting to learn about the capabilities of non-original equipment and it's good when it's useful and inexpensive. I appreciate your attention to detail, thanks Mike!🙂👍

[@jowettcars]

One of the most useful tools which doesnt seem to have got mentioned here is a good vintage staking set. Plenty on the bay at about £400 or less. Look for the stake size of around 4.7mm diameter which would be interchangeable with various vintage makes. So versatile from tightening canon pinions to straightening hairsprings. Perhaps Bergeon make a new set in exchange for your house😂 Not sure about Chinese

[@MyRetroWatches]

Indeed and I have a set plus looking for a good Japanese set. This video was more about the cheap Chinese tools I have bought rather than all the tools I own which would be a very long video indeed.

[@StephanJPPL]

Informative video 👍I have bought many of these tools and found them very good, at least for me. Buying tools is a nice part of watch repair hobby . Will buy a small compass tomorrow 🙂

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Thanks Mike. I ordered their screw polishing frog with some reserved skepticism but when it did arrive over here I was happily surprised! Very nice piece of kit for sure. Have you looked at Esslinger over here? 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@joseantoniogomez6097]

Estupendo vídeo Compré un juego chino de mainspring y no tiene el tamaño para los movimientos nh 35,36,. Tendré que fabricármelos o buscarlas específicamente. Gracias por el trabajo

[@gpraceman]

You can drill out the winders to accept larger arbors, as needed. That makes the set more like the Bergeon generic winder set.

[@s34cea75]

Great video Mike!

[@SuperDojdoj]

I wish i could press "like" more than once to this video! Thank you!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Once is enough and it’s always appreciated. I wish more did as it helps more than you can imagine. More interaction the more the algorithm sees it as positive and pushes it to more people.

[@ruperthartop7202]

Great video Mike, thanks for sharing

[@2stevejc]

Great video, thanks. Unfortunately I'm proving a little too ham fisted for this watchmaking lark. 3 broken seconds hands, bits lost to the shag pile and a broken hairspring when trying to regulate. I'll persevere though.

[@MyRetroWatches]

We all make mistakes like that as it’s just part of learning. It is not an easy hobby but for that reason it can be rewarding.

[@jimcollins9999]

Very good Mike & Thank you mate!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you too!

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

I would like 👍 to see a comparison overall, not just with certain tools. AliExpress should sell good watchmaking tools 🔧. Harbor Freight is one place to steer clear 👌 of, if you're wanting good 👍 watch ⌚️ repair tools. Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 and a very safe and Happy New Year. Your friend, Jeff.

[@Knives183]

Very good video, thank you for posting

[@srt14pimpin06]

Great video!

[@gerardcurtis4357]

Can you please put a link in to get some nh35 movements cheap but good please thank you

[@KenThomas-v6y]

Does anyone know what the official name is for that sticky pen and where it can be purchased? I’ve been looking for one for a while now. Great video. Thank you sir,

[@MyRetroWatches]

I bought it from cousins uk they are for jewellers . www.cousinsuk.com/product/jewel-picker-upper-with-silicone-tips

[@flipflopsleica]

Well done. Do you de-mag before the time grapher? Thanks

[@MyRetroWatches]

I just demag as part of the cycle so I would usualy do it after the cleaning and before assembly. I prefer to demag when the watch is in bits. Now with the new bit of kit putting a basket on and pressing the button has made it a simple process.

[@bfair6284]

@30:48 By "Key of Watch", I'm sure they meant it is a key to open the door of your watch, which is its caseback. 😂

[@thomasnuyts9725]

Really helpful thank you sir

[@tmmkk1]

Thank you for your time. 👍

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

An absolutely interesting video ! I’m little tool junky’s !😂😂 well this help me to see what are the new one are interesting to buy ! 😂😂 Best regards Mike ! ✨👌

[@rcthor1066]

Hi Mike. How much would you estimate you've spent on your tools overall? I'm quite interested in this as a new hobby :)

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@rcthor1066 I would be the wrong person to ask. 1000s but I’ve been at it a long time plus this channel makes a little income that pretty much all goes back into watches or tools

[@hoffmancapote]

I would also be interested in a video about the Chinese mainspring winders

[@alancampbell1008]

I wouldn't worry too much about Chinese optics for microscopes, they make some very nice astral telescopes of which I have a couple and have had no issues.

