What are the essential tools for the art of watchmaking?
Watchmaking is a fascinating blend of precision and art - a delicate craft that has been taming time for centuries. To get the heart of every beating watch, you not only need a strong instinct, but also a treasure chest full of special tools. Every watchmaker has their very own favourites - little helpers that they would never give up. At HORAGE, we mostly rely on industrial processes, which is why some of the tools mentioned here are used more in aftersales or for restorations. However, our watchmakers come from a wide variety of backgrounds - and of course we couldn’t ignore their preferences.
1. Watchmaker's tweezers
The watchmaker's tweezers are the precise instrument in time. They grip the smallest components - wheels, screws, springs - with the confidence of an experienced conductor who knows every operation. Made from anti-magnetic stainless steel, brass or nickel silver, they protect sensitive components from damage and magnetisation. Their shapes - pointed, curved or flat - allow fine access from any angle. Many watchmakers sharpen their tweezers themselves - like a violin maker tunes his bow - giving them an individualized touch. In this way, the tweezers become an indispensable companion, customised and, over time, a tool of exceptional value.
2. Traditional tools such as Horia or punch stick set
Let's start with Horia. Horia is actually a brand name, but it is often the name given to the tools used by watchmakers. You could also simply call it a press tool. The reason it is so popular is that it is so versatile, which is also true of the punch stick set. The tasks that we could perform with the Horia can often also be performed with the hand press or the Axnum. Which tool we use depends heavily on the precision and the area of application. Back to the Horia. It is the least precise and most old-fashioned tool in the Atelier and for that reason we are slowly rationalising away from it, so it will only be used for reworking or service work. However, none of this changes the fact that it is one of the watchmakers favourites: a proven and dependable workhorse for setting jewels and pins for service watchmakers.
The Punch stick set - traditionally used with a hammer to rivet or drive out pins or axels - is primarily used at HORAGE in the laboratory, prototype and tool construction. In full series production process, we rely on controlled and defined pressing force instead of micro-impacts. Nevertheless, it remains indispensable when pinpoint force is required and is testimony to the skill of the watchmakers: precision delivered by hand.
3. Axnum
The Axnum is much more than an ordinary tool - it is a high-precision machine that has become indispensable in our industrial environment. Its user-friendliness is what wins over the watchmakers, who work with the highest precision every day. For us, Axnum is not just the name of the manufacturer, but synonymous with quality. Whether ruby jewels, pins or axles - the device enables us to assemble efficiently and in series. Thanks to Laura, who is responsible for industrialisation and toolmaking at our company, we are increasingly shifting processes from classic Horia to Axnum. A worthwhile development in the direction of increasing precision and productivity.
4. Oil dispenser
In watchmaking training, everything was still very traditional: we oiled every single component by hand - with a tiny tool that looks like a miniature cooking ladle. This allows a small amount of oil to be applied to a part, but unfortunately it is never quite the same. No flow, no dosing control - charming, but unsuitable for series production.
And what do we do in modern production? This is where high-tech helpers come into play! Our oil dispensers are reminiscent of delicate syringes with a built-in reservoir and are linked to a semi-automatic pressurisation system. The whole thing is elegantly controlled by a foot pedal.
Thanks to finely adjustable pressure and time parameters, it doesn't just drip any old amount: it always dispenses exactly the right amount. And that's worth its weight in gold! Because this is the only way we can guarantee maximum precision and consistent quality when assembling our movements.
5. Plastic rods / cleaning wood
Plastic rods and cleaning sticks are among the last tools on our top 5 list. They are usually made of high-quality plastic or wood, which is antistatic to protect delicate watch parts from damage. The main advantage of plastic and wooden sticks is their lightness and versatility, which allows precise handling without deforming or scratching the components. Another advantage is the adaptability of these tools, as they are available in different shapes and sizes or can be customised. Whether flat, pointed or rounded - there is a suitable chopstick for every task!
Watchmakers appreciate the high functionality and easy handling of the plastic rods, which are particularly useful when assembling watch movements as they can securely hold smaller parts in place. Through continuous use, each watchmaker develops an individual technique to prepare their plastic rods according to their needs
I hope you enjoyed this little excursion into the world of horageology.
All the best,
Lenny
Thanks very nice to learn about these instruments.