Essential Watch Modding Tools: Everything You Need to Build Your First Custom Watch
Don't start your watch modding journey without the right tools. This complete guide covers the 10 essential tools every watch modder needs, from hand setters to crystal presses—and where to get quality equipment that won't let you down.
So you've decided to dive into watch modding. Excellent choice! But before you order that beautiful sunburst dial or ceramic bezel insert, let's talk about something less glamorous but absolutely critical: tools.
Watch modding without proper tools is like trying to build a PC with just a butter knife—technically possible, but you're going to have a bad time. The right tools make the difference between a satisfying build experience and scratched crystals, bent hands, and a pile of expensive regrets.
Here's everything you need to get started, with insights on what to look for and why quality matters.
All the tools mentioned in this post are products I genuinely use and have bought with my own money.
1. Hand Setting Tool – Your Most Important Investment
If there's one tool where you absolutely cannot cheap out, it's the hand setter. Installing watch hands is the most nerve-wracking part of any build—one slip and you've got a bent hour hand or a scratched dial.
What it does: Precisely applies downward pressure to install hour, minute, and seconds hands onto the movement without bending them.
Why you need it: Watch hands are delicate and require perfectly straight, centered pressure. Your fingers? Not precise enough. A proper hand setter gives you control and prevents expensive mistakes.
What to look for: Get one with interchangeable tips for different hand sizes. Namoki Mods offers quality hand setters designed specifically for watch modding.
2. Bezel Removal Tool – Pop It Off Without Scratches
Changing a bezel is one of the easiest mods with the biggest visual impact. But you need a proper tool to do it without scratching your case.
What it does: A thin blade that wedges between the bezel and case, allowing you to pop off the bezel cleanly.
Pro tip: Use tape on your case and bezel to protect the surfaces during removal. Even the best tool can slip if you're not careful.
3. Case Back Opener – Access the Movement
You can't do much modding if you can't get into the watch. A caseback opener is essential for accessing the movement.
What it does: Unscrews screw-down casebacks safely without damaging the case or slipping.
What to look for: An adjustable tip (0.5 to 2.2 inches) that fits most watch sizes. This versatility means one tool works for multiple builds.
4. Crystal Press – Don't Skip This One
Installing a crystal without a press is an exercise in frustration. Trust me on this—you want a proper crystal press.
What it does: Applies even pressure to install (or remove) crystals and bezels without cracking or misaligning them.
What to look for: A screw-down type press gives you the most control. Avoid cheap plastic presses—they flex and make installation harder.
Why you need it: Sapphire crystals are expensive. One cracked crystal because you tried to "just press it in by hand" will cost you more than a quality press would have.
5. Precision Tweezers – Handle the Tiny Parts
Watch parts are small. Really small. Gaskets, springs, and screws require tweezers to handle safely.
Critical feature: Get anti-magnetic tweezers. Regular tweezers can magnetize your watch movement, causing it to run fast or stop entirely. Namoki carries the Bergeon 7024 anti-magnetic tweezers—a professional-grade option.
Pro tip: Keep multiple pairs—one with fine tips for tiny screws, and one with broader tips for handling dials and hands.
6. Rodico Cleaning Putty – The Secret Weapon
This unassuming green putty is borderline magical. Seriously, every modder swears by it.
What it does:
- Removes fingerprints from dials and crystals
- Picks up dust and debris
- Helps with hand installation (some modders use it to grip hands)
- Cleans oil residue from movements
Why you need it: It's cheap, reusable, and solves problems you didn't know you'd have. Get the Bergeon 6033 Rodico from Namoki and thank me later.
7. Spring Bar Tool – Swap Straps with Ease
Want to change your watch strap? You need a spring bar tool. It's simple, affordable, and essential.
What it does: The forked end compresses spring bars so you can remove and install straps or bracelets. The pointed end works for drilled lugs.
Warning: Spring bars are tiny and fly off when released. Work over a clean surface, or you'll be searching your carpet for 20 minutes.
Namoki carries the Bergeon 6767-F spring bar tool—a professional option that won't let you down.
Link - Bergeon Spring Bar Tool
8. Movement Holder – Keep Things Steady
When you're working on a movement outside the case, you need it held securely. A movement holder provides a stable platform.
What it does: Secures the movement so it doesn't slip while you're installing hands, changing day wheels, or adjusting the movement.
Why you need it: Trying to balance a movement on your desk while installing hands is a recipe for disaster. A holder gives you peace of mind.
Link - NH35/NH36 Movement Holder
9. Screwdriver Set – Watchmaker Grade
Watch screws are incredibly small. Your standard precision screwdrivers? Too big. You need watchmaker-grade screwdrivers.
What to look for: A set with multiple sizes (0.6mm to 2.0mm tips). Look for rotating tops that let the screwdriver spin freely while you apply downward pressure—much easier on your hands.
10. Finger Cots – Protect Your Work
This might seem minor, but finger cots (basically tiny rubber gloves for your fingers) prevent fingerprints, oils, and dust from contaminating your parts.
Why you need them: Your skin produces oils. Those oils will show up on dials, hands, and crystals. Wearing finger cots keeps everything pristine.
The Easy Way: Get a Complete Watchmaking Kit
If buying tools individually sounds overwhelming, Namoki Mods offers complete watchmaking kits that include all the essential tools plus all the parts you need to build a complete watch.
These kits (~US $38) include:
- All essential tools (hand setter, case opener, tweezers, screwdrivers, etc.)
- Complete watch parts (case, dial, hands, bezel, movement, crystal, crown)
- Step-by-step instructions
- Free international shipping
It's the perfect all-in-one solution for your first build. You get quality tools you'll use for every future build, plus everything you need to create a complete watch.
Why Quality Tools Matter
Here's the thing about cheap tools: they make an already delicate process even harder. Flimsy tweezers that won't grip, hand setters with wobbly tips, crystal presses that flex—they turn a fun hobby into a frustrating ordeal.
Quality tools from companies like Bergeon (which Namoki carries) are designed by professional watchmakers. They're precise, durable, and make your builds enjoyable instead of stressful.
Plus, these tools last. Buy once, use for hundreds of builds.
Bonus: Storage and Organization
As your collection of parts and tools grows, you'll need organization. Here's where Namoki's thoughtful packaging shines—their parts come in reusable containers perfect for storing dials, bezels, hands, and small components.
Many modders keep all their parts organized in Namoki's packaging, turning what could be chaos into a neat, accessible system.
Ready to Build?
With the right tools, watch modding goes from intimidating to empowering. You'll have the confidence to tackle any mod, knowing your equipment won't let you down.
Whether you buy tools individually or grab a full kit, you'll be setting yourself up for success.
And remember: every professional modder started exactly where you are now, with their first set of tools and a vision for their first build. The difference between a scratched mess and a beautiful custom watch? Having the right tools for the job.
Happy modding! 🔧⌚
Related guide: Your Next DIY Project: Building Custom Seiko Watches
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Aliexpress & Namoki Mods. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe will be valuable to you.
