5 Horology Tools That Pay for Themselves
For many retailers, workshop tools are simply part of the cost of doing business. However, some tools earn their place on the bench remarkably quickly by saving time, reducing the risk of damage, and helping deliver a more professional service.
Whether you're carrying out battery replacements, bracelet adjustments or basic fault diagnosis, investing in the right equipment can improve efficiency while giving customers greater confidence in your expertise.
Here are five horology tools that can quickly pay for themselves in a busy workshop or retail environment.
1. A Professional Case Back Press
Battery replacement remains one of the most common watch services offered by retailers. While opening the watch often receives most of the attention, closing it correctly is just as important.
The Horotec Screw Type Press and Dies (07110) is designed specifically for safely closing snap-on case backs. Its threaded screw-action applies controlled, even pressure, helping to reduce the risk of cracked crystals, damaged case backs, or poorly sealed watches.
Supplied with six Delrin dies, it can accommodate a wide range of watch cases while protecting surfaces from marks and scratches.
For retailers carrying out regular battery changes, a quality case press quickly becomes one of the hardest-working tools in the workshop.
Why it pays for itself:
- Helps prevent costly case and crystal damage
- Creates a more professional battery replacement service
- Speeds up routine workshop tasks
- Suitable for a wide variety of watch sizes
2. A Battery and Movement Tester
Not every watch that stops running needs a new battery.
Without the right equipment, it's easy to waste time replacing batteries unnecessarily or struggle to identify the true source of a fault. That's where a professional tester becomes invaluable.
The Renata Watch Battery Tester allows retailers to test both 1.55V silver oxide and 3V lithium batteries. More importantly, it can also perform an inductive test on analogue quartz movements without opening the watch case.
Simply place the watch on the sensor area and the tester checks whether the movement is receiving pulses. This allows you to quickly determine whether the issue is likely to be the battery or the movement itself.
It's a simple tool, but one that can save significant workshop time while helping retailers provide a more accurate diagnosis.
Why it pays for itself:
- Helps diagnose faults before opening the watch
- Reduces unnecessary battery replacements
- Speeds up fault finding
- Tests both batteries and quartz movements
- Supports a more professional customer experience
3. A Quality Watchmaker Screwdriver Set
Every workshop uses screwdrivers. The question is whether they are helping or hindering the job.
Cheap or worn screwdrivers can slip, damage screw heads and leave marks on bracelets and watch cases. Over time, these small frustrations can lead to wasted time and unnecessary repairs.
The Horotec Watchmaker Screwdriver Set (01.218-C) is designed for professional workshop use. Supplied on a solid aluminium rotating stand, it includes eight precision screwdrivers covering the sizes most commonly used in watch servicing and bracelet adjustment, along with spare blades conveniently stored within the stand.
Because these tools are used daily across so many workshop tasks, investing in quality screwdrivers is often one of the easiest upgrades a retailer can make.
Why it pays for itself:
- Reduces damage to screws and components
- Improves precision during repairs and adjustments
- Speeds up everyday workshop tasks
- Includes spare blades for long-term use
- Used across multiple watch servicing applications
4. A Professional Bracelet Pin and Screw Press
Bracelet sizing remains one of the most frequently requested services in the watch trade. Yet it can also be one of the most fiddly and time-consuming jobs when using basic tools.
The Horotec Press for Fitting and Removing Bracelet Pins and Screws (10.500) is designed to make the process faster, safer and more precise.
Its vertical guide system ensures accurate alignment with bracelet pins and screws, while the integrated holding device secures components in place and leaves both hands free to work. The comprehensive assortment of punches, blades and supports allows the tool to handle a wide range of bracelet styles.
For retailers regularly sizing bracelets before sale or carrying out after-sales adjustments, the time savings quickly add up.
Why it pays for itself:
- Speeds up bracelet sizing and adjustments
- Improves accuracy and alignment
- Reduces the risk of scratching bracelets
- Suitable for both pins and screws
- Creates a more professional workshop workflow
5. A Professional Magnetism Tester and Demagnetiser
Modern watches encounter magnetic fields far more often than many people realise.
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, speakers and even handbag clasps can all introduce magnetism that affects a watch's accuracy. In some cases, a watch that suddenly starts gaining time may simply need demagnetising rather than a more extensive repair.
The Horotec MAGTEST 19907 is designed to detect, measure and remove magnetism from watches, movements, tools and components. Using five integrated sensors and a clear LCD display, it accurately measures magnetic remanence in micro Tesla (µT), allowing watchmakers to identify and verify issues before and after treatment.
By combining diagnosis and demagnetisation in one Swiss-made instrument, it provides a practical solution to a common but often overlooked cause of timekeeping problems.
Why it pays for itself:
- Helps diagnose a common cause of timing issues
- Demonstrates professional expertise to customers
- Provides measurable before-and-after results
- Suitable for watches, movements, tools and components
- Combines detection and demagnetisation in one instrument
The Bottom Line
The best workshop tools are not always the most expensive. Often, they are the tools that save a few minutes on every job, reduce the risk of costly mistakes, or help provide a more professional customer experience.
Whether you're replacing batteries, sizing bracelets or diagnosing faults, investing in quality equipment can make everyday workshop tasks easier while helping your business operate more efficiently.
After all, the right tool doesn't just make the job better - it pays for itself.
Explore the full range of horology tools available from LBS and discover how the right equipment can help improve efficiency, accuracy and customer service.