[@walther9161]

I have a cheap Chinese version of wonders and they are ok but the sizes are strange. The outer diameters and inner posts aren’t always compatible. As for the demagnetizer, I’ve seen Stian on vintage watch services vids do the turn thing so not sure why..

[@gpraceman]

The Chinese winders are far more useful if you drill some of them out to fit larger arbors. Essentially convert the set into a generic set, like Bergeon offers.

[@joemaniaci]

Am I somehow missing the case acknopener product link?

[@MyRetroWatches]

s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBQwrLN

[@MrSloika]

What I really need is a staking set. New genuine sets are insanely expensive. The used sets offered on eBay all seem to have been ridden hard and put away wet and are expensive to boot. Are the Chinese clone sets any good?

[@MyRetroWatches]

Yahoo Japan.

[@Vinylguy67]

I have an early 60s Certina DS 25-66 that propably hasnt been opened in decades. The caseback wont budge at all with hand held openers. Might have to get one of those big ones or ask a local watchmaker to open it up

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@Vinylguy67 I’ve had loads over the years that are tight and have a vintage tool a bit like this one in the video which would always open the most tightest of casebacks.

[@MrSloika]

I've worked on watches where the gaskets have fossilized and it seemed like nothing would get them open. Then I learned this trick from a watch hobby forum. Obtain a cheap Chinese case vise...I bought mine on eBay for 7.99USD. Next obtain a rust free bolt of about 19mm. Clean the watch back and bolt with alcohol. Attach the bolt to the watch case back with Kr*zy Glue or equivalent. Allow the glue to cure for 24 hours. Place the watch into the vise and then spin off the case back with a mechanic's box wrench of the appropriate size. OK, what about the bolt that's glued to the case back? No problem. Drop the case back with the bolt into a jar of acetone. In less than an hour the glue will totally dissolve. As an added bonus any old gasket material that's adhering to the case back will also dissolve. This method has worked for me every time with 'impossible' watch case backs with NO damage to the case back.

[@MurrayC]

​@@MrSloikait's a fairly normal way of fixturing odd shaped parts to a hobby lathe too

[@micheledb]

Quite surprising that the Chinese market hasn’t cloned the Bergeron cannon pinion remover tool, or even a cleaning machine!

[@MyRetroWatches]

The cleaning machine I am surprised at I must admit.

[@micheledb]

@ is there a cheaper alternative to the coveted cannon pinion removal tool? Not the presto, the baton-like

[@zechengyou782]

There are nice Aliexpress tweezers and screw drivers but it takes some effort to find. The vetus brand is very good tweezer, if you are lucky you will get one that’s as good as the Swiss ones, brut their quality control has declined recently

[@MyRetroWatches]

Ive had Vitus but not been all that impressed with them steel is too soft. I am totally hooked on Dumont and the ones I shown for £20+ is probably single handely the best purchase I have ever made.

[@shamsuzuhahabeeb]

Do you have a link for the case back remover tool?

[@MyRetroWatches]

All the links are in the video description box

[@shamsuzuhahabeeb]

@ didn’t see one for the case back remover tool.

[@JamesP_TheShedShop]

Right on 👍🏻 Mike, do you have a watchmakers lathe?

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@JamesP_TheShedShop not yet. Part of me wants one the other part does not. Space is an issue and then another learning curve !

[@martinbeardmore2540]

Very useful thanks.

[@steveclews1818]

Chinese set of winders please! I hear wildly varying statements about them and would appreciate your opinion

[@gpraceman]

They are fine if you drill out some of the winders to accept larger arbors; otherwise, they will be an aggravation.

[@problemwithauthority]

Do you have any tools to locate lost cap jewels?

[@MyRetroWatches]

Haha well yes in a way. The pet hair sticky paper rollers can find all kinds of stuff.

