Watchmaking Tools - Screwdrivers, which one to buy.

[@davidhindman2166]

I want to express my appreciation for your teachings. I have learned a great deal of knowledge from you. Please continue to teach. I am wanting to be like a sponge and take all you teach.

[@hifi-reparatur_eu]

You are a great teacher. Greets from germany.

[@davidhindman2166]

Greeting from USA. First off I enjoy listening to your instructions and I have learned so much from you. Thank you. I have found it quite difficult and frustrating to use the Bergeon mainspring winders. I have a full set of right hand winders 17 and the Handel. What I find hard is getting the mainspring into the slot as well as the “T” end into the barrel to place it in the spring barrel. How do I learn to better operate the winders. Especially with a “T” end spring?

[@snh4228]

I got the same Bergeon set for my first as well! I wasn't sure I needed to watch this video, but glad I did as I already learned something! I'll try out this new way of holding the screwdriver with the flat finger.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Great to hear Sean! Thank you for your support.

[@paulschumacker9901]

This tutorial is really valuable! There are many videos showing watchmakers at work, but very few that teach important fundamental skills. I learned how to use a jeweler’s screwdriver the hard way, and eventually adopted the exact style you show here. So thank you for these lessons!

[@walther9161]

Always start with the basics. Kalle is the best teacher online!!

[@paulg680]

Why aren't the screwdrivers hollow ground, so they make full contact into the slot of the screw? Screwdrivers for gunsmithing are designed that way, and they work very well with slotted screws.

[@osobad1127]

What does hollow ground mean?

[@reoman98]

I know straight razors so I think that just means instead of a straight angle at the tip like he’s sanding the tip runs parallel then rounds out. I think some people do cut their screwdrivers like this for working on watches.

[@EricBishard]

You mean screw drivers with a holy area? 😂

[@rkeller1ify]

I’ve had the same question; I am an armature gunsmith and good hollow ground screwdriver bits are an absolute must. I suspect it has to do with the size of watchmaking bits. I keep my watch screwdrivers sharpened just as indicated and i have never had a problem with the bit not fitting properly and slipping. Again, the screws on watches are minute and should not be torqued down as hard as on a firearm - it is my opinion that firearm screwed are most often overtightened to begin with. Tight and then just a bit; don’t over torque.

[@michaelfranciotti3900]

​@osobad1127 hard to describe in a comment. It's a type of blade geometry with concave bevels that result in a very thin edge. Look up pics for clarity.

[@rolandlumby9411]

I learnt stuff today. I need to park my cheap screwdriver set and get a better quality one! And, I tried your holding the screwdriver technique and...who knew...It works! Better control. Kalle you are a great teacher, thank you.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

That is so kind, Thnx Roland!

[@carlospagi]

I'm really enjoying these videos, thanks very much Kalle. :)

[@paulwilson3434]

Kelly is a Kenny Rogers fan and possibly a gambler. I gamble in wrist watch gang - for more expensive watches One of my favorites from them .

[@Black.D.D]

Hello, I discovered you today & I had a cheap degaussed set with a rotary holder but I have the exact same one from Bergeon that goes perfectly (from 50 to 200 and that goes perfectly and I like the grip of the rotary head on the screwdriver and the antistatic inox blades & the easiest way is to change a blade with tweezers & I never have to unscrew the screw that holds the screwdriver blade completely and lost a screw from one of the cheap screwdriver sets at the very beginning, I get along well with Bergeon but not with Bullongé or Augusta or what there are others and the thin corrugations ask for a complete hold) I as already mentioned in the first comment with the watchmaker's tweezers, I cannot thank you enough as a amateur watchmaker. I first worked on irreparable wirst watch movements and now I repair cheap Seikos where watchmakers in the Benelux where I live ask a lot of money or ship the watch, I ask 5€ & only very rarely but ask for patience & the spare part which I reorder. I can unscrew the barrel bridge, the hour wheel, but I don't dare touch the dial, although I've learned how to turn a movement off and on correctly, thanks to the coupling shaft, nipping and filing the balance wheel (but I have hellish respect for the balance wheel). But I thank you for that because I've never seen a decent tutorial video on how to properly grind and hold screwdrivers and tweezers at watchmakers, the screws often jump off. I would have found you a year ago, I read first watchmaker books and then watched their videos on videos and it wasn't until half a year later that I started doing it and I worked with irreparable movements for the first 2 months and then started with a cheap one from Amazon for €24 (which is already expensive) has cost an automatic movement with a rotor. Stay healthy and happy everyone. B

[@conornoble6205]

Thank you so much for creating this channel, I cant believe I have only just come across it now! Really appreciate your insights.. Thanks again

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Spread the word Conner! ;o)

[@SD321go]

So how do you decide which screwdriver to use on a given screw? Do you match the width of the screwdriver to the width of the slot or do you look at how the thickness of the screwdriver sits in the slot?

