Starter Watch Tools

[pedersenkl]

Looking to pickup a few watch tools to allow me to change bracelets, add/remove links, push pins, and yes...even change a battery (wife has another watch with battery).

Hard to find the true Rolex 2100, but I saw this Horofix one which was cheaper and looks similar. Anyone have experience?

Horofix Generic Rolex® 2100 Bracelet Adjusting Tool
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

Also found this basic starter kit on Panatime.com. Thoughts? Had anyone purchased this? Is it somewhat quality to start?

https://panatime.com/the-essential-tool-kit/

Other suggestions?

[Richard Carver]

The tool kit is useless. Get the specific tool for your purpose. The bracelet tool looks fine and in the 'related products' there is a punch set for pin bracelets that looks good.

A good screwdriver set is handy, I've used one like this for years, https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Pcs-Preci...7tEZIhpA%3D%3D

You can spend a lot more if you like but for us dilettantes this works well. Buying tools is a slippery slope, have fun. :)

This is my case back opener...

:)

[pedersenkl]

Thanks. No professional here, just looking to DIY for the basics every now and then to avoid going into an AD or jeweler. I generally trust myself vs someone else for small needs.

Seems I need the following:

1. Springbar tool - Seems many like Bergeon 6767-F?

2. Hollow Ground Screwdriver - 1.6 to 1.7mm. Most love Rolex 2100, but hard to find and pricey. Most also love Panerai 1.6 mm, but also hard to find. Only some like Bergeon. Confusing. Which to buy and from where?

3. Pin remover. Bergeon 7230 looks decent and not too pricey. There are plenty on Ebay, Amazon, etc. Is brand name worth it here?


Rather than buy all separate, are there any reasonable priced kits that others suggest?

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by pedersenkl

Thanks. No professional here, just looking to DIY for the basics every now and then to avoid going into an AD or jeweler. I generally trust myself vs someone else for small needs.

Seems I need the following:

1. Springbar tool - Seems many like Bergeon 6767-F?

2. Hollow Ground Screwdriver - 1.6 to 1.7mm. Most love Rolex 2100, but hard to find and pricey. Most also love Panerai 1.6 mm, but also hard to find. Only some like Bergeon. Confusing. Which to buy and from where?

3. Pin remover. Bergeon 7230 looks decent and not too pricey. There are plenty on Ebay, Amazon, etc. Is brand name worth it here?


Rather than buy all separate, are there any reasonable priced kits that others suggest?

1. I have a 6767-F and it will get the job done. 7825 is probably the better tool but way more expensive.

2. 1.6mm hollow ground for oyster bracelets.

3. 7230 is cheap enough that I don't think you should debate the brand name thing. For me, I prefer the tool that works better, but if I barely use it and theres a big difference in price, I may go for the cheapo one like my eBay screwdriver (was <$10).


I haven't come across any kit that is good, unless you spring for something very expensive and you'll end up with a bunch of stuff you don't need.

[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

2. 1.6mm hollow ground for oyster bracelets.

For the 1.6mm hollow ground screwdriver, which is best option that is easily available for purchase within a reasonable price. It seems there are many opinions on this....with only consistency being that Rolex 2100 and Panerai PAV00524 being the two preferred. Problem is, I cannot find either. Which is next best option?

I'm trying to avoid this -> https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=657822 which actually partially happened to me at a Rolex AD previously on my Daytona bracelet. Rolex AD messed up the screw and left a scratch on the link. Neither as bad as the link above, but noticeable that you can tell where the watch was sized. I think I can do a better job personally.....with a few basic (but quality) tools at reasonable prices. Thus my ask :)

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by pedersenkl

For the 1.6mm hollow ground screwdriver, which is best option that is easily available for purchase within a reasonable price. It seems there are many opinions on this....with only consistency being that Rolex 2100 and Panerai PAV00524 being the two preferred. Problem is, I cannot find either. Which is next best option?

