looking to purchase a loupe or 2, 4x and 7x any recommendations?
looking to purchase a loupe or 2, 4x and 7x any recommendations?
Not sure what magnification mine are, I have a clip-on that fits my bench glasses, that's marked '3'. I also have a strong one that fits the eye socket and that's marked '1.5' but it's much stronger so possibly the numbers refer to focal length in inches?
Suggest you buy a few cheap ones and decide which work best for you.
I have found 4x serves well - when I can keep the damn thing in place.
bought these recently for doing bracelet refurbs etc and they are great value keep your hands free and allow use of both eyes ..
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like AF loupes
I use pretty basic Cousins screw-rimmed loupes (a x10 and a x4) at £1.50 each and a Bergeon eyeglass holder (£5!). They do the job.
+1, and they’re so cheap you can buy a few. That’s what I’m trying to tell the OP. Once ge’s decided which he prefers he could shell out on more expensive ones........I never bothered!
I still use the cheap ones I bought in 2010 and I’ve worked on literally hundreds of watches.
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!).
i would us this for 20x
https://s1132.photobucket.com/user/b...tml?sort=3&o=0
I was lucky to be given a Quicktest 10x illuminated loupe (incl UV) by a friend who was a jewellery designer. It seems well made and certainly allows close examination so maybe worth a look at what they do.
I also use a headband magnifier for strap and bracelet changing... I think that came from Tandy when they existed.
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I`ve never tried a headband magnifier, I think they may be OK for strap changing etc. but not for movement work which involves getting very close to the movement itself.
Another point people don't appreciate is the need for a workbench at the correct height, which is around 40". There's a reason for this, to work on movements involves resting your forearms on the bench and you can`t do that comfortably if its too low. Another necessary item is a height adjustable chair, I use a draughtsman's chair (bought from Staples) and it's ideal. These are all things you learn on the BHI training course, seeing a professional workshop/bench set-up is all part of the learning and you then know what to aim for. The technique of resting your forearms on the bench is fundamental, that's how you get the control you need to work safely on small stuff.