[@AlbertRasch-ev8uc]

Both. The driver must fill as much of the slot as possible in order to avoid damaging the screw head.

[@EricBishard]

I'm just getting started. I have researched the best set for under $60. I will definitely need a spare set anyways. I know that there are some Burgeon or Horotec in my future. I found a pair with interchangable inserts, I've been told that you can actually insert either horotec or burgeon into then, they also have a large head. Thanks for showing the best way to hold them. Makes sense BTW, my favorite part of your videos is the clock tower chiming in the background. 😉

[@a1nelson]

Great pro-tip with the modified finger grip. Makes sense. Thanks!

[@jackjax7921]

I like the way you say "For Me." lol great video Sir.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

LOL, Thnx Jack!

[@watchfan4]

Your videos are so good! Helpful, entertaining and very good even if youre just a beginner. Thanks for your content!

[@watster]

Happy to see I now have the right ones. I started out with a crappy set, though. I could take stuff apart with it, but it was not great when I tried to put it back together. :D Also, thank you for inspiring me to clean my desk. I had way too much stuff on it. Now it is a lot better.

[@BEACHYz]

Thank you for sharing. This is really helpful for us New people and probably stopped me from butchering watches. Question, what was the book you used the demonstration the screw driver use? Thnx again

[@stephenoliver1437]

I’ve Bergeon but I wish they still made Savoy they looked well made and solid stainless left it too late stopped manufacturing in the nineties believe they were French made. My bergeon chrome is now wearing away but do job must be at least forty years old still do the job in use

[@marekeos]

I'm so glad I found your channel. A well of information. Thank you for making these videos!

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Thank you for your kind words and support!

[@tommusikauswahl1066]

Hi Kalle, bedankt ond goden gedan! Thank you very much for the helpfull Videos. As a new Hobby-Uhrenschrauber i really appreciate your Work. Especially you kind and newbie friendly attitude. Cheers from a Neighbour-Country. Tom

[@paulwilson3434]

Very helpful Kelly. Great teacher 👨‍🏫

[@valdachef]

This is very good thank you, I will go over my screwdriver's now!

[@rzvn89]

Great video! I am getting into watchmaking at the moment. Took apart a few movements and serviced them. Got some of them to work too (very proud of that!). Learning a lot from your videos. Keem them coming!

[@rakshankumar1115]

Woww watchmaking. How its going on?

[@kswaminathan5439]

Thank you very much for this educational video. Really learnt a lot.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Thank you so much for your support

[@ben10san87]

Hello sir, good day, I need help , I am now starting to make watch overhauling a hobby.. and now I am dismantling a Seiko 7s26 movement .. my problem is there is a small Philip screw mounted in the date side of the watch. And I am looking what size of screw driver I need to use. I have visited plenty stores but I can't find such screw driver to this bolt. Thanks God bless

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the video: Gunsmith's screwdrivers have a different tip, they are flat for about the first (about) 25% then curve outward to the taper, I need a small high quality set for working on special projects, are there such a set available in the sizes you have ? Anyone feel free to answer..

[@Orchidworld41]

Hello Kalle. I tried to found on the web a similar Arkansas stone with a magnetic wood cover without success. Did you installed magnets yourself ? If not, could you provide a web link to this Arkansas stone ? Thanks in advance. Bests regards.

[@Fischi4711]

You are so correct. Don't try to save money on the screwdrivers. I use exactly the same set as you do. I just experienced the problem of wide slot screws on a Glashütte Original GUB 10-30. I had a spare middle quality "travel" set I shaped down to fit and it was a big difference.

[@2K9s]

If the Bergeon or horofix blades fit, can one swap those for cheap blades in the body? Thx

[@Cpchi]

Really helpful. Thank you so much

[@jwoodyr1]

Thanks for another great video! This content is very informative and helpful. I'm looking forward to using the techniques. I need to get a stone! Thanks again!!!

