Modding and tools

[BS62]

Anyone here do any modification to their watches?
Since realising that my Seiko SKX009 has a wonky chapter ring and misaligned hands I’ve found out modifying those watches is quite popular. I quite like the idea of getting into it, straightening some stuff and maybe even changing a couple of bits.

As with all tasks I guess it’s about having the right tools for the job, so what should I be looking at getting beforehand, so I don’t end up with a disassembled watch in a drawer?
Presumably one of those case opening wrenches...what about clamps, presses, pokey things, etc?
I’ve already got a few spring bar removal tools...

[Fallingup]

The most essential thing is to have a wife and child free home. Other than that it depends on what you intend doing. Sometimes you'll get away with a cheap ebay special. Sometimes nothing but Bergeon will do.

[skirk]

If you just want to do some basic mods....face..hands etc you will need :

Spring bar removal tool.
Case back rmoval tool.
Movement holder.
Watch hand removal tool.
Crystal press.
Hand fitting press.
Some rodico.
Little boxs for storing all the little bits.
Gloves.
A good mat.
A loupe and magnifying glass.

Cousins is the one stop shop for all this stuff....but some of the cheaper E-bay gear is ok .

Steady hands...

Edited by skirk on Wednesday 31st October 08:00

[BS62]

That’s the kind of list I was hoping for - thanks very much

[Dempsey1971]

skirk said:

If you just want to do some basic mods....face..hands etc you will need :

Spring bar removal tool.
Case back rmoval tool.
Movement holder.
Watch hand removal tool.
Crystal press.
Hand fitting press.
Some rodico.
Little boxs for storing all the little bits.
Gloves.
A good mat.
A loupe and magnifying glass.

Cousins is the one stop shop for all this stuff....but some of the cheaper E-bay gear is ok .

Steady hands...

Edited by skirk on Wednesday 31st October 08:00

I've modded a couple of Seiko's (both SKX's)

Spring bar removal tool. - small screwdriver works effectively (very small mind)
Case back removal tool. - rubber ball will do it
Movement holder. - Dunno, never used one.
Watch hand removal tool. - good tweezers work if you are careful (and lets face it, you have to be careful if you are doing this!!)
Crystal press. - Felt on a table and a heavy book
Hand fitting press. - tweezers again.
Some rodico. - Yep
Little boxs for storing all the little bits. - YES. THIS. Seriously, get some. Everything takes 10 times as long as you think, and you need somewhere t store stuff
Gloves. - good idea, but free from a garage forecourt
A good mat. - Big bit of white paper so you can see stuff
A loupe and magnifying glass. - Never need a loupe, but have a 'real light' magnifying angle poise lamp. Very handy.

Take your time, start small and simple, and enjoy the process. There's a great Youtube channel called ' Watch Repair Channel'. Watch and learn.