The One Tool That Will Make You a Better Watchmaker

I want to thank all my Patreon supporters and subscribers that have made donations to the channel to help in my journey to bring the type of information left out from other watch channels.
Thank you to all.
Steve Stroschein
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Great video Alex! But the ring light is LED (light emitting diode), not LCD (liquid crystal display) 😀 Small difference but it matters if someone is going to do a google search for it. Thanks again for sharing so much info! I love this series! I just finished my first complete lubrication of an ETA 2472 and to do so I used your two lubrication guide videos intensively - both for sourcing the lubricants and technique. My microscope, which is very similar to yours, was invaluable. I know it can also be done with a loupe but I have yet to find a loupe with a built in video camera. Although that's probably coming next! 😀

Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, Alex reaches a new high. Adding a binocular microscope to my bench was an absolute game changer. I could finally see clearly when trying to coax a hairspring back between the regulator pins, inspecting the gloss surface of a cap jewel, and other routine (and not so routine) tasks. Mine is optically superb, but the working distance is too small to be able to use a screwdriver. But maybe a Barlow lens would help with that, I’ve now learned. The specific info on microscope and cameras setups will help a lot of watchmakers who look at Zeus’s dissecting scopes and faint when they see a $10k price tag! This is the best watch repair channel on Clip-Share, for aspiring watch repair techs who need to know what they need to know. Bravo!

What I love about Alex’s video.. he addressed most of the other microscope reviewers avoid talking about. ‘Working distance’ - this is so critical if a hobby watch maker is going to use it for oiling cap jewels etc. that’s primarily the reason I want to get it. To be able to see better on what I am working on with two eyes..

Hey Alex! I’ve been watching your videos and they are great! You are answering all of the questions that came to my mind after watching tons of videos on other channels. Thank you so much for sharing such invaluable knowledge. Wish you all the best! Happy new year!

Great videos Alex. This particular one is exactly what i've been looking for. I'm at the stage as a hobbyist that I have been looking into microscopes, and this is now my shopping list! Thank you, and keep up the great work.

Awesome stuff Alex!! I use a simple digital 7” screen for inspection and even oiling… tricky but I’ve adjusted.
Congrats on your subscriber count increase!!
Thank you for posting these as it really helps us hobbyists.

Another great video Alex. It can take a little while for the brain to sync up to get good hand eye coordination. I got two selections of click and other springs along with a selection of screws for a total of six pounds GB. Spent a few days moving them from container to mat, turn the over and move them to another container. This worked really well with the added advantage I might have some spares when I sent springs/screws to the Swiss space program 😂

Alex. Thank you. I've followed you since your first video. I think I found it within a couple of hours of inception. I'm now able to disassemble, clean, assemble and get a watch running. Always poor amplitude, but it's a great feeling. I view your new videos eagerly, and once a week review all the others in order. I'm an anorak (nerd), but I have learned so much. Each time I view I find something that refreshes the learning.
I am at the stage where to continue with you feels that I have my own personal mentor. Your comments of the later stage of the video sounds absolutely fabulous.
Thank you
Ross

Great video! When I got into watchmaking a couple of years ago, I very quickly decided to get a microscope. My setup is basically identical to yours.
I actually do use it for a lot of horizontal-view applications, though. My bench has a hand-crank that lets me raise and lower it, so I raise the bench up about a foot, and then, since I have the boom off to the side, I can _rotate_ the scope by quite a few degrees. I just have to scoot my work back quite a bit to keep it in view, but this way, I can actually use my lathe with my scope!

Thanks for the info my dude! Always a blast learning from someone whos clearly knowledgeable and doesn't feel the need to pack a bunch of BS filler into their content. Straight forward and breviloquent that's you man.

Thank you Alex! I was considering adding the elapine treatment, to my setup, and watched your video. I can see why we want to take advantage, of the longer life of the oils, and I will start doing that sometime soon. The SM-3T has to come next!

Your classes have been terrific. I'm getting ready to re-watch them as I know I'll learn things that I missed on the first viewing. Thanks for all your efforts.

