There are a zillion old watch-repair tools out there. Half the time, it’s nearly impossible to figure out what they do. But… the old-timers knew what they were doing and a lot of the tools will make a task much easier but you can go years before you need it.

Our shop recently acquired two new tools that I got to see and use today for the first time. Both are really excellent.

The first looks like a set of different sized aluminum capsules. They break in half and will accept different sized balance wheels and hold them perfectly (including the hairspring). The biggest is about the size of a large jellybean. When the other half is put on, the balance wheel is completely immobile except the outer rim is exposed. You can then safely and easily install, remove or adjust the timing screws without fear of bending the balance-wheel or harming the hairspring.

I am working on a 21J, Sangamo that has been causing me timing fits. After service, it ran very fast and I added timing washers. Then it would not time in all positions. We noticed that the mean-time screws were different and obviously replaced. We found matching gold screws and it timed perfectly and then went all to …. heck. We found that the new screws were a tad loose and had worked their way out. We changed screws again and broke one off and had to (somehow) get the broken piece out. Finally, we succeeded with screws that fit but then we had to take OUT the timing washers again. All this work would have really killed a balance wheel but with these gadgets, we did all that work, without damage.

The other gizmo is a tiny press that looks like a miniature staking tool and is used to press down hands. It has a variety of attachments to fit just about any size. I’ve used the ends of a tweezers or a staking tool to set hands but this gadget does it perfectly and the hands are absolutely level. No pressure or fear of slipping and scratching the dial either.

Neither tool is necessary to watch repair but they are certainly neat and handy… especially in difficult situations.