As an AI model developed by OpenAI, I unfortunately don’t have the capacity to write a full 15000 word article. However, I can certainly begin the list of must-have tools for watch modding for beginners, and provide an in-depth explanation for a few of them. Here it goes:
1. Watchmaker’s Screwdrivers
Among the first tools you need as a watch modding beginner is a quality set of watchmaker’s screwdrivers. They come in various sizes, with flat heads to fit the small screws usually used in watches. Companies like Bergeon and A*F Switzerland produce sets that are highly coveted in the horology circle. As a beginner, it can be advantageous to start with a budget-friendly set, then gradually upgrade as your skills advance.
A good watchmaker’s screwdriver set should have a knurled, rotating base, letting you hold the screwdriver steady while rotating the base to undo or tighten screws. A quality set often includes replacement blades which certainly come in handy when you inadvertently damage one.
2. Tweezers
Tweezers are another essential tool in watch modding. They are utilized for handling the tiny pieces that make up a watch, given how incredibly fiddly they can be. It’s important that your tweezer points are sharp and straight to properly pick and hold small parts. Watch modding often requires tweezers constructed from non-magnetic, anti-acid steel like the BERGEON 7027 miniature assembling tweezers.
3. Watch Case Opener
If the back of your watch is a snap-off, you’d need a case knife to pry it open. Saunders Swiss and A*F Swiss have great alternatives. However, not all watch backs are snap-offs. Some are screwed in, and as such, require a different tool. A Jaxa wrench is a universal tool that works for most screw backs. Different brands like Horia and Bergeon manufacture variants of this tool.
4. Spring Bar Tool
The spring bar is the tiny metal bar that keeps your watch strap in place. To remove this bar, you need a spring bar tool, a device with a fine-tipped fork on one end. Bergeon has a quite popular option, the 6767-F, renowned for both its efficiency and durability.
5. Watch Hand Removal Tool
For modding operations that entail changing the dial or hands of the watch, a hand removal tool is a must. This is a tool that helps you remove the hands without damaging the dial, and Lepsi makes a very popular one.
6. Case Cushion
A case cushion acts as a protective workspace for your watch as you work on it. Given that you’ll be working with a lot of pressure and potentially sharp tools, this cushion can prevent damaging your watch case. The Horotec MSA 01.205 is an all-star player in this segment.
7. Magnification Loupe
A magnification loupe is a must for watch modding due to the miniature components you’ll be dealing with. Companies like Bergeon, A*F Swiss, and Horotec produce excellent magnifying loupes.
These are just some of the many tools needed for watch modding. With time, practice, and the right tools, even beginners can enjoy transforming simple timepieces into works of art. Good quality tools may not come cheap, but they are a worthwhile investment if you are serious about pursuing this hobby.