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Oliver or Sharon? ;o)

[@spidiq8]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Could be rolling? 😁

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

LOL!!!!

[@jwoodyr1]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Given those choices, Sharon ...... definitely Sharon.

[@sylversyrfer6894]

Wonderful video! Thank you!!

[@richardsalinetrojr1957]

My fist set of screwdrivers were made from a company called Timelab from South Korea.they didn't feel like a bad set especially for if memory serves me correct like $50 here in the states.since having and using those I've bought a few bergeon screwdrivers and the difference between them is unreal.for a hobbiest like myself the timelab will probably work great for a lifetime but found that with the bergeon I for some reason have a lot more control.not only do I feel I have more control but the bergeon seem to fit screw heads 10x better than the timelabs do so needless to say I replaced all screwdrivers with bergeon and now use the timelab screwdrivers for other things such as for my oakley sunglass collection,r/c vehicles and whatnot.bergeon do come with a rather hefty price tag but I know my work will be of better quality(even though it's a hobby and not doing it professionally)and they will literally last me my whole life and maybe even my grandsons assuming he may take up the watchmakers hobby like grandpa here in the future.god,even after 6yrs it still feels weird calling myself grandpa at the age of 43 but cant complain though because my daughter and grandson are my world and I have no clue where I'd be without them.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

So nice to hear from you Richard!

[@2K9s]

Richard, are you aware of esslinger in the states? They have everything and more for watchmaking, plus their prices are impossible to beat. Congratulations gramps 😅

[@EasternTriad]

When I first started out, I got what you might refer to as an amalgamated set: it was five screwdrivers with stainless steel body and knurled shaft that came as a set and then four with the rubberized shaft and bigger top that I purchased individually. It was very confusing - especially as a beginner - to find yourself in a sea of screwdriver sets not knowing precisely the benefits of one type over the other. Lesson learned. Had this video been available way back at the time of my choosing, I would have made a much more informative purchase. Great video and great content, by the way! 👍

[@kp4181]

I think this was asked previously. What is the book in this video?

[@dr.s.p.]

Very nice. Good advice for people just starting out in watch repair and applaud your presentation once again. I myself got piqued for Horology by friends of mine where I live by folk at Roger Smith’s little place, (Roger being a student of Dr George Daniels) and my biggest starting concern at the start of my journey was choice of screwdrivers that truly will work versus the cost of what seemed to me was exorbitantly priced sets of screwdrivers that were supposedly so much better. I was told that to start with I should get a mid price range set. Perhaps change again and again in testing to see what’s personally best in grip and feel. Try different styles and grips. Once you find ones’ you like, then buy the best inserts on the market and fit them in the drivers you like, or perhaps invest and buy the original set that yours is a copy of. Cheap inserts certainly do more damage, deform, break and ultimately fail for the ‘on-the-road’ beginner, plus having quality inserts betters one’s work. So once again I believe it’s great advice from your presentation and hard learned lessons being freely passed on for the good of new watchmakers.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

I've been using Eurotool screw drivers. They say made in France like the A*F Switzerland ones and seem to be as good as Bergeon.

[@oto3490]

Could you tell me if you prefer the aluminium set or the stainless steel? ty

[@lobdsk]

I just realized something. Are you making the screwdriver more tapered by sharpening your screwdriver. If it’s more tapered won’t it go to the bottom of the screw

[@davestorr6764]

Interesting and informative. Great video 👍

[@mark_clift]

Thank you for the advice. May I ask the name of the book you referenced in the video?

[@peterhawley6273]

Will have to try holding the way you showed us 👍

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Hope it's helpful Peter!

[@TheSpeedyStevie]

Very useful, love your work

[@RocketSailing]

Great info! Bought my first screwdriver kit 6 months ago. The only tool I decided to go for real quality, when setting my hobby shop up. The other ones.. Well, one have to spend money atleast twise, when buying cheap, or very cheap tools :) Anyway, the Bergeon with POM heads, are very nice indeed. Very smooth and stable, as you say. Found my self having the finger on top both ways as you decribe. But sometimes it feels a little aqward with the top further down the index finger. Cheers, now its time to rock friday night! :)

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Rock on! ;o)

[@steinskotmyr2194]

Very interesting. But I soon found out that the most important thing with the screwdrivers are that they are really antimagnetic. Even the smallest amount of magnetic property will ruin your patients on the tiniest screws. It is in fact better if the screwdriver is magnetic enough the really hold on to the screw rather than a small amount of remanens magnetism that will drag the screw out of position.

