SteelCityShoes Posted February 14, 2018 Report Share Posted February 14, 2018 I’ve always used nylon dies and never had a problem, however my new ones are a lot softer and flex too much and as a result I’ve ended up breaking the face on a watch for the first time. So rather than risk something similar happening again, I’ve decided to invest a bit in some new and higher quality watch tools. I’m looking for recommendations for strap adjustments, back removers, presses and screws. I’ve always just had the basics for all these but if I’m going to start buying new equipment, I’d rather do it right. I don’t replace movements or glass as I wouldn’t have a clue where to start so I don’t need anything for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Posted February 14, 2018 Report Share Posted February 14, 2018 ht. I don’t replace movements or glass as I wouldn’t have a clue where to start so I don’t need anything for that Have someone show you how, you will be surprised, it's not difficult once you know how. SteelCityShoes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted February 15, 2018 Report Share Posted February 15, 2018 Quite a wide ranging question really. I would say, you don't have to go top of the range like Bergeon, I've always been fairly happy with A*F or even cousins own brand, especially their screwdrivers. Never had a problem with soft dies. Here are my favourite and most used tools, had them both over 15 years, they suit me well. A Seiko/citizen style case knife, and a steel spring loaded bracelet punch . SteelCityShoes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted February 16, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2018 I know it’s pretty open ended, but any suggestions for brands or specific equipment will be appreciated. Press dies for example, I’m assuming the metal ones are going to be better, but I’ve seen sets ranging from around £80 to £500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted February 16, 2018 Report Share Posted February 16, 2018 My dies I'm sure were just cousins own brand nylon, I would worry that metal would potential mark the casing/glass. As for occasionally breaking a glass, it will occasionally happen. I didn't break any between about 2014-2017, but have broken two this year ( both were avoidable, I should have taken more care/time). SteelCityShoes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted February 16, 2018 Report Share Posted February 16, 2018 I blame "Breaksit", lol. SteelCityShoes and kobblers 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Muppet Posted February 16, 2018 Report Share Posted February 16, 2018 You won’t go wrong with a robur tool for case back and glass replacement. You can still crack the glass though if not careful. You can use a cloth with the metal dies to stop scratching SteelCityShoes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted February 16, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2018 I’ve only used the lever style back press, does those screw down ones make much of a difference for stubborn backs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted February 16, 2018 Report Share Posted February 16, 2018 Obviously the robur, is better. But this one from cousins for £20 has always done it for me. I do need some new dies though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Best is cheapest at any price When it comes to watches imo spent the most you can afford what ever the tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted February 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Which press would you suggest Lee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 I own this press https://m.cousinsuk.com/sku/tools/press-dies-robur/press-robur/G0728?_=1518899944670 Along with these dies https://m.cousinsuk.com/sku/tools/press-dies-robur/die-set-robur/D0425?_=1518899944675 Which I use mainly for glass and stubborn backs And this press for day to day batteries https://m.cousinsuk.com/sku/tools/press-dies-horotec/press-push-fit-dies/C4675?_=1518900336785 And I use this for screw on backs https://m.cousinsuk.com/sku/tools/case-opening-universal-horotec/universal-case-back-tool-horotec/C44241?_=1518900336792 With other dies for more specific backs like Omega etc I never push a snap back on with my fingers and never use a hand tool for a screw on back. It looks more professional to the customers eye and eliminates risk. These tools where brought a long time ago and are low enough investment to be returned quickly. And that’s the approach I always use with watch tools nothings too much money when you think how quickly you return your money on batteries alone. Lee completelocks and SteelCityShoes 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 If you have a curved glass you can make a die specifically for the watch using polymorph https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/mindsets-polymorph-250g-n14at Ive used this when pressing glass into Armani etc by making a mould of the watch before removing the old glass then using my mould to press in the replacement. Heat it up put it in a metal die and press down your press (lightly) onto it to make the shape allow to harden, clean up on a grinder and hay presto a custom die SteelCityShoes, keithm, kobblers and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted February 18, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2018 Thanks Lee, that’s really helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Just looking at a new press, with the Robur one does it come with the center shaft and retaining spring or do these have to be purchased as well? On Cousins website they are priced individually but didn't know if they were spares! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Muppet Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 They are spares Michael 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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