Thread: What types of watches do you like?

Hey guys, I am getting into watchs a bit. I will be learning how to engrave them. It will be a heck of a challenge.

I will be starting by acquiring a bunch of old stainless steel watches with, hopefully, stainless steel link bands.

I need a set of tools to disassemble the watches. I am primarily interested in a set that includes the 3 point spanner for removing the back of the watch. Hopefully made in Germasny or Switzerland.
Anyone got a link to a set of watch tools?

BTW, I will not be restoring the watches just using them for engraving practice.

Thanks for your time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eLLAW05wqQ

Amazon has a good selection of basic watch tools.


https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Watch+tools&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Bergeon are the best watch tools and AF are another a notch or two down. Esslinger sells the stuff but many of these outfits are geared more towards pros and have minimum orders. Jewelers Supplies is another retailer. Watch out for most of the junk out of the far east.

You'll need an opener for screw down backs and one for press ons. Some of the press ons are quite difficult to take off without bending the back and some are even more difficult to replace. They have simple pry off knives and more sophisticated tools for taking backs off which can run into a lot of money.

Of course one false move and you can ruin or permanently mar a case back. You'll also need spring bar tools to get the straps or bracelets off. They also have presses of various kinds and pads to "protect" a watch while removing or replacing a back.

My Hamilton 992, which went to the finishing department on Sep 21, 1921.

21 J, Adjusted: 5 position, Temp. & Isochronism, Railroad certified.

Hamilton 974: this is a "Trolley Watch."

Streetcar companies had a lower standard than the railroads did (such as 3 position adjustment).
17 J, Adjusted: 3 positions and temperature.
Mfg. 1917

I have one just like it just it's marked "Electric Interurban Special". Otherwise exactly the same.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Bergeon are the best watch tools and AF are another a notch or two down. Esslinger sells the stuff but many of these outfits are geared more towards pros and have minimum orders. Jewelers Supplies is another retailer. Watch out for most of the junk out of the far east.

You'll need an opener for screw down backs and one for press ons. Some of the press ons are quite difficult to take off without bending the back and some are even more difficult to replace. They have simple pry off knives and more sophisticated tools for taking backs off which can run into a lot of money.

Of course one false move and you can ruin or permanently mar a case back. You'll also need spring bar tools to get the straps or bracelets off. They also have presses of various kinds and pads to "protect" a watch while removing or replacing a back.

You might want to see what is available at the NAWCC online store
https://net.nawcc.org/NAWCC/Store/Ho...3-7d8b2337a9e5

My ideal of what a railroad pocket watch should look like:

My Hamilton 972, 17 J, mfg. in 1913.
Adjusted: 5 position, temp. and isochronism.

This is a plain nickel, no nonsense case designed for rough usage.

Please excuse the seller's stamp on the photos, he is a much better photographer than I am.
Photos used with permission.




All of the watches that I have shown on this site can be found on https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/

I think some of the military pockets made by all the U.S makers impress me as perfect watches. When I get a chance I'll post some pics of some.

Another thread that i completely passed over for over 2 years on this forum.. Shame on me. Such a long thread with countless posts and pics.. Some beautiful watches and can only look with envy at a lot of them.. I have 2 main watches now with one being a Citizen Eco-Drive Diver with Blue face and bezel..I like Barton bands so put a nice black leather strap on it.. 2nd is more of my dress watch when needed, a Oliver Coen Selby.. very simplistic look and design, white face gold hands and bezel with black leather strap.. For anyone who does not kbow or heard of Oliver Coen watches i highly recommend looking them up.. For $200.00 they have a lifetime warranty, automatic, water resistant and there are thousands of reviews now with super high ratings.. For the price most publications have rated them the top watch.. Opinions vary as we all know.. And i have a question for anyone that might have knowledge or personal opinion.. The last pic is of an Orient Mako ii USA/White Face, auto, waterproof to ??, etc.. I have had my eye on these for a while now and see that Orient has dropped this version 2 down to $230.00 from the usual of about $399.00.. They have come out or coming out with their version 3 models.. Anyone have one of these, own any Orient watches or have any input on them? I know that these are not your so called collectable watches and having a Citizen in the same area wondering if i would be better off in the long run saving up some more $$ and going with a TAG Aquaracer (used even), Oris Aquis, Alpina Seastrong which ive seen on sale lately for great prices... Would like to keep it under $1200 so any other recommendations would be great... Thank you and sorry about this ling post..
Peace, Scott