Beginners Guide to Watchmakers Bench Mats

Written by: Maz P
Updated on:

Bench mats, while not necessarily an essential tool, are a worthy investment for a few reasons.

First, they offer protection to the parts you are working on by providing a surface with a little give and no abrasions that could cause damage. Second, they will ideally be a light colour, which will be easier on the eye and make seeing/finding smaller parts easier. They are usually pale green and made from rubber-coated foam.

Watchmakers Bench Mat - Watchmaking Tools
Bergeon 6808-V Bench Mat

Very early on in my watchmaking journey, I researched and purchased the Bergeon 6808-V bench mat, which seemed to be fairly standard. Although this is still something I use regularly, I would perhaps make a different choice if I knew then what I know now. What I didn’t realise at the time was this model has a self-adhesive backing which didn’t really suit my needs, as I’ve moved desks a few times. So I’ve left the adhesive cover in place and had to add a little blu tack in each corner to stop it slipping around everywhere. It’s also quite expensive when you take into consideration how thin and small it is – 32 x 24cm.

You could in theory use any plastic anti-static/rubber mat and cut it to suit your needs, which is likely to be much more durable and better value. In this case make sure you go for a light colour and take into consideration that something made of rubber will likely allow dropped parts to bounce away into oblivion.

I also use my mat for zoning purposes, so only what I am working on at that time should be on the mat.

Rough Cost
  • Basic Variety = from £4
  • Branded Variety = from £15
Recommendation

I would source a large piece of plastic with a little give and then cut this to the right size and shape to suit your desk. The minimum size you should go for is 32 x 24cm.

If you think I’ve missed anything or have anything to add, please comment below.

AUTHOR

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I started WatchmakingTools.com to share my passion and knowledge with those already bitten by the watchmaking bug. I’ve often spent hours searching online for answers on a specific issue, and even though there is a wealth of information out there, it hasn’t always been very useful, hence why I wanted to share my own findings.

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