Alex, thanks for making these videos. I don't know how I (or anyone) would get started trying to work on watches without videos like these. Good tools are so critical. By the way, do you have a model number on the camera for your Amscope?

I purchased the microscope, Barlow lens, and light ring, using the links you provided. Thanks for making it easy. I'm pretty sure I'll buy the camera soon for recording disassembly. I've serviced 5 movements now with great results. I find myself doing everything under the microscope. Almost feels like cheating. Thanks for the help!

Another great vid Alex. So grateful for your channel. You really get to the meat of the subject when it comes to watchmaking, servicing, and repair. I have been servicing and restoring vintage timepieces for a bit over 3 years now and primarily focus on vintage Seiko with specialty in the vintage 6139/6138 chronograph. I also love the vintage divers Seiko produced in the late 60s and through the 70s and early 80s. You are correct, the bifocal microscope was a game changer for me when it came to inspection and repair. Thanks again and I look forward to your next series of vids. John S

I spent two weeks in engraving School struggling with working distance. Why in the hell did somebody not tell me this? I use a couple of antique Bausch & Lomb stereo Zoom scopes which I can highly recommend- even more so now that I have acquired .5X Barlow objectives for them holy cow is this amazing. Thank you for this game changing piece of information. I spent more on my engraving classes then my first two cars and nobody bothered to let me know I could improve my working distance I had to see it from a guy on a Clip-Share video.

Excellent tutorial series. Really good advice on what to do as well as what not to do in in really concise and clear manner. Slowly working my way through.

You're The Man, Alex.
Thanks for taking the time to pass along all this good information and in a clear and concise manner.
Looking forward to future installments of yours pertaining to actual repair.
Yes, the "scope" is an integral part of my workbench.
Mine consists of a hodge-podge of components, some bought and others homemade.
The foundation is a Hayear 48Mp camera screwed onto a Hayear 180X Zoom lens. All this is coupled to a ismartView 10" HDMI monitor. I believe this setup is the best bang for the buck compared to those ready-made inspection digitals currently available.
I have a cheap LED ring light just like yours.
I took it a step further and cut a filter for it out of some polarized thick-film material (B009P8B548) in the shape of a ring to cover the light and I added a screw-on circular polarized lens (B003USTMIU) along with a ND filter (for protection) to the bottom of the camera lens. Having polarized light allows me to dial-out unwanted reflections and see detail that was previously obscured and it allows me to see into things like jewels, screw holes, hollow items, and the like. I suppose polarized light will be a matter of personal preference but I find it very useful.
To rotate the polarized lens, I drilled & tapped the side of the ND filter, which is on the bottom of the polarized filter, and screwed into it a 4-40 thumb screw from an old serial data connector which is about 2" long and it makes a terrific handle. I liked it so much that I installed one on the Zoom-ring of the camera lens too.
Spending less than $30 converting an ordinary LED ring-light and camera lens using readily available materials saved me hundreds over a factory-made polarized ring light.
Here is a Dropbox link for a pic of my setup:
" www.dropbox.com/s/vzhq5afy0m7ai1r/IMG_3448.jpeg?dl=0. "
It is zoomable or you can download it and zoom in yourself.
Cheers

Very informative Alex, well done on the support from the community you deserve it.

Absolutely spot on advice Alex.
She Who Must be Obeyed (SWMBO) bought me an Amscope for Christmas this year and I pouted like a child until SWMBO agreed to let me start using it before Christmas Day. It's a complete game changer for me. I struggle with a loupe as I wear varifocals and the focus was constantly changing when I moved my eyes around. The microscope has allowed me to lubricate pallet fork jewels with ease, replace the pinging incabloc springs without turning to drink and lubricate the whole movement with confidence that it's getting to the right place with the right amount.
Managed to pick up a clearance stereo Amscope with boom arm, .5 barlow lens and an LED ring light for £240 which I consider a bargain, given the amount I'm now saving on blood pressure medication.

Yet again another very enlightening video, I fitted a digital camera like yours into the camera port by making a simple spacer ring, it is used to take pictures of the piece that I am working on as my memory is not as good as it used to be. I totally agree with your assessment of the advantages of a microscope.