[@BelleHeure]

Kalle, why not explain the sharpening roller, it would sharpening the srewdrivers a lot better and easyer for most people. (I use it almost every day) For the rest nice video!

[@mohameda.sattar3020]

Really fantastic

[@fawazmohammad8610]

Thank you

[@p0ln]

please get a 4k camera, the 720p doesn't cut it for the work you do

[@reallycooluleh]

Great video, and you're right - many surprises I wasn't expecting. I have a question regarding shaping the screwdriver head. When using the arkansaw stone, should you be aiming to put a steepish angle/taper on the screwdriver head so that the screwdriver head makes contact on the screws edges without touching the bottom? if that doesn't make sense let me know and I will try and rephrase it.

[@sibalogh]

That's what he says and explained by the sketch.

[@2K9s]

I’m a bit late, but esslinger has a jig that sets the correct profile included with a two sided stone. They also carry a rolling guide tool if one already has stones.

[@vesselingenadiev2526]

Kalle, thank you for the video, very helpful ... as always :-) One idea for a future video - how to fix/shape the overcoil part of a Breguet hairspring (basically the last part of the spring which lays in a different surface from the rest of the spring, the part which is above the rest of the spring). Thanks in advance!

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Excellent idea, hard to make visible, but i'll keep it in mind Vesselin. Thank you for your support!

[@vesselingenadiev2526]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Thank you too and big thanks for the knowledge sharing, this is amazing

[@vesselingenadiev2526]

And one other idea - how to exchange a hairspring with a spare one (how to measure the right length of the spring, how to properly cut the excess, how to mount the collet and the stud, how to shape the end of the spring, etc. )

[@ukaszmichalczak1410]

What is the gradation of the stone?

[@TheInvisibullman]

Such an important topic 👍🏻

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

It is Dave, I fully agree.

[@theUsamatube]

Thank you very much for the useful information, in case I need a single screwdriver to only resize the bracelets of my Rolex and Omega, do I still need to sharpen the screwdriver, and what is the suitable size screwdriver for resizing the bracelet since I don't need all these screwdrivers? thank you once again

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

The correct size will be just about the same size as the screw head to apply the force evenly but slightly smaller not to damage the surrounding material. Please do not take any risk at your precious collection. get a few watches from the thrift shop first and practice.

[@theUsamatube]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Thank you very much for the information and for fantastic useful videos, thumps up

[@rajshah7918]

It’s difficult to select best quality as well as exact type of screw driver set. Can you recommend ?

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Im retired and with I could be there as an free Intern. so much good techniques.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

All experience is welcome Ed!

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

Great advice!

[@Patriot-rising]

It is rather weird to see how a screwdriver sould fit the screw slot. Another area where screwdrivers are so important when it comes to fit is gunsmithing. With gunsmithing however they suggest hollow ground over flat ground. Hinsmiths are taught that a flat ground will destroy screw heads. At first I thought is was more about the torque being used for gunsmithing. But that isn't the case and there are actions out there with pretty small screws as well. Maybe why we are seeing more torx screws being used today. I am not sure why watch manufacturers do not use torx or something equivalent. I have a decent set of Bergeon screwdrivers. I also have a great set of Horotec. My favorites however are early Welsh and Bestfit. K&D made some great early offerings as well. Vigor makes really nice interchangeable tip screwdrivers that have a bearing in the index cap. They are very comfortable to use. Bergeon has a quick change driver out now as well. I have yet to handle one. I love working on movements. I have had to go over to a inspection magnifier with screen. Unfortunately my eyes just do not handle a loupe well anymore. And if I have to use a loupe the magnification is so high I get a headache. Pretty soon I will have to give up my love for working on movements. Kinds a shame considering how many high end watches I own and service myself. I'll miss it. Thank you for tbe grand upload and time you spent to walk people through it. This is what makes the KZbin watch community so great.

[@tradergrynch]

Insightful as always

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Thnx! Much more to come.

[@gabriellovesAmerica777]

Can you give a review on the best tool brands.

[@kazochrymowicz3076]

Such important information. Excellent explanation. Just subscribed to your channel. Thanks a lot. BTW Neuchâtel . Friend of mine lives there.

[@rockbod]

Good morning. Can you show the Bergein screw driver sharpener?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

I believe I have one laying somewhere, but i never use it. For me a solution for a non exicting problem. By hand is so much easier and with more control.

