Watchmaking Resources
The more I progress through my watchmaking journey, the more I find useful resources which have helped massively. I wanted to share these with other watchmakers to help make your journey easier. If you are a complete beginner to watchmaking, these resources will be your lifeline as you navigate this new world.
Throughout my watchmaking journey, the thing that frustrated me the most was how difficult it was to find information online. I longed for a one-stop destination where I could easily access all the essential watchmaking resources I needed. The whole purpose behind WatchmakingTools was to create this platform where incredible watchmaking resources could be collected in one place. Consider this your ultimate toolbox for your watchmaking journey.
If you are an experienced watchmaker, you will also find our watch resources useful as you encounter a new issue or revisit a previous task. One thing I learnt quite quickly was that my memory is definitely not as good as I think it is. I easily forget how watch parts were assembled or how I handled an issue I’ve worked on before. If you can relate, you will find this resource guide incredibly valuable.
I now take photos of each step of a movement as I disassemble and reassemble. These have proved invaluable especially when stopping work on a movement for a few days/weeks. I will be sharing these for each movement I have worked on, so hopefully these will be as helpful to you too.
Watchmaking Tools
Our full list of essential watchmaking tools for both beginners and professionals. The list is arranged in the order that a watchmaker would typically need each tool to disassemble, fix, clean, oil, and reassemble a watch movement. Along with the list of tools, we also include detailed guides on the proper use and maintenance of each tool. Additionally, there is a collection of blog posts and resources that cover various topics related to the watchmaking industry, including watch repair, watchmaking techniques, and watch history.
Custom Watchmaking Tools
Not all watchmaking tools need to cost and arm and a leg. This is our guide to the world of watchmaking tools that don’t need to break the bank. Find out how to save some cash by repurposing household items to use for your watchmaking and inspire your creativity to make your own custom watchmaking tools.
Watchmaking Tool Reviews
Weighing up which tool to purchase or whether to splurge or save? Here at WatchmakingTools, we have tried the best watchmaking tools on the market, we have tested the cheapest additions to the toolkit and we have reviewed them all to give you a head start on your watchmaking toolkit.
Watch Movement Lift Angles
Our comprehensive list of movement lift angles and beats per minute (BPM) for thousands of movements. This resource provides information on the critical component of mechanical watch movements. Lift angles determine the amount of force required to move a watch’s pallet fork, which in turn regulates the watch’s accuracy. This guide offers insights into the factors that affect lift angles, the different types of lift angles, and their optimal values for various watch movements.
Watch Movement Hand Sizes
Our extensive list of watch movements and the corresponding hand hole sizes. This resource guide about watch movement hand sizes explores the factors that influence the selection of hands for mechanical watch movements. This guide provides information on the different types of hands, their measurements and how to choose the right size for specific movements. It also discusses the importance of proper hand fitting, and the tools and techniques required for successful installation.
How to Identify Movements Inside Watches
This resource guide provides in-depth research about how to identify movements inside watches and provides an introduction to the various methods used to identify and differentiate watch movements. This guide covers the importance of movement identification, the key features that distinguish different movements, and the tools and techniques used to identify them. It also offers tips and tricks for identifying movements in vintage and antique watches.
Seiko Oiling Points
A resource section about Seiko oiling points offering a complete guide to the specific oiling requirements for Seiko watches. This guide covers the recommended oiling points, the types of oil to use and the techniques for applying oil to different parts of the movement. It also offers tips and tricks for proper oiling and the importance of correct oiling in maintaining the longevity and accuracy of Seiko watches.
Quartz Watch Battery Sizes
Need to change your quartz watch battery and not sure what model to purchase. Check out our inclusive quartz watch battery sizes chart including alternate branded model numbers. Your go-to resource for hassle-free watch battery selection.
Swatch Battery Replacement
Our guide on Swatch battery replacement, offering insights into the process, battery types, and important considerations. Swatch watches rely on silver oxide and lithium coin cell batteries, each with distinct advantages, such as stable voltage output and extended shelf life. To ensure accurate timekeeping and prevent issues due to battery depletion, regular replacement is recommended.
How to Become a Watchmaker
Becoming a watchmaker is a journey that requires a deep passion for timepieces and a commitment to mastering the intricate art of horology. Watchmakers are responsible for designing, creating, maintaining, and repairing watches and clocks, with roles ranging from crafting bespoke timepieces to servicing and restoring vintage watches. Key skills for a watchmaker include attention to detail, steady hands, patience, problem-solving, and excellent customer service. Includes reputable watchmaking schools.
Best Watch Forums
Our guide to the 10 best watch forums where watch enthusiasts, collectors, and watchmakers can gather to discuss timepieces, share knowledge, and engage in discussions related to watchmaking. These forums serve as valuable resources for horological insights and collaboration among members. From WatchUSeeks‘ comprehensive platform to Omega Forums specialization in Omega watches, each forum offers a unique community and expertise.
Horology Terminology
Watchmaking 101 – Our inclusive list of watch terminology and definitions, making it a valuable resource for those new to watchmaking and horology. It covers a wide range of terms related to watch movements, components, functions, and features. The article explains terms like GMT, amplitude, ETA, horologist, chronometer, and many more, making it a comprehensive guide for watch enthusiasts and beginners in the field. The list is continually expanding, and the article encourages readers to suggest additional terms for inclusion.
Watch Movements by Brand
Our glossary of watch movements by brand including movement size, height, hands, sub dials, pusher locations and special features.
Each brand of watch is assembled differently and has unique elements so it may be beneficial to look exclusively at watchmaking for that brand. If you are working on a particular brand, you may find it more convenient to access the watchmaking resources for that particular brand.
Below we have compiled a global list of watch movements by brand including the movement size, height, hands, battery and other useful information you may need during your watchmaking. This has been sourced via multiple trusted sources that will be continually updated and expanded over time.
We hope you find our resources incredibly beneficial to your watchmaking experience. Here at WatchmakingTools, our ultimate goal is to give you a helping hand on your watchmaking journey.
The aim with our watchmaking resources is to help you to find all the information you need for watchmaking in one convenient location. This allows you to find what you need quickly and easily, allowing you to get on with watchmaking and avoid wasting countless hours scouring the internet for your answer like I did at the start of my own journey. If there are any further resources that you have found useful that I have not listed then please let us know and I can add them too.
Watchmaking Resources FAQ
You can learn watchmaking by following the resources on WatchmakingTools, which cover the essential tools and equipment, the different types of watch movements, the specific oiling requirements, and the techniques for assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of watches. You can also find useful information on how to identify movements, how to source suitable hands and batteries, and how to repurpose household items for watchmaking.
The time it takes to learn watchmaking depends on your level of interest, dedication, and practice. Watchmaking is a complex and intricate craft that requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. Some aspects of watchmaking can be learned in a few hours or days, while others may take months or years to master. The more you practice and learn from the resources on WatchmakingTools, the faster you will progress in your watchmaking journey.
The best watchmaking tools are those that suit your needs, preferences, and budget. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different watchmakers may have different opinions and experiences with various tools. Throught out our website we recommend the tools we have personally tried and tested to allow you to make an informed choice.
You can find watch movements from various sources, such as:
- Online retailers or wholesalers that specialize in watch parts
- Online marketplaces or auctions that sell new or used watches or movements
- Local watch shops or repair centers that may have spare or old movements
- Donor watches that you can salvage for parts or movements