I bought one of these microscopes from Cousins here in the UK and indeed it's a game changer. Moreover, you Alex are a Life changer, with you clear eloquent and informative videos which have totally rekindled my love of repairing vintage watches. I look forward to your next one, Thank you.

Easily the best microscope video on Clip-Share and I've seen most. My field is electronics but I will definately be watching your back catalogue. Your descriptive style is just what I need. Thank you.

Hi Alex, been into watchmaking only less then a year and still gathering equipment and tools. your streams are great and its a great addition to some other utubers I follow. thanks and keep on going👍

This one was chocked full o' gems! The microscope is just an essential part of kit IMO, and you can't do a good job without proper magnification. This is one of those subjects that people are always asking about, since microscope options can be quite confusing. I gladly joined the Patreon too -- I've used this channel as a resource so much, it's only fair to help support it in return.

Wonderful! I would have thought that such a scope would have cost $1000s rather than $300!
I work on modern electronics and have been using the hoods with different lenses for small detail work. But the scope may be just what my old eyes need to continue working! Not to mention playing with a watch now and then!

Hi Alex,
Again an other informative video from you
Each of your 18 videos has taught me so much and again gave me the confidence to actually start disembling watches, obviously making mistakes, but fortunately learning from then and growing in confidence,.
Look forward to more of your watch knowledge my friend,.

Thank you Alex, I am very new to this hobby and after viewing about 10 of your videos I must now evaluate my direction. You may have saved me some pain and suffering :)

Done it. As you said, it's a game changer. For Christmas my bride gave me a Digital Microscope g1200 (on offer at £35). Not to the standard of yours by a long chalk, but brilliant all the same. Within a minute of switching on I found an error of my own work. A spring holding a jewel on the on the balance of my Sekonda 2428 was not actually central. It looked it, but on magnification I could see that it was off centre. So obvious! As they say in Latin. Tarrus Verius Mutchus.

For me i just got myself a hi res digital microscope last month. it already has already become invaluable. I can do some work under it, but i love it for inspection and fault finding. its been a game changer!

Thank you Alex, this is absolutely fantastic! Your lessons are truly very useful!

I have a digital microscope I use for inspection and I have a head set with lenes that you can change they go from 3-15x, and I use a very bright headlamp has worked great so far. Great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Thank you very very much for all the previous videos, each and every one of them has been (and continues to be) a priceless mine of information. And please keep them coming !

Many thanks Alex, another great vid! I have a cheap AmScope 10 x 2 on a boom that ive been looking to replace, it’s done me really well, but it’s time to upgrade at some time maybe to your setup! Looking forward to the next ones. Most interested in balance and hairspring work. Ta buddy!

I really appreciate the perspective and insights to bridge the theory and the reality of the art of watchmaking. Really great videos

Thanks for another great video. I have the stereo microscope you don't recommend (I think it's the AmScope SE400-Z). But, mine came with 2 sets of oculars (10x and 20x). I never use the 20x for the exact same reson you described. The 10x has served me very well for 2 years but I'm going to upgrade based on your recommendation. Thanks again!

What a great and informative video, Alex. Once I get the rest of my clean/service tools, I am making a microscope my next big purchase.

Ok, I've watched the series and ordered a few basics, including a practice movement. I think I'm ready to go back and try and some hands-on. Thanks again!! Def need a microscope if I'm gonna do this much at all, but can't really afford that right now. Got a couple dumont tweezers, a couple sizes of single burgeon screwdrivers, and some other supplies - chinese movement holder set that def needs sanding, chinese spring pin tool, nail tees, a silicone mat (meant for phones, but I think it'll do for starting), loupes, and some little containers for parts. Here I go... thanks again, professor! 🙏

Thanks for another great lesson Alex! I can't wait to watch all of your upcoming classes.

Thanks for this video, it's exactly what I've been looking for. I've wanted to buy a microscope for a while, but found it difficult to work out just what was required. 👍

Alex, thank you for making this video. Right now saving up to buy a microscope setup. You explanation regarding what to consider and what to avoid, the rationale behind it is awesome..

