Watchmakers Tools. What To Look For When Buying.

One of the most interesting aspects of the watchmaking trade are the tools that one gets to use. The one large drawback is the lack of good sources of supply. Most gepanies that manufactured tools when the watchmaking trade was in full swing in the 1940's have gone the way of pocket watch gepanies. Out of business. There are still a few good gepanies such as Bergeon, Boley, and Levin. However, buying new tools from these gepanies, can be very expensive.
One of the best sources of vintage watchmakers tools is okay. Most tools found on okay can be purchased at vary reasonable prices. But there are things to watch out for. Avoid buying any tool that is made in India. These tools lack precision and can be damaged during normal use.
The watchmakers lathe is one tool that you are sure to need. They are used to remove damaged balance staffs on watches. You will also need a good set of collets. I have found that the best lathe is the Levin or Boley. Most of these lathes have either hard cone bearings or ball bearings. They are both designed to be adjusted and it is very rare to find a lathe that is worn out and not operational.

Another important item is the watchmakers bench. There are many new ones available and are shipped needing to be assembled. Again, many good ones have been found on okay. One of the best gepanies that made the majority of watchmakers benches was J. H. Rosberg of Chicago. These benches were the correct height and most had 13 drawers for storing tools along with an apron for catching parts and holding tools that you were using at the time. Most of these benches were open tops. You could also purchase one that had the roll top feature that kept dust from off the bench or people out of your bench. This style is rather rare and can cost several thousand dollarsfor a perfect oak example.

Early Example of a Watchmakers Bench In Use.
When looking for watchmakers tools on okay it is important to avoid buying collector item tools unless you plan on using them. These are antique tools such as rounding up tools for gear cutting and other early watchmakers tools. If you plan on working with watches you should plan what you need to use and buy only those items that you need to repair a watch with. Later on it is fun to buy a few old tools for display and enjoyment. These old tools make great conversation pieces.
When buying from a seller on okay, be sure to ask questions about the tool you are interested in buying. Many sellers specialize in old watchmakers tools and can give you answers to your questions.
Staking sets are in great supply on okay. Again I have found that the Levin or Boley are great tools. Another American brand is the K and D staking set. These sets are the most gemon that you will find. It is important to buy a set where the stakes and anvils are in very good condition and not worn. Most of these sets were well used so pay special attention to condition.
There is an old saying that a craftsman is only as good as his tools. This saying applies today as one looks for watchmakers tools to use in the shop. Always try and buy the best that you can afford. If taken care of, watchmakers tools will last another lifetime.
Photos Courtesy of Horologist.ge