[@ioan4120]

Great movie! Arkansas stone, which grit size do you recommend?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

If possible order Fine and Extra Fine.

[@denismzs]

I like the intro clip

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Hahahaha Thnx!

[@mikederasmo7621]

iam a new SUB !! loooove this video!!!!

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Welcome Mike!

[@julleboy90]

Big fan, learned so most from you. 😁 have purchased a small set of Bergeon screwdriver and arkonston stone. but have a question what kind of spare blades do you buy, hardened steel or stainless steel?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

We use the standard Bergeon inserts, if you keep them nice and sharp, you’ll won’t need to buy any for many years.

[@4godandcountry663]

I had a question for you. I am on a low budget right now but I want to get into fixing watches. If I get a inexpensive precision screwdriver set that has enter changeable drivers to make them better would it be a good idea to put them through a hardening process by heating them up and quenching them in oil?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

The quality of the metal (or alloy) is usually the problem with cheaper tools.

[@eletrizuados]

Dear my bergeon white screwdriver broken the tip inside of body of screwdriver! How can i extract the tip?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

You can try to put it upside down in the ultrasonic cleaner. Hopefully it will come out.

[@antnew176]

Thanks for excellent video. Do you prefer the screwdriver body to be aluminium or stainless steel or it doesn't matter?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Hi There! The body isn't really that important, but i personally prefer SS. Thank you for your support!

[@jwoodyr1]

According to Google, Arkansas stones are available in 4 types: Soft, Hard (fine?), Black and Translucent (extra fine?). It seems Otto Frei sell only fine and extra fine. Which type/fineness do you recommend? Thanks!

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Probably extra fine will do nicely.

[@VitoMeuli]

I'm a newbee here, but I read a lot about this very question. What I found is: stay away from Soft, it's too coarse. I guess hard (fine) should be ok. I went for the best, translucent (extra fine), it was around 30$. I guess "black surgical" and "translucent" are good the same, they are the finest.

[@tillstovesand-ruge2004]

Another great video :) Thank you again for spreading the knowlegde. I feel way more prepared to go shopping now :)

[@hak9669]

Thanks again like the video

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Thnx for your support Hakan!

[@harrybond007]

I think Kalle has lost some weight!, looks good!

[@Watchmakinghobby]

3:40 I naturally held screwdrivers that way since the first day

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Excellent

[@theflyingdutchman787]

I didn’t think I would learn anything on this subject. I was wrong.

[@CrownAndMainspring]

A lot of ads to suffer through but I enjoyed the tutorial. Gracias!

[@RandomRestore]

Now Im waiting on the postman to drop by.. Arkenson Stone on it way 🍻

[@RandomRestore]

☕

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Atleast he always rings twice! ;o)

[@equaliser2265]

Bergeon

[@Watchmaker_Andra]

I use VOH , never use any Bergeon product .

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Everybody has got their own taste in products, it's the result that counts.

[@RogueCylon]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking maybe so. But the newer Bergeon are substandard. Whereas the VOH are quality.

[@Tiocacike]

My first purchase whas a chinese screwdriver... Now i use this set for anything other than no is screwing, whas an horrorous set, now i use a complete french set ive seen on ebay. And the quality is enougth for my amateur use.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Cool, thnx for sharing, interesting!

[@byronscott2732]

Bait and switch comes next video. This course is NOT free, even though it's advertised as such. Ironically, I would have paid the $5 a month fee, if it had been promoted that way from the beginning. But if you're going to use corporate hustle tactics, I'm out.

[@yambo59]

PLEASE get to the point-!!!

[@jameyzell8270]

REALLY??? 15 minutes long on this subject?!?!? Imagine you actually getting the REAL message out in about 7 Minutes... No more then 10 Minutes. This is just too slow! You should make a video that shows paint drying after you put it on...Js

[@martinsailjocasta9399]

Thank you my favourite teacher... please do not think I'm a clever dicky but are they MAGNETS 🧲 on your stone box?...is their presence not undesirable😮?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

those are luckily not so strong, they present no problem.

[@martinsailjocasta9399]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Ty for your kind prompt response...you are a real person!... enjoying your Heneken 5%...more popular than Amstel in Amsterdam?...cheers!...M.

[@ukaszmichalczak1410]

What is the gradation of the stone?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Thank you so much! Very kind. We use refine and extra fine grid Arkansas stone.