what springbar tool do you use?

fret_wimp2

I have 2 or 3 cheapo springbar tools but ive found they break very very easily.
I was thinking of going for the bergeon tool (6767 is about 25 quid, 6111 is almost 50 quid!)

Just wondering if anyone here has one or if not, what do you use?

On that, whats in your watch tool box?

johnthemull

I had the same problem with cheap springbar tools. They are a total waste of money. I bought a burgeon 6767 two years ago. It is still perfectly formed!
Worth forking out for one.

blue5000

Patience is a virtue when it comes to watch collecting. Same goes for watch repair tools. For springbars I use a combination of the leatherman and the red handled thumb tack! Leatherman also works nicely for casebacks with a bit of care.

The rest, a picture tells a thousand words, those are bergeon loupes, new, 99p each on the bay, 3 bergeon screwdrivers $25 used, I need a 1.4 mm though. Movement holders are chinese, about €6 delivered, they work ok. The box of watches are seiko 5's spares or repairs for practice/spares, I think I got 5 and 1 citizen for €40, one worked and has been sold on. 2 used dumont tweezers for about €6, could do with another one though. In the bubble wrap is rodico, £5 on the bay.

If you google nick hacko 7s26 tutorial it's a good place to start.

Ps. the wheel barrow is part of the table cloth in case anybody is wondering.

fret_wimp2

thanks guys.

Just ordered the 6767 bergeon springbar tool.
I have a few of the other bits and pieces ( cheap little vice like tool for removing watch pins, cheap screwdrivers, polishing cloths). Dont think movement holders & the like are necessary as im not confident enough in my watch servicing abilities to open any of my watches anyway.

Think it may be time to pick up a super cheap seiko 5 and have a play around with it though!

Umbongo uk

Youre not going to go far wrong with Bergeon - especially if your watch/es is/are at a price point where you don't want to mangle them...

...where tools are concerned - in all walks of life - I belong to the "you buy cheap, you spend twice" camp. Unless youre really only going to use it once or twice in its lifetime, or don't care what damage you might cause, a screwdriver ISNT just a screwdriver, a bracelet tool ISNT just a bracelet tool.

An old friend of mine, an engineer now retired, always says of tools - "Get the best you can afford - and always be aware of what the word "afford" actually means".

Thirdfox

Umbongo uk wrote: »

Youre not going to go far wrong with Bergeon - especially if your watch/es is/are at a price point where you don't want to mangle them...

...where tools are concerned - in all walks of life - I belong to the "you buy cheap, you spend twice" camp. Unless youre really only going to use it once or twice in its lifetime, or don't care what damage you might cause, a screwdriver ISNT just a screwdriver, a bracelet tool ISNT just a bracelet tool.

An old friend of mine, an engineer now retired, always says of tools - "Get the best you can afford - and always be aware of what the word "afford" actually means".

I'm going to advocate for the other side (had posted this in "places for springbar tools" thread already)

I bought this:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-5-Pieces-Lot-New-Watch-Band-Strap-Springbar-Watch-tool-Stainless-Steel-Replace-Watch/1743858662.html

5 springbar tools for €3.66 delivered. Always handy to have a few lying around the office, home etc. if I need to set the date (pusher) or remove a bracelet.

I had thought I'd need an ultra-thin Bergeon tool to remove my Speedmaster's bracelet but just discovered that's not true - the 80c tool works great.

Of course the workmanship's obviously not as good as a 6111/6767F and I believe 1 or 2 had some metal still stuck on the tips. Nothing I couldn't pick away with a fingernail however. It does the job however at the fraction of the cost of a Swiss tool.

To echo your friend, I'd say of my tools - "get the tools that fulfil your need - and always be aware of what you actually 'need' "

HDMI

I use one that I purchased from Crown and Buckle for $8 and extra spare tips for $1.50. http://www.crownandbuckle.com/accessories/spring-bar-tools/spring-bar-tool.html

Just got another today as a freebie from Steinhart. I emailed them asking if I could buy a spare link for one of their bracelets and they sent on two and a springbar tool for free.

Eoin

I got a freebie from Steinhart too, when I asked about spare screw pins.

I also got a cheapie springbar tool from eBay but with a bigger prong than most of them. I've found that while it may not be as accurate (not sure if that's the word) as the smaller ones, it means less digging around so overall it's easier on the watches. It's also kept its shape better.

fret_wimp2

free steinhart one is probably good enough, but just got to use the Bergeon last night and i can see why it costs what it does.
Is it overkill for me, changing straps a few times a year, probably, but i know it will last.