[@problemwithauthority]

@MyRetroWatches I tried that, unfortunately it wasn't where I tried the roller. I ordered an assortment with hopes the correct size is included.

[@Mars-zgblbl]

Andy at Watch Repair Tutorials recommends a cheap UV light. The UV fluoresces with red jewels. I’ve tried it and for me, it’s only a bit of an advantage. You still need an immaculate desk and floor for any method to help

[@gpraceman]

Get the room totally dark and then use an UV light to search with. They will glow when hit by the light.

[@problemwithauthority]

@gpraceman I tried that...there is a lot of stuff that glows that are not cap jewels.

[@ryno101]

Love the video... have to say, DON'T buy the cheap Chinese winders. The arbors are sized by movement, and unless your barrel arbor matches the size of the arbor and the barrel matches the barrel sizing, they do not work. I have a set, and have only been able to use them once or twice. When the stars align and you've got an arbor and barrel size (and winding direction!) that match, they work fine, but otherwise, you're out of luck!

[@gpraceman]

Drill out some of the winders to accept larger arbors. I have essentially converted my set into a generic set, like Bergeon offers.

[@PMELKUS]

Watchmakers are tool junkie. I just pick a dial feet repair tool from AliExpress and can say the build quality over all is good but the cutting bit seem to be of lower quality, it took a good amount of force to start it to cut and the cut just was not clean, but for the money I guess it will be ok since how many times you get a watch with the dial feet broke off.

[@Timjacks01]

Please show us how to dress blades 🙏🏻

[@Smuli85]

Order the chinese main sprinwinder and make comparison video

[@rossjackson3670]

Mike. Ta. Double Ta. Keep well. Keep safe

[@solotwincam]

J’adore tes vidéos l’ami j’espère un jour te rencontrer en UK tu est situé ou ? Moi je suis ton frère Français je suis de Amiens en France au nord de Paris entre Lille et Paris Je suis spécialiste de la réparation des montres vintages surtout électroniques J’espère que ta santé vas bien c’est le plus important Bonne continuation 😊

[@jooo270]

Whaaat? Love my brass tweezers.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@jooo270 are they cheap ones? Mine are and are horrible and heavy.

[@jooo270]

I had a pair of cheap brass to start. They were kinda soft and the tips bent a lot. Upgraded to Viola which is about $15 on their website site. Think Viola gives outstanding value for money. Have one pair of dumont curved brass that cost a lot...great, but overpriced. Think viola makes a great product for a reasonable price.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@jooo270 at some point I will get Dumont or Bergeon brass but I am so set into my steel ones which I don’t mark plates with .

[@andrewcripps9088]

How on earth does anyone get into this hobby ? Seems so daunting and complicated

[@truxton1000]

Little by little, step by step, for most people I think? I started with a caseback opener, a set of screwdrivers, strap removing tool etc. Then when you want to do more you buy another tool for that specific task, first the cheap £5 version and then when you realise that there are better tools you buy that too, and so it goes.

[@ricardomonroycaballero8563]

Traducción en español por favor, en españooooool.

[@WendyandGeoffPattison]

I look on tools a differently, I would rather buy the best in the first place, than buy cheaper and find out the hard way that I have to then buy better quality after all. Why waste money on rubbish in the first place. How many people have ruined a good watch with a cheap case back remover? Either by scratching it, or worse, cross threading it. And don't mention ceramic bezel inserts broken from being bent!

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@WendyandGeoffPattison that’s all very well but I am proof that cheaper tools can work. The message I like to say is that this hobby can be very expensive and that can put people off very early on yet it can still be very affordable. 1 work on cheap watches to start they are just as fun and you can learn. Upgrade kit to better stuff as you move through the hobby and work out what is important and what not so. Buy cheap but twice is very true but you have to start somewhere and no one would get into this if they know you will sink 5-10k into it. You need good hands free magnification , best possible tweezers and comfortable drivers that you learn to dress the blades with. Oh and some rodico & pegwood. With those alone you can strip and rebuild a watch.

[@Marek.D1982]

Pozdrawiam 🇵🇱