Wristwatch Repair Tools?

[Cinneagh]

My Torgoen T16 wristwatch (http://www.torgoen.com/model.php?pid=84) needs a new battery and I would like to change it myself. Can anyone recommend a case wrench for waterproof watches? I guess I'll need to remove the metal band to get to the back so I'll need a pin tool. Will I need anything else?

I've found brands like L-G and SE on Amazon and this site (http://www.watchtoolworld.com/watch-tools2.html), but don't know enough about them to make an informed decision.

Does anyone on GJ work on their own watches?

Thanks in advance,
Jeremy

 

[fitz11]

I have done mine before. They sell the tools at harbor freight and they work fine for me.

 

[bart1]

Bergeon.

 

[Danglerb]

I"d post a question on a watch forum, no way to guess if a cheap set is functional for limited use or worthless, even if one of us had a set and used it you need opinions from people who have used different tools on different watches many times.

 

[kv501]

Bergeon; and you will get the best answers on watchuseek.com. It is the "main" forum for all things watch-related. Take my warning, though, if you are a watch enthusiast and haven't been there before, you will forever be hooked on yet another forum. You will also see one of the most high-volume and fast-moving classified sections around (get your PayPal account warmed up... )

 

[BHH]

Are you really saving much money by doing this? The peace of mind having a pro do it knowing the seal will properly be but back is worth a few bucks for sure!

Good luck though if you end up doing it.

 

[kv501]

My Torgoen T16 wristwatch (http://www.torgoen.com/model.php?pid=84) needs a new battery and I would like to change it myself. Can anyone recommend a case wrench for waterproof watches? I guess I'll need to remove the metal band to get to the back so I'll need a pin tool. Will I need anything else?

I've found brands like L-G and SE on Amazon and this site (http://www.watchtoolworld.com/watch-tools2.html), but don't know enough about them to make an informed decision.

Does anyone on GJ work on their own watches?

Thanks in advance,
Jeremy

I work on mine to the extent that I can. Crystal changes, bezel swaps, movement swaps, some regulating on Seiko automatics, etc. One of the best ways to get a screw-down case back off is with a big ball of duct tape. wad it up, press against the case back, and unscrew it. The duct tape doesn't leave any marks and grips well. Remember to relube the gasket and not pinch it when reinstalling.

Also, put masking tape on the crystal and do your work on a mouse pad (or similar soft material).

 

[Danglerb]

Are you really saving much money by doing this? The peace of mind having a pro do it knowing the seal will properly be but back is worth a few bucks for sure!

Good luck though if you end up doing it.

Likely not saving any money, but could be easier to buy tools and learn the basics than it is to find real pro and "leave your watch" needs to be honest as well.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Wow, that's a beautiful watch you've got there. Do Torgoen make any watches with automatic movements?

 

[american lockpicker]

Bergeon.

This. Its expensive but top of the line and Swiss made. Their tools are well designed and won't damage your watch like the cheap china tools will.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Bergeon; and you will get the best answers on watchuseek.com. It is the "main" forum for all things watch-related. Take my warning, though, if you are a watch enthusiast and haven't been there before, you will forever be hooked on yet another forum. You will also see one of the most high-volume and fast-moving classified sections around (get your PayPal account warmed up... )

I'm a member a "WUS" (go by Time4Fun) and also "Watch Geeks" too, bergeron is the best but I find a lot the guys go the cheaper route too. Thus having more money to spend on the vast hobbys we all have.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

I'm a member on WUS as well. Nice to see guys on GJ into watches, although it doesn't surprise me. I think the two hobbies are similar for those that appreciate good design and engineering

 

[BHH]

So are we turning this into a post your watch thread yet or what? haha

Here is mine from the micro box thread

 

[american lockpicker]

Some Swiss watches.

 

[bart1]

Bergeon; and you will get the best answers on watchuseek.com. It is the "main" forum for all things watch-related. ...

I'm a member a "WUS" (go by Time4Fun) ...

I'm a member on WUS as well...

I don't particularly care for WUS, but am a member there. The only watch forum I am at all active on is a private one.

As far as watches:

 

[american lockpicker]

Bart I'm thinking of getting a Rolex or Omega next year what do you recommend?

 

[Cinneagh]

Thanks for the helpful comments, guys. I'll take a look at watchuseek and go from there.

Best,
Jeremy

 

[bart1]

Bart I'm thinking of getting a Rolex or Omega next year what do you recommend?

What do you want? I like vintage Omega stuff for myself. The big one by the certificate is my Ploprof and still my favorite watch ever. I don't have any Rolex. You can say what you want about Rollies (there are a lot of both lovers and haters), but there is no other watch that you can turn into cash as readily anywhere in the world.

 

[american lockpicker]

I want a high quality Swiss made watch, willing to pay between $1000-8000, in stainless, automatic, highly water resistant. I was looking at Rolexes at first but Omega looks nice and has a lower cost. Oh and it has to be new and from an authorised dealer.