Nice explanation uncle Alex! I've been using a similar Amscope for the last 7 years professionally (working on micro electronics). So when I got into watchmaking it was a natural choice for me. An additional benefit is you can work on a standard workbench instead of rigging up a high bench as you would traditionally. Depth perception with a stereo microscope is orders of magnitude better than using a loupe. In fact, I'd rather have my eyes removed with a spoon than work with a loupe hunched over a bench the whole day :)

Another great educational watchmaking video Alex, the microscope is my next and hopefully last bigger investment, my wife is looking for the rolling pin. Looking forward to your next series

Agree 100%. As a novice, I'm only on my second practice movement (a Seiko 7S26) and have used only my microscope with it. I can't imagine working on Diafix jewels without it. I use the Amscope SM-1TZ with a 0.5 Barlow and a LED ring. It has a 1.2cm thick metal base with length and width that seem perfectly sized for a Bergeon 7808 work mat. I removed the two base clips and made a small cutout in the mat to accomodate the vertical post. The mat basically completely covers the base, whose thinness now makes it an ideal working platform. The 0.5 Barlow allows easy and comfortable use of tools. You get depth perception not possible with a loupe. Diafix cleaning and lubrication is still a PITA but it is doable and getting easier with more practice. The microscope was my first major acquisition after screwdrivers, tweezers, and oils. Should have a timegrapher by next week to further up my game.

Hey Alex, I think you meant that the microscope is 7x-45x. The objective lens is .7x-4.5x. Then multiply by 10x for the ocular. You can see this on the Amscope website. Awesome video, btw. Love your content!

Another awesome video Alex. Keep up the great work. Your videos are really helpful on my journey toward learning watchmaking.

Thank you for sharing your experience and practical knowledge to people who are interested in watch repair. Out of all the watch videos channels out there I think your’s is one of the best that actually teaches one on one as instructor would to a student. I have been attempting watch repair for a few years now and I wish I had seen yours videos first as a guidance of how to start, what tools I should buy and what to stay away from. I am always looking forward to your videos. Thanks. 😊

Alex your a Godsend, keep on keeping on. Your videos are awesome. Thank you for your inspiring words and videos.

Another great video Alex. I guess like most I started with digital microscope and still today I use it some but my Amscope is my go to for inspection work etc. I don't have the one you have, wish I did but since I don't have much work area I had to go with one a bit smaller.

I wish I had seen your video back when I first thought to get a microscope. I have an AMSCOPE bi-occular but it good only for inspection for the very reason you pointed out about field-of-vision versus Working Distance. The Good news is that your video has me considering going back to AMSCOPE with an eye towards searching for options. Given my age and eye-sight I would be willing to go through the learning curve required to work FT under the scope. Thannks.

Hi Alex, great video and awesome explanations! But what would happen to the field of view, if the eye pieces were x20 and using the Barlow .5?
20x4.5x0.5 would equal x45. Would the field of view still be the same? What about the working distance?

Thanks for your response man. My pleasure to be one of your supporters. Quick question: how much recording time do you have with your Hayear camera? I want to do my best to eliminate extra parts after assembling a movement, especially chronographs! 😉

Hi Alex, great video again. At first there is a little time to get used to working with a microscoop, but I cannot imagin working without it anymore. It's so relaxing for the neck and schoulders. I got mine from Bangood.... Please can you tell me what software you're using for the CCD camera?

I think this setup or the Meiji are the best bargain if you want a trinocular scope to mount a camera (8.3MP camera will give you 4K) , if you don't want a camera then the Leica A60 with its amazing depth of field and that awesome Acrobat stand will set you back nearly $3K but if you can afford it, it's pretty damn nice. There's a 10" version of the digital microscope in the video that is about $120 on Amazon, it's better IMO but the power connector is kind of delicate (micro USB and will fall off the mainboard if forced)

Excellent video. Really appreciate your helpfulness. I just ordered the microscope and each of the items you suggested by using your links. You more than deserve the fees that you earned. Again, appreciate your help!!!

