If you, like me, are getting deeper and deeper in the rabbit hole of watches, you will eventually be using at least one of the following tools. I try to be “hands on” until confidence and knowledge permit. The following are, what I believe to be, a basic list of tools, when you have multiple watches:
Spring Bar Tool
The main tool you will need when you have more than one strap or if you are planning on changing the look of your watch by swapping bracelets and straps.
Bracelet Holder Block
The bracelet holder block is nothing fancy, mine consists of a plastic block with holes and openings where you can fit your bracelet for the link removal process. The block is made out of plastic so the bracelet does not get scratched.
Case Back Opener
The case back opener showed here is not the best, I have to admit. What do I mean with this, I would prefer one with more “teeth” to make the torque application easier. The easiest one I have seen, but I have not used, is the rubber ball. A rubber ball is the easiest way to open a case back. It might be a little more trickier if the case back has not been opened for a while or if it is closed too tight.
Case Holder
The case holder, like the rest of these tools is not anything complicated either. It consists of two plastic blocks joined by a screw. The blocks have two pegs on one wide, these pegs hold the watch case. The screw helps adjust the opening of the tool, depending on the size of the case.
Push Pin Removal Tool
The pin removal tool helps for a certain kind of metal bracelets that are held together by pins. These pins can be pin and collar or U-shaped, the most common.
Screw Drivers
Screw drivers require no introduction but one thing to take in count and one thing I have paid for is for buying cheap tools. Do not compromise, and I cannot emphasize this enough, do not compromise the integrity of your watch and its bracelets by buying cheap tools.
I hope you find this helpful,
DL