Tools Recommendations

[KoNhEi]

I have the current Air King and Batgirl. I would like to know what tools are recommended to work on the links and micro adjustment on my watches. Thank you!

[EEpro]

This has the size and shape tips you need.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

This is used to compress spring bars in your buckle (micro adjust) or bracelet to watch head location.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/

[KatGirl]

You don’t need to spend lots of money on watch tools. I do have the tweezers shown, but bought a cheap set of watch screwdrivers on Amazon. They sell whole watch tool kits on Amazon, as well. I bought this one:



Less than $20, and has anything you will need, including a tool to remove the bracelet. Start watching YouTube tutorials. Good luck.

Kat


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[Cassian739]

Originally Posted by EEpro

This has the size and shape tips you need.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

This is used to compress spring bars in your buckle (micro adjust) or bracelet to watch head location.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/

Good list. The only thing I would add is that unless you are really good with spring bars, consider these more expensive watch bracelet pliers. It's really easy to scratch lugs if springbars slip.

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-68...tch-band-tool/

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

You don’t need to spend lots of money on watch tools. I do have the tweezers shown, but bought a cheap set of watch screwdrivers on Amazon. They sell whole watch tool kits on Amazon, as well. I bought this one:



Less than $20, and has anything you will need, including a tool to remove the bracelet. Start watching YouTube tutorials. Good luck.

Kat


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Just be careful on some inferior tools with soft metal tips which bend and mess up the screwheads on the watch.

[drc73]

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-t-...-spare-blades/

[Mystro]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=932525

[CarlOver]

Do not buy from watchscrewdriver.com.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Just be careful on some inferior tools with soft metal tips which bend and mess up the screwheads on the watch.

I’ve never had that happen. I have bent, and even broken the tips off pin pushers, though.

Kat


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[london_v]

Originally Posted by KoNhEi

I have the current Air King and Batgirl. I would like to know what tools are recommended to work on the links and micro adjustment on my watches. Thank you!

Get the proper tool. https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

[TikTok]

Most seem to recommend Horofix from Esslinger.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a UK supplier cos Esslinger don't ship to the UK.

[london_v]

Originally Posted by TikTok

Most seem to recommend Horofix from Esslinger.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a UK supplier cos Esslinger don't ship to the UK.

I hear you. I had to get a US-based family member to bring one back for me on their visit to London.

Cousins is a U.K. site you can order from. I’ve used them before but A) they don’t supply the correct 1.7mm size and B) their screw tips are prone to breaking which happened to mine. Their response was this is normal!

Try to get someone to buy from US and bring to you. Or….use it as an excuse to plan a trip to the US!

[TikTok]

Originally Posted by london_v

Or….use it as an excuse to plan a trip to the US!

Now that is a plan. Thanks.

[ninjin]

For bracelets, the best fit and maximum torque is hollow ground type. I've a set of 5, I purchased years ago for $35. Covered all bracelets screws I've come across. I think similar prices online nowadays.

[yankeeromeo]

Always recommend is this tool

bergeon 7825 spring bar tool

This can save a lot of unnecessary damage

Also a bit of Heat Resistant Tape
Temperature Thermal Insulation Polyimide

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by EEpro

This has the size and shape tips you need.
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

^^^ +1

As for spring bar tool, there are many great tools of various types. For me, and this is my personal preference, is for the 'Premium Spring Bar Removal Tool'. It's also great for re-attaching spring bars as well.

i change A LOT of straps and bracelets during the year.

https://www.esslinger.com/premium-sp...-removal-tool/

_n.jpg

[garyk]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

You don’t need to spend lots of money on watch tools. I do have the tweezers shown, but bought a cheap set of watch screwdrivers on Amazon. They sell whole watch tool kits on Amazon, as well. I bought this one:



Less than $20, and has anything you will need, including a tool to remove the bracelet. Start watching YouTube tutorials. Good luck.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Comes in very handy to replace batteries in quartz watches my wife and I own. Also, I must have dozens of straps which I’m constantly changing on my watches. Nice tool kit actually Kat

[garyk]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I’ve never had that happen. I have bent, and even broken the tips off pin pushers, though.

Kat


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Yep, I hate it when it does that

[ajw99]

Wear magnifying glasses, they are a huge help to see more precisely, especially touch / contact points in precision work. They can be simple ones from CVS or the kind that wrap around your head (which look dorky and function amazingly well; see photo).

For beginners (and even pros), use blue tape to cover areas around where you are using the tools so that if the tool slips, you don't scratch things up.

Don't use cheap tools. You don't need to overspend but if you think something is cheap and/or not working quite right, don't use it. Either the tool is junk and/or you are the problem. Regardless, stop and pause and re-evaluate.

The first few times can be nerve-wracking but then it becomes second nature and quite simple. Never get lazy but the comfort grows quite fast, fortunately.

I'm the opposite of being a Mister Handyman but am comfortable even changing out gold watch finicky bracelet links. So there's hope for everyone!

[ninjin]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

^^^ +1

As for spring bar tool, there are many great tools of various types. For me, and this is my personal preference, is for the 'Premium Spring Bar Removal Tool'. It's also great for re-attaching spring bars as well.

i change A LOT of straps and bracelets during the year.

https://www.esslinger.com/premium-sp...-removal-tool/

Attachment 1417402

Thats some serious mark up by Esslinger!

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by ninjin

Thats some serious mark up by Esslinger!

I'll sell you mine for $99