Repair & Maintenance tools for the Novice

[Spurlock]

Hey gang, just like I said in my intro last week, I'm a novice. And I mean, so new that I have never changed straps/bracelets or batteries in my quartz models by myself. So, I'd like to learn to do a basic strap or bracelet change and realize I'd need to have a specific tool besides my Gerber knife to pry the spring pins. I plan to search YouTube for howto videos, but I wanted to bring this novice question to the experts at DWC in case there is another noob out there like me who doesn't want to mar up their timepiece.

Also, a list of basic things to have would be great as well as places to pick them up that are reasonably inexpensive. Thanks for the help!!

[59yukon01]

Hey Steve, fellow Kentuckian here. For starters buy a cheap watch tool kit off the bay for about $15. It's more than paid for itself for me as I now do all my own bracelet sizing. Brad now has your extra links also.

Watch Repair Tool Kit Opener Link Remover Spring Bar Free Hammer w Carry Case Does not apply | eBay
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Watch-Repair-Tool ... nav=SEARCH

[marchone]

Buy a cheap beater to practice on. It will save a lot of heartache.

[Spurlock]

Hey Steve, fellow Kentuckian here. For starters buy a cheap watch tool kit off the bay for about $15. It's more than paid for itself for me as I now do all my own bracelet sizing. Brad now has your extra links also.

Watch Repair Tool Kit Opener Link Remover Spring Bar Free Hammer w Carry Case Does not apply | eBay
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Watch-Repair-Tool ... nav=SEARCH

Awesome!! Will be looking for one on there today. I was also thinking about getting one of those magnifying lights for my office too, so I was kinda already in the market for one of those. And I appreciate the links for my monster! Brad said you guys had already worked that out which is way cool!

[blowfish89]

Many people will suggest you to get a Bergeon springbar tool which is a good idea.
Alternatively, Get the first tool on this page - http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html - its the same as the Bergeon without the branding thus much cheaper, and it makes strap changes really easy. This tool does not have a pin point - I use a thumb tack push pin for that (for steel bracelet installation and removal and for watches with drilled lugs) and these two are all I need.
If you really buy them from Ofrei, get a cheap rubber tropic strap as well, and maybe some extra springbars - this is what I did to justify the high shipping cost and taxes lol.

[jswing]

Tape. Especially if you're changing straps on a watch without drilled lugs, taping the lugs and surrounding area will prevent a lot of scratching. And cursing.

[DenverBuff]

Hey gang, just like I said in my intro last week, I'm a novice. And I mean, so new that I have never changed straps/bracelets or batteries in my quartz models by myself. So, I'd like to learn to do a basic strap or bracelet change and realize I'd need to have a specific tool besides my Gerber knife to pry the spring pins. I plan to search YouTube for howto videos, but I wanted to bring this novice question to the experts at DWC in case there is another noob out there like me who doesn't want to mar up their timepiece.

Also, a list of basic things to have would be great as well as places to pick them up that are reasonably inexpensive. Thanks for the help!!

I bought one of these kits off Amazon - surprisingly good quality. Has damn-near everything you need for cheap. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WWM ... ge_o03_s00

Sizing bracelets is a snap once you do a couple. For real fun, try removing the snap-on caseback to change the battery on a $30 Timex . Bring falconers gloves.

[serdal22]

I have been buying double shoulder (flap?) spring bars for the last two years. I find them very easy to remove from the lugs.

Serdal

[mfxr]

Many people will suggest you to get a Bergeon springbar tool which is a good idea.
Alternatively, Get the first tool on this page - http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html - its the same as the Bergeon without the branding thus much cheaper, and it makes strap changes really easy. This tool does not have a pin point - I use a thumb tack push pin for that (for steel bracelet installation and removal and for watches with drilled lugs) and these two are all I need.
If you really buy them from Ofrei, get a cheap rubber tropic strap as well, and maybe some extra springbars - this is what I did to justify the high shipping cost and taxes lol.

That tool from Ofrei is a good start for a quality tool (and it does have a pin end, it is on the reverse end of the narrow fork)

tool.jpg

A good set of jewellers screwdrivers is also very helpful for bracelets with screws.

[BSears]

I have that Bergeon knock off tool and yes the small fork end is reversible. And that is one indispensable tool. And tape. Plenty of tape. Never convince yourself you won't scratch the case back or the lugs because you are extra careful as that is exactly when you will make a giant gouge that will not buff out.

[toxicavenger]

oh and always take a shot of booze beforehand to steady the nerves

[Chronos]

Duct tape, a roll of plastic sheeting, rope, and a knife.

If you fail at watch repair you can still kill someone. Without all that messy cleanup.

[sierra11b]

Tried to do this once: http://www.thedivewatchconnection.com/f ... =2&t=42731

Let's hope this one gains some steam. I'd really like to find the perfect Rolex ref.3200 alternative.

[toxicavenger]

Duct tape, a roll of plastic sheeting, rope, and a knife.

If you fail at watch repair you can still kill someone. Without all that messy cleanup.

:

[justsellbrgs]

If you buy Seikos please remember some models have collars on the bracelet pins........ most people that have had Seikos and sized bracelets have missing collars all over their work area --- lost

[sierra11b]

If you buy Seikos please remember some models have collars on the bracelet pins........ most people that have had Seikos and sized bracelets have missing collars all over their work area --- lost

And never take a Seiko to your local jeweler. They will lose the pins. You'll think everything is just peachy until your watch crashes to the pavement. Happened to a buddy.

-Screw-type Pin Pusher (FB-506)
-Forceps to pull the pins
-Tape wrapped around to make a double-sided piece to secure the pins and collars.
-A hard surface (granite counter top) to drive the pins back 90% of the way at which point you drive the other 10% with the pin pusher.

Done in a couple minutes flat.

[Spurlock]

everyone!! Thanks for all the tips! Especially the drop cloth! Haha