Watches have evolved throughout the years, starting from the intricate craftsmanship of wind-up pocket watches that are still in existence today, and then slowly evolving to the more accurate quartz watches using the power of crystal oscillators to keep the watch in time. Eventually, watches evolved into the purely electronic models that make use of more precise digital technology.
In line with this evolution of watch technologies is the parallel evolution of watch repair tools and their corresponding technologies. These tools can be used to make delicate repairs to intricate components, lubricate certain parts and then clean components. Whether the timepiece on hand is an antique work of excellent craftsmanship or any of the various types and styles of modern watches, there are available repair tools that can keep these watches in good working condition.
Soldering Tool
Watch Repair Tools for Different Watch Technologies
Expensive timepieces are great feats of craftsmanship that were brought to realization by skilled watchmakers who spent long hours of focus to detail and perfection to create the perfect timepiece. It's important that the correct watch repair tools be used to handle the maintenance, restoration or repair work for these watches.
Such is the case with antique pocket watches that have been in existence for more than a lifetime. These watches have intricate components and parts including gears, hands and small precision screws. Such micro parts require the use of specialized tools like precision screwdrivers, pin removers and installers, demagnetizers, anti-magnet tweezers, precision pliers and magnification tools.
Some of the metallic mechanical parts may have damaged metal pieces, links or bands that may need repair or total replacement. In this regard, watch repairers would need the use of shears, soldering tools or even precision torches to weld or attach pieces in place while carefully avoiding other parts that could be damaged. Such tools are similar to the precision tools used by craftsmen in making intricate jewelry.
Cleaning and lubrication devices are other watch repair tools that are essential when dealing with precision mechanical parts from these types of watches. An ultrasonic bath using non-corrosive solvents can be used to remove embedded dirt and grime of the surfaces of these metallic parts. After these components are cleaned and installed back to their original settings, synthetic lubrication oil should be applied particularly to moving parts to keep them running smoothly in the times to come.
Digital watches on the other hand have less of the mechanical components and more of the newer technology: electronics and other innovative parts that are used in modern watches. Instead of dealing with gears and hands, digital watch repairers would deal with wire crimps, micro motors, display components and surface mounted electronic devices. Watch repair tools specifically designed for electronic parts can be used to repair or replace components and other parts in these types of timepieces.
Technology has gone a long way and this is prevalent even to watches that have evolved from the purely mechanical timepieces of old to the new and modern electro-mechanical devices and state-of-the-art technology that modern watches now feature. This diversity calls for a similar variety in the type of precision watch repair tools that can repair, maintain or restore these watches back to mint condition.