Let’s be honest. Buying watches and watch tools, cases or accessories on Amazon isn’t necessarily the best idea. There are literally millions of sellers on Amazon, and often, it’s hard to tell who the seller of an item is or what they’re all about. And part of the reason I love watches is because they operate on a much, much smaller scale than The Everything Store. If you become interested in a brand or a niche of collecting, you can start to meet the people and experts in the community pretty quickly.
But sometimes, you need a watch tool, watch case, or something for your watch quick and the temptation of next-day shipping with Amazon Prime is too much to resist.
I’ve bought a number of watch straps on Amazon, and to be honest, they all suck. For straps, I turn almost exclusively to Veblenist (support Chicago!), Hodinkee Shop, and Molequin.
But there are some watch tools, watch cases, and other items I’ve bought on Amazon and continue to use. Here are a few.
The best watch tools and watch cases on Amazon
Watch Tools from Bergeon
Bergeon makes high-quality watch tools right in Switzerland. Visit any watchmaker’s bench and you’ll see their spring bar tools, screwdrivers, and other gear. Lucky for you, they also sell a bunch of their watch tools directly on Amazon. Kind of like the best Swiss watch companies, Bergeon traces its history way back, to 1791.
I think there are a few Bergeon tools and items worth buying on Amazon, so I’ll list them out here:
Springbar Watch Tools
Bergeon 6767 Springbar Tool. If you’re a watch collector, a springbar tool is probably the first thing you’ll need to swap straps and bracelets. Bergeon makes the best ones. This Bergeon 6767-F on Amazon is probably the most affordable option. Price for the 6767 spring bar tool on Amazon is usually $30.
Bergeon Spring Bar Tweezers. If you’re a real power strap changer, you might want to spring for spring bar tweezers eventually. These things are easier to use and lessen the chances that you’ll get a gnarly scratch on your wristwatch when changing the lugs. Price $220.
Wristwatch Screwdrivers
Bergeon Screwdriver Set of 5. You’ll need screwdrivers for all kinds of things with your watches — removing bracelets, adding links, and so on. Bergeon makes the best (don’t settle for the cheap ones on Amazon either, they’ll break immediately and then you’ll just be out $15 why you didn’t buy the Bergeon ones the first time around. Yes, speaking from experience). These small steel screwdrivers also double for eyeglass repairs. Price is usually around $70.
Bergeon Screwdriver set of 9. This is a set of 9 Bergeon chrome-plated brass screwdrivers. Bergeon makes these screwdrivers in Switzerland, and this set hits any size you need, with sizes from 0.50 to 2.50mm. Spring for this set and you’ll even get a nice wooden storage case. Price for this set of nine Bergeon screwdrivers is usually around $200.
Other Watch Tools
If you’re doing any type of work on your watches — even just changing the strap, you might also want a soft bench mat from Bergeon. They also come in bright colors which makes for nice Instagram photographs. You’ll also want to get a jeweler’s loupe eventually too, and Bergeon’s got a nice one (pro tip: be nice to brands or your local retailers and they might throw in a loupe with your next purchase). Finally, if everything I’ve mentioned here sounds nice, I think this Bergeon watch repair kit (with carrying case!) is actually a pretty good idea for a couple hundred bucks.
WatchPod Watch Travel Case
Kind of like watch straps, I prefer to look to small businesses or makers for my wristwatch cases — hand-crafted suedes and leathers, made in small batches. But sometimes, you just need a solid case you know can get tossed around when you’re travelling.
For me, that case is the WatchPod watch travel case. The case fits a single watch and works perfectly for travelling. It’s got a nylon exterior and a nicely cushioned inside, and it’s always kept my watches completely safe while travelling. It’s not where I store my watches at home, but for travelling, it’s perfect.
Check out the WatchPod Travel Watch Case on Amazon, usually priced around $15.
Watch Case Opening Friction Ball
Maybe you’re looking to do some light watch repair on your mechanical movements. Or perhaps you just want to screw open the caseback to look at the gorgeous movement ticking away inside. For that, a friction ball (or case opening ball) is the tool for you. This little ball will help you open pretty much any screw-down caseback (i.e., most moden watch casebacks). It also makes a great stress ball.
Even better, a friction ball only costs about $10 on Amazon.
Swiss Army Knife
If watches are Switzerland’s most famous export, the Swiss army knife is a close second. If you don’t have one, it’s time to get one. Just make it easier for yourself and grab the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife now.
G-Shock DW5600
Okay, it’s not really an “accessory,” but I’m a firm believer that every watch collector — if not every person — needs a Casio G-Shock in their collection. It’s the ultimate “everyday” watch. Throw it on, and you never, ever have to worry about it. For me, the classic 5600 case is the one to choose. It’s big but not bulky, which means my small wrist can handle wearing it, which isn’t the case with every G-Shock.
During the summer, I’ll reach for a G-Shock just about as much as any other watch. So next time you’re thinking about getting a new strap or other watch accesory, maybe pick up a G-Shock instead.
You can usually find the G-Shock DW5600 for about $50 on Amazon.
AmazonBasics Camera Tripod
If you stay in watches long enough, eventually you’re going to want to take some photos of your impressive collection. Watch photography and camera gear is a topic for another day — check out these 5 tips for better watch photography as a starting point — but you’re probably going to want a tripod pretty quickly. The AmazonBasics Tripod is a great option. It’s lightweight, collapses easily, and reaches up to 50 inches.
Spring Bar Set
One day, it’s going to happen. You’ll be changing your strap and BAM! — one of the spring bars will shoot away, into the rug, never to be seen again. It’s in that moment you’ll wish you had the best spring bars on tap, ready to clean up your mess.
So do yourself a favor and grab a set of watch spring bars right now. Cover your bases by just grabbing a bunch in all the common lug widths: 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 22mm. Future you will thank you for your foresight.
Get this spring bar set on Amazon for less than $10.
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Filed under: Watch cases, watch accessories, spring bar tools, watch tools, tools for watches