I own the one you don't recommend. I don't think it is too bad . I have 5x 10 x and 20x optics and it is far superior of monocular or digital microscope first of all becouse it stereoscopic I use it mainly at 10x , , you are right at 20x is like a pinhole but I use this magnification rarely. Bought it for 140 euros , for me a good bang for the bucks at least for a beginner like me. BTW subscribed :-)

Hi Alex, I do have a question. Maybe someone in the community can answer this. For the Barlow lens... Does it have to .5x? I have heard that you will get better working surface is you use a .7x lens. Can you confirm, or is that not possible? Thank you again for your videos! I love watching them. Please keep up the great work.

Thank you Alex for the video. My cheapo setup needed a 0.35x barrow but it works. Who knew being able to see what you are doing makes it easier to do what you need to.

very informative Alex, well done on the support from the community.

Hi Alex, thank you for all your videos, the way you explain everything is very useful. As a watch expert, what are your insights regarding the p9010 movement on pam1312 watches? Thanks

After watching this video and also previously purchasing a digital microscope. I decided to pull the trigger on this entire setup. It was expensive but after using it for a few days, I don’t regret one penny. What an amazing tool. Thanks for your content.

Ebay seems to have the best price for the microscope with Amscope as the seller ($400). I put the microscope on my ebay watchlist and got a $40 discount for a total of $360 for the microscope. The other accessories I bought on Amazon. The Barlow lens is a must for watches. I am very happy with the purchase.

Thank you for the video. Yes I have been debating purchasing a microscope. As I have aged I have begun using readers to see up close and I hate switching between loupe and cheaters.

Finally! Someone goes over a microscope use and the particulars.... Nice work!

Another excellent video. I have seen them all (more than ones). I use simular microscope and have just bought a HAYEAR camera. Works fine. It cames with 0.5 reduction lense and my microscope has a 0.5 barlow lense. But the camera has a much higher magnification than the eye pieces. The microscope also came with an adapter that can slide up and down in order to gain focus. Same focus as the eye pieces. The linse, 0.35X Microscope Adapter, thar Alex use looks much better. Does it have a built-in focus function? Tons of thanks in advanced

Great, informative video, but the TOTAL magnification is 7x-45x. Your objective lenses are 0.7x-4.5x, and your eyepieces are 10x. The specs are on Amscope's website. At 450x you could see individual blood cells.
That said, I 100% agree that buying a microscope has been the best money I've spent on watchmaking. I wouldn't even consider doing it without one any more.

Great video and great series. Thank you for giving us so much info. I have learned a lot form your videos. They have all helped me in so many ways. Thanks again. Dan C :0)

This was the one I was waiting for very interesting answered a lot of questions. Thank you Alix, looking forward to the next video as i always do.

I want to defend the last scope you mentioned not to buy. Simply because I have it. But wait hear me out, I bought it as using a loupe was killing my back. I use the 10x and I have an amazing working distance. I can sit straight and it's it's light enough to move from my bench to the lathe. I do ALL my work under the scope at 10x from staking (took a while) to polishing crystals (see the next video it's great). That's it. Not that expensive and when your ready to buy something better you can leave it at the lathe in a permanent position. That ends my defense.

The Microscope package is not as bad (cost wise) as I would have thought. Thank you again.

Another option, and what I use for fine electronics work, is a cheap USB microscope plugged into a laptop. Since you're using your laptop for the display, you aren't limited by the crappy built-in screens on the cheap all-in-one microscopes. Also, since the actual microscope isn't attached to a screen, you can easily pull it off the stand to examine things at different angles.

excellent video Alex. Comes at the exact time I have been scouring the internet for the right magnification tool. What are your thoughts on just using that camera with the correct lens including a Barlow lens and a monitor, no microscope. Is it possible to get a good working distance? It would take some getting use to with hand eye coordination, but I am just getting started in the hobby so I have very little in the way of frame of reference when comparing to loupes or magnification glasses. Any thoughts and recommendations. Thanks again for being a great source of knowledge, particularly for someone new to the hobby.

