Notes from the workbench
Beginner watchmaking guides, organised around the work you want to do.
Changing a watch battery: prepare, check, or stop
Decide whether a battery change is suitable for home work, with button-cell safety and sealing limits.
Read the note →Bench note 02Regulating a watch: understand the rate before adjusting
Measure a mechanical watch's timekeeping consistently and understand why an adjustment may not solve the cause.
Read the note →Bench note 03Learning watchmaking in the UK: choose your next step
Use the BHI's official learning routes and a practical checklist to choose instruction suited to your goals.
Read the note →Bench note 04An NH35 mod: the parts checklist before you buy
Plan a documented NH35 assembly by checking the case, dial, hands, holder and crown as a system.
Read the note →Bench note 05NH35 vs NH36: the differences to check for a mod
Compare TMI's date and day-date movements without assuming that matching dimensions guarantee a swap.
Read the note →Bench note 06Case-back openers: identify the back first
Distinguish screw-in, snap and screw-retained backs before choosing an opening tool.
Read the note →Bench note 07Watch cleaning and oiling: what hobbyists should leave alone
Separate safe exterior care from movement servicing, and understand the limits of home cleaning and lubrication.
Read the note →Bench note 08Watch movement sizes: read more than the diameter
Understand movement diameter, spacer diameter, height and the limits of a specification comparison.
Read the note →Bench note 09Lighting and magnification for watch work
Choose task lighting and a loupe by working distance, visibility and comfort.
Read the note →Bench note 10Watch repair tools: a starter kit, job by job
Choose a small, useful watch tool kit around the job you actually want to do.
Read the note →Bench note 11Watch strap and bracelet tools: spring bars and links
Identify the strap or bracelet fitting before choosing a spring-bar tool, pin pusher or screwdriver.
Read the note →Bench note 12Watchmaker screwdrivers and tweezers: choose by task
Match precision drivers and tweezers to the job, and learn when to stop before a delicate part is damaged.
Read the note →Bench note 13Set up a watchmaker's bench at home
A practical bench layout for supported arms, clear lighting and keeping small parts contained.
Read the note →Bench note 14Watchmaking kits for beginners: read the contents first
Distinguish assembly kits, training movements and tool bundles, then check what each leaves for you to do.
Read the note →