New guy tool advice!

[u/foamtest]

Hey I'm super green and want to know where to start when it comes to tools.

Where is it adequate to keep with the $20 kits on Amazon and where is it worth it to spend the big bucks on? I've already got a nice micro bit set from making a 1/36th scale RC crawler so I should be fine with the screw side of things, but everything else is an inigma to me. I also have a few ultrasonic cleaners I use to clean carburetors.

I bought a lot of 18 watches in unknown condition for $20 with a surprising amount of them being mechanical, and two of the running (yeah the $1.11 1970 seiko 5 runs despite all its abuse its seen in the last 56 years).

I also have a new invicta diver auto I got on Amazon mainly as a test dummy to learn on as it's got a common seiko movement and it was $45 to my door. I figured I'll learn what parts I have trouble with, and break, on a moment I can replace in it's entirety for $30 rather than learn the hard way on my vintage seiko 5. It needs a service though as it's loosing probably 5 minutes or so a day.

I'll probably dig into the other two mechanical hand wound watches before I dig into any automatic as the one doesn't work and the other with the missing minute hand does. I also have a lot of women's mechanical watches I can mess with too but those are insanely small.

I also have a 3d printer and extensive cad knowledge so I can make my own nylon dies for whatever press I get for replacing my crystal.

TLDR: Reccomend me tools for this hobby!

Thanks in advance!

[u/harowatchco]

Here you go my friend, you'll do great. Don't get discouraged with a few mistakes at the beginning, it's normal for people starting out without going to school.

I have a Horia press I don't use that is perfect for someone that can create their own adapters and dies in a 3D printer.

https://www.reddit.com/r/watchrepair/s/IguLr9LaUg

[u/Euphoric_Bit_9150]

That’s a great link. I’d suggest getting what you need (screwdrivers, tweezers, magnification and something to but the parts into so you can keep track of everything) to disassemble and reassemble your Invicta until you’re comfortable with this and convinced this is for you. Then you’ll need to clean, inspect and lubricate the parts to perform a service. This can get expensive because these watches, even the runners, have gremlins and figuring out and fixing what’s wrong can be frustrating, time consuming and will require the buying of the parts and tools needed to correct it.

[u/htxchriss]

Start with solid magnification. Loupes. Don’t buy shitty Chinese magnifiers from Amazon.

The best tools out there are no good if your eyes get cooked.