Let's forget who made it, cost & country of origin.
Just concentrate on the quality and construction and of course the magnetic properties and composition of the metal.
Ball bearing, swivel heads and friction swivel heads. Which do you prefer? Set screw blades or Ferrell type, which usually have a double ended blade.
How about somebody putting a flat spot (Surface) on the swivel head or shank so it don't roll off the bench!
Last but not least are they hollow ground or straight grind?
I have a cheap set $30.00 that I bought when I started and for the last 6 months a set of 9 Bergeon's in the box. To tell you the truth, other than the flat area on the swivel I can't tell the difference. If the set screw comes loose fill the hole with bees wax and put the screw back in. I also might lock it in by putting a little dab of fingernail polish on the head after I tighten it up.
Don't ask why I started this. I don't have a clue......Which do you prefer? Set screw or Collet lock

I wish I could afford expensive screwdrivers to see if there is a difference. Im sure there is a difference, but long ago I bought this cheaper set of 9 on ebay for $22 in a wooden box with an extra set of blades and they still work just fine. I have probably used them to repair/coa at least 100 watches.

I'm not a watchmaker nor do even take them apart to clean them. Mostly I swap movements etc to get everything back to period the best I can.
I have a Bergeon set of 9 I bought at a local auction for $10 several years ago. I also have a set of 6 Anchor that I paid $6.99 brand new. I use both sets mix and match, very seldom can I tell the difference. Of course, the $6.99 ones probably have Bergeon tips in them all by now.
Bill

I use the French ones..they're really smooth and still pretty cheap. I get the replacement blades from Otto Frei..

I have a set on a swivel stand I got from feebay years ago for around 20 bucks or so. They're ok but I'm considering the ones you mention from Otto Frei.

Screwdriver handles with the side locking screw that picks up the flat on the root end of the screwdriver blade are available that "look the same" from all over. 20-30 bucks should get you into a decent set from Amazon;

http://www.amazon.com/Screwdri...ewelers+screwdrivers

You need good steel blades (O. Freis are Good steel) that are sharp! Best deal at Micromark! For 20 bucks you get the sharpener, tool, stone and wooden base!
http://www.micromark.com/screw...sharpener,10288.html

I have the Bergeon, and the French sets, but I really like the French better.

They both have the set screws, and I have had no problems with them.

I really like that Sharpener also Dave.

For some reason, perhaps the better fit in the screw head, I am lean toward the hollow ground blades but the price is very high and the sharpener for them is pushing $300.00. Cas-Ker has a set of French Hortec (6) in a rotary stand, set screw, straight blade that I am considering as well as the VOH, Swiss set of 12 but they are $275.00.
Like Lawrence said, I am leaning toward the French. I would sell my Bergeon 3009 to make the change.

Has anyone seen/tried the new bergeon 6899's? New comfort design. They look nice and are on sale at otto frei right now. the 10 piece with swivel base is on sale for 225$ right now. they look nice.