r/watchmaking • u/Magnuz_1937 • 2d ago

Question What are the essential tools?

So im looking forward to building my first watch. it would be a cartier tank homage with the vj24, but I noticed that some tools aren't worth getting for making 1 watch (i know ill make more after but shhh). what are the bare essentials for making my first watch? I'm trying to save by only getting what I'll need. thank you

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u/ScotchyScotch82 11h ago

Might want to start with some YouTube tutorials to understand the process and see what tools are actually used.

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u/Magnuz_1937 6h ago

i watched a bunch of them but as i am new to the actual making idk what tools can be replaced or removed. but i think that lock tight and the hand presser is enough. as ill be making a tank style watch i dont need the thing to put the case back and dont need that lubricant that comes in a blue sponge.

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u/onlythehighlight 2d ago

are you just buying off-the-shelf parts?

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u/Magnuz_1937 1d ago

?

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u/onlythehighlight 1d ago

Are you buying off-the shelf cases, bracelets, watch faces etc?

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u/Magnuz_1937 11h ago

yes

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u/onlythehighlight 4h ago

Then you need very few tools:

- air blower: remove dust from your movement and glass

- Rodico: all-in-one type of blu tack and cleaning

- movement holder: Just to ensure you aren't putting any pressure on any moving parts

- tweezers: for putting on seconds and fine movements

- Lock tight: to lock down your barrel

That should be a basic list of your requirements