Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
What you will beed is a x20 for inspection purposes if you get really into it, and these don’t come cheap, I paid almost £30 for mine. I use it for checking lubrication of pallet stones, inspecting for cracked jewels, and checking the hairspring is centred between the curb pins. I also have a cheap x40 microscope, I could really do with a better one but this does the job (just) for inspecting pivots etc.
You can go on forever spending money on tools and equipment, I don’t mind spending if it gives me an added capability, sometimes there isn’t a cheaper alternative and the only answer is to buy Bergeon or Horetec stuff.
Today I had to replace a jewel using the Seitz jewel press, a tool I picked up off ebay for around £80 a few years ago. I use it rarely, but when I need it I need it. A new one would be around £800.
To get to a basic level of being able to do most watch work will cost around £2000 at a rough estimate, that includes buying second hand where possible and improvising somewhat( something I’m good at!).