What Makes a Good Watchmaking Tool
A look inside our Pro Tool Kit
Pro tool kit upgrade is more than just the box
Watchmaking demands precision tools. We know all too well the frustration of not having the right tool for the job. Just a fraction of a millimeter off of the tip of a screwdriver, and that’s the difference between a dinked screw and a perfect screw.
Our Pro Tool Kit, an in-house design from top to bottom, is created with this in mind. A step up from the basic watchmaking kit, it is a collection of tools custom made to high precision and premium quality, focusing on the aspects that impact the watchmaking experience the most. Here are the thoughts that went into each of these tools:
CNC precision machined screwdriver
What it needs:
The screwdriver needs a precise tip thickness to fit the screw slot to a tee. Too thin, there’ll be less grip on the screw and prone to slippage, too thick, it won’t even fit the screw
It also needs to turn smoothly
What we designed:
The tip of the screwdriver is CNC machined to achieve the high precision it requires. Two sizes, one for rotor screw and one for movement screws, are included
The handle is made with a fine anti slip pattern to aid turning
The finger rest on top is equipped with premium ball bearings inside. Each turn is smooth and effortless
Hand installation tool
What it needs:
Precise tips to fit the hands so that there’s less chance of slippage. We don’t want to scratch the hands, so soft materials as well.
Also, we need good ergonomics to make good control effortless.
What we designed:
Equipped with interchangeable tips, with features such as, 1. High precision opening to fit each hand closely, 2. Made with plastic so it won’t damage the hands, 3. Transparent material that allows you to see the alignment during hand installation
Premium anti slip pattern on handle
Finger rest with premium ball bearings
Hand removal tool
What it needs:
A good tip angle to provide good leverage
What we designed:
After extensive experiments, we came up with a re-engineered tip curvature to provide the optimal angle for hand removal
The curved bottom, along with its polished surface, lessens the chance of scratching the dial or the movement
Case cushion
What it needs:
To provide a stable base for casing work
What we designed:
Smooth soft leather on top
Pressure absorbing material in the middle
Completed with a sticky base for anti slip purposes
Loupe
What it needs:
Magnification with comfortable wearing
What we designed:
Highly transparent eyepiece
A smooth housing for comfortable wearing
Box
What it needs:
Tidy arrangement of tools
Robust protection
Looks good.
What we designed:
Velvet-lined slots for all the tools in the kit
Leather bound wooden box for protection and to complete the look
Do You Need the Pro Tool Kit?
While the Pro Tool Kit does not add functionality over the basic kit, what it offers is a significant improvement in quality. Picture the satisfaction when the screwdriver goes snuggly into the the screw slot, or when the hands are installed dead straight, this is the enjoyment the Pro Tool Kit is going to bring you. You are also supporting the engineering work that went behind each tool — it is far easier to just copy existing design, but we went with the hard way and designed each tool from scratch. This is the dedication that you’ll experience when you set your hands on these tools.
Don’t let us discourage you from getting the more economical basic kit; after all, it does its job finely. But if you’re seeking to enjoy the watchmaking experience, by all means, yes, get the Pro Tool Kit.