I'm trying to avoid this -> https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=657822 which actually partially happened to me at a Rolex AD previously on my Daytona bracelet. Rolex AD messed up the screw and left a scratch on the link. Neither as bad as the link above, but noticeable that you can tell where the watch was sized. I think I can do a better job personally.....with a few basic (but quality) tools at reasonable prices. Thus my ask :)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cut-out-1-6...tem33ee425378\

I have this one and it works well. I can't really say much about it other than that, but I've also used the wrong screwdrivers in the past with varying results.

[Anthonyw]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

I haven't come across any kit that is good, unless you spring for something very expensive and you'll end up with a bunch of stuff you don't need.

Agreed, I regret buying a toolkit on amazon. It was only $20 but felt like a waste of money. I picked up a set of screwdrivers from Esslinger and they made resizing my 116710 oyster bracelet a breeze (Select set of 4 screwdrivers made in France for $20). My 6767-F just got delivered to me and I’m excited to try that out.

[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by Anthonyw

Agreed, I regret buying a toolkit on amazon. It was only $20 but felt like a waste of money. I picked up a set of screwdrivers from Esslinger and they made resizing my 116710 oyster bracelet a breeze (Select set of 4 screwdrivers made in France for $20). My 6767-F just got delivered to me and I’m excited to try that out.

Which Esslinger screwdriver set did you pickup? There are so many, hard to choose which is best.

[stylinleems]

I own the Bergeron 7825, 6767-F, and Panerai 1.6mm screwdriver (if you can get your hands on the Rolex 2100, that will be a perfect fit for most oyster bracelets).

If 63200/63600 bracelet, you will need a 1.3mm screwdriver.

I prefer to use the 6767 when removing the spring bars as it provides more control (and you depress only one side at a time and pull upwards to grab. Less chance of scratches on the lugs). I personally find the 7825 a bit difficult to use.

Remember to always tape the lugs just in case.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by pedersenkl

Looking to pickup a few watch tools to allow me to change bracelets, add/remove links, push pins, and yes...even change a battery (wife has another watch with battery).



Hard to find the true Rolex 2100, but I saw this Horofix one which was cheaper and looks similar. Anyone have experience?

Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 Bracelet Adjusting Tool

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

Also found this basic starter kit on Panatime.com. Thoughts? Had anyone purchased this? Is it somewhat quality to start?

https://panatime.com/the-essential-tool-kit/

Other suggestions?

I got the Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 tool recently and like it better than my Bergeron 1.6 screwdriver for Rolex oyster bracelets






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[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by JR16

I got the Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 tool recently and like it better than my Bergeron 1.6 screwdriver for Rolex oyster bracelets

Thanks. Nice to see someone purchased it and seems to like it! What do you like better about it? Just fits better, or?

The Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 does look decent, and it appears to have the flatter screwdriver edge on it by looking at the photos online and I think it is technically 1.7mm vs 1.6mm on most screwdrivers.

At $50, it's not a bank breaker...and well cheaper than current Rolex 2100 online, which is +/- $200.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by pedersenkl

Thanks. Nice to see someone purchased it and seems to like it! What do you like better about it? Just fits better, or?



The Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 does look decent, and it appears to have the flatter screwdriver edge on it by looking at the photos online and I think it is technically 1.7mm vs 1.6mm on most screwdrivers.



At $50, it's not a bank breaker...and well cheaper than current Rolex 2100 online, which is +/- $200.

The fit is better as it is 1.7 instead of 1.6, and better shape . No wobble when unscrewing/screwing.


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[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by JR16

The fit is better as it is 1.7 instead of 1.6, and better shape . No wobble when unscrewing/screwing.


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Thanks. I chose to move forward with the following 3 items to get me started, including the Horofix 2100 tool. Seems it is a better option and most closely resembles the actual Rolex 2100 tool at lower cost.

1. Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 Tool
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

2. Bergeon 6767-F
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-67...ring-bar-tool/

3. Generic Watch Band Pin Remover
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-band...-little-giant/

[pedersenkl]

Reporting back. The 3 tools I purchased worked wonderfully for my needs. Thanks all!

BTW - The Horofix Rolex 2100 Tool is a perfect fit at 1.7mm.


1. Horofix Generic Rolex 2100 Tool
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

2. Bergeon 6767-F
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-67...ring-bar-tool/

3. Generic Watch Band Pin Remover
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-band...-little-giant/

[toxicavenger]

https://www.newark.com/wiha/26012/ti...6mm/dp/96B4751

[Boaters]

This will pretty much do what you need at least for me. I have added a few things since the picture. The Panerai 1.6 driver is one. The Rolex 2100 tool is the best driver I have found but don't come cheap at $100+ if you can find one.

[Boaters]

Here is where you can purchase.
http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

[Anthonyw]

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-scre...ver-set-4-pcs/

That’s what I got

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Anthonyw

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-scre...ver-set-4-pcs/

That’s what I got

This is not suitable for your full size oyster bracelet, too small.

[Andad]

We need a sticky with the correct sizes and suppliers for these tools.

Not a cross section of bad choices.

There are correct items in this thread but how does the average punter find them?

IMHO of course.

Example......

https://www.newark.com/wiha/26012/ti...6mm/dp/96B4751

Is this hollow ground?

[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by directioneng

We need a sticky with the correct sizes and suppliers for these tools.

Not a cross section of bad choices.

There are correct items in this thread but how does the average punter find them?

IMHO of course.

+1 - This would be very valuable. I'm a DIY person in general. While not new to watches, I am new to DIY for minor watch work. Takes a bit of work to identify best tools that are available and within reasonable cost for a starter set. Appreciate everyone's input!

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by directioneng

We need a sticky with the correct sizes and suppliers for these tools.

Not a cross section of bad choices.

There are correct items in this thread but how does the average punter find them?

IMHO of course.

Example......

https://www.newark.com/wiha/26012/ti...6mm/dp/96B4751

Is this hollow ground?

Actually it is the perfect screwdriver for someone who isn't changing links all day long.

Have you actually used Wiha screwdriver to say it won't work??

Not everyone needs $150 in tools to remove a bracelet on a watch.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Actually it is the perfect screwdriver for someone who isn't changing links all day long.



Have you actually used Wiha screwdriver to say it won't work??



Not everyone needs $150 in tools to remove a bracelet on a watch.

These Wiha drivers are great. Used the 1.8 to size my seamaster


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[Devildog]

Originally Posted by pedersenkl

Looking to pickup a few watch tools to allow me to change bracelets, add/remove links, push pins, and yes...even change a battery (wife has another watch with battery).

Hard to find the true Rolex 2100, but I saw this Horofix one which was cheaper and looks similar. Anyone have experience?

Horofix Generic Rolex® 2100 Bracelet Adjusting Tool
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

Also found this basic starter kit on Panatime.com. Thoughts? Had anyone purchased this? Is it somewhat quality to start?

https://panatime.com/the-essential-tool-kit/

Other suggestions?

All you need is the Bergeon 7825 tweezers which have the correct narrow tips, and if you can't get an original Rolex 2100 tool, that Horofix tool looks perfect.

Rolex bracelet screws are 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm (not 1.6 mm as many think)

The OEM Panerai 1.6 mm hollow ground screwdriver which I have works very well as a "second best" solution

[HogwldFLTR]

FWIW, the Panatine kit is pretty much useless for Rolex watches.

[Chadridv]

I have the generic 2100 tool. Works great.

For all the other screwdriver sizes in between I have curvature blade bergeon drivers (1.3mm, 1.4mm & 1.6mm)
http://www.ofrei.com/page1727.html#34525

Bergeon tweezers are a must for bracelet removal...
https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-78...-bar-tweezers/