Thank you Alex I learn so much from your videos. Look forward to your upcoming videos

Thank you for the great video. Cleared up a bunch my questions with your well thought our script and demos. Awesome!

Nice setup, but 10x eyepieces X 4.5 equals 45 power. Not 450 power. I Had a Richert 570 gem scope with a doubler which is only 240x . great for gem inclusions , with a fiber optic light , but about half inch clearance. Great channel. Where did you train? Thanks for your knowledge & sharing.

Very informative Alex, thank you very much. I am working with a bare minimum tools, nothing hi-tech.

Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for your informative and entertaining videos! Great stuff!! 👍

Another home run my friend. Great video and such great info. Thanks for putting this together for us Alex.

Hi, Thanks for a great video! Do you work under the microscope during dissassembly and assembling or just for those time you generally use a loupe? Like oiling, inspecting parts, working on Inca block etc?
I could see myself using a microscope constantly if the field of view was good. It would give my back much better working environment, not needing to hang on top of the movement and get a tired back/shoulders. What you think?
Thanks!

So many advantages to using a binoculair microscope! I've heard some hardliners on the watch forums opine that since a loupe was good enough for the old masters, it should be good enough for the rest of the world.... It's just pedantic gatekeeping! By far the best investment I've made in terms of equipment.

Thanks for this new video Aex! Very useful and informative as usual.

Alex, thanks for another great video, packed with good information.
I'd love to see you produce one on the subject of jeweling tools and staking set. I have successfully replaced a few jewels with my old Seitz tool, but I know that there's a lot I don't know about its use.
Thanks!!

Thanks for your unselfish way of helping us watch enthusiasts.

Great video explained in a simplistic way. Thanks

I knew you were a microscope type of guy ! 😂 I bought mine back in May ( Amscope SM-4TZ-B ) and I can’t see working with anything else unless like you said replacing a jewel, fitting hands etc etc. where you need to use a jig which precludes microscope use. Ive been buying tools since January of this year and I’m 90% done. I can say I’ve spent a boatload of wampum but I just can’t see working with anything less. Glad you came up in my Home Screen and doubly glad I’ve subscribed. I’m one step away from Patreon and it will be my honor to do so. Again much thanx and look forward to your next vid. 🍻Cheers Alex !

You suggest the single arm boom on the microscope and I am curious why that it. It seems like the double would be more stable. I can see value in rotating so you are not always looking strait down and can look at an angle. Maybe both booms do that. Thanks for you info. I've learned a lot.

Hi Steve, I boutght this exact setup and it is everyything you say. Its a different hobby now. Thanks for laying this all out!

Hey Alex, I am confused. When I go to Amazon/EBay it shows the magnification as 0.7 - 4.5 then x10 for a final magnification of 7 - 45, not 70-450 as stated in the video. Am I misunderstanding something? Want to make sure I bought the right scope. Thanks you! (Edit: Typo)

Thank you Alex for shering such precious contents! what do you think about a 3,5x90 stereo microscope? Is it that different from 7x45? i mean...is it fine too for watchmakers?

Great video. Wish i had room on my table for a setup like this.

Great information Alex. Thank you so much.

So glat i could find this channel. Thank you so much, amazing amount of valuable ieformation! Much appreciated.

Thx Alex, you’re an excellent instructor.

I have been very busy lately, but as soon as I find some time I run to watch your videos. Thank you very much!

Great video. I have a similar microscope, I added an o.5x lens and can now work from around 8 inches, The field of view through the Microscope is great, but the view from the camera is huge,and I can't seem to change it, Any ideas anyone?...Subscibed.

Excellent series, great information.

Hello! I bought all of these items and wow what a difference in seeing what I’m doing lol. Is it normal to only have one lens working when recording? Kinda annoying. Thanks for the great information

Our AmScope at work has soft rubber eyepiece caps that extend a hollow cylinder for about 0.5". It's not usable with glasses on but when you lightly touch your eye sockets to the rubber you have the best view.

Fantastic! Keep them coming Alex.