OFFICIAL ROLEX WATCHMAKER TOOLS

The Rolex watch is a beautiful machine comprised of hundreds of precision parts all working in unison to precisely measure the escapement of time. Power delivered through the gear train by the mainspring is transmitted to the fast beating balance wheel, that due to its rapid arc of motion, is largely unaffected by external forces exerted upon it by the person wearing this fine tuned machine.

As is the case with any fine mechanical instrument, special tools are required in order to properly service and adjust a precision instrument such as a fine timepiece. We have taken a few pictures of some of the tools that are used to service a Rolex watch.  These tools are also made to very exacting specifications.  Without them it would be next to impossible to properly overhaul and service a Rolex watch.
Rolex Bezel & Crystal Press
This official Rolex tool is used to properly install any bezel on a watch case. It is also used to insert crystals into the watch case. Each plug is machined to fit a specific Rolex case. Not using this tool could damage valuable Rolex cases and parts.
Rolex Case Tube Inserting Tool
This official Rolex tool is precision designed to properly insert any Rolex case tube. The case tube is very important as it is the most likely point at which moisture can enter the watch case. Without using this fine tool case tube installation might be compromised.
 
Rolex Staking Tools
 
Rolex watches contain what is called an oscillating weight that winds the watch with the motion of ones arm. When the oscillating weight arbor becomes worn, these tools are used to stake or attach the new arbor to the weight.

Rolex Date Change Screw Tool
 
This tool is used on several models of Rolex watches which require a certain amount of tension be applied to the date change drive wheel screw. When the shaft of this tool slips between the fingers, the correct amount of torque has been applied and the date will change without effort or drag.
 

Rolex Micro Stella Wrench
 
These official Rolex tools are used to adjust the speed of the balance wheel of the Rolex watch. The balance wheel contains screws with a unique star head. These tools fit this unique screw whereby one can bring the watch to time.
 

Rolex Micro Stella Wrench
 
Here is another view of these unique tools showing both types of wrench tips. Moving the screw in speeds up the motion of the balance wheel. Moving them out slows it.
Rolex Bergeon Case Opening Tools
 
Just as the internal parts of the Rolex are exact, so is the watch case that protect the valuable watch movement. These tools are used to open the Rolex case without causing expensive damage.

Rolex Bergeon Case Opening Tools
 
Here is a close-up view of the knurled tools that match the knurles of the Rolex case backs.
 
Rolex Case Closing Tool
 
In order to properly close and seal a Rolex case, this tool is used to apply the correct amount of tension without damaging the case.

Rolex LG Openall Case Tool
 
This tool is spring loaded and is also used to open and close Rolex cases without causing damage.

Rolex LG Openall Case Tool
 
Here is a close-up view of this well made and time tested tool. This will open, without damage, any Rolex Oyster Case.

Rolex Pressure Testing Tool
 
This well designed tool by Bergeon is used to pressure test Rolex and other water tight cases.
 

Pressure Testing Of Watch Cases
 
Watches are taken to 3 atmoshperes in pressure. The watch is then lowered into the tank. Any area that is compromised will be revealed by the forming of bubbles. These areas are then sealed to prevent leaks.

Electronic Timing Of Watches
 
The B-200-A timing machine is used to time any mechanical watch. It is also used to place the watch into beat.

The Timing Machine Tape
 
The watch can be timed in any number of positions. The marks on the tape are used to determine and diagnose many conditions of the watch.
 

Rolex Mainspring Winders
 
This precision tool is used to properly insert new mainsprings in the mainspring barrel of the watch. Not using this tool results in distorted mainsrings which cause uneven transmission of power through the watch.
 
Rolex Mainspring Winders

Close-up view of the Rolex Mainspring Winder. This tool is used for all sizes of watches. Quality tools assure quality repairs.
 
 
Rolex Automatic Watch Winder
 
The Rolex watch is attached to this machine. It is then rotated through all positions, thus winding the watch. A finished Rolex is run on this machine for several days in order to observe it under simulated wearing conditions.
 
 

Glossary of Watch Terms

Balance Wheel - The oscillating wheel that governs the timekeeping accuracy of the watch.

Balance Staff - The arbor (or axle) for the balance wheel. The part that often breaks when you drop your watch.

Bezel - Part of the case. The ring that holds the crystal in place.

Bow - Part of the case. The loop to which a watch strap or chain is affixed. The part that comes off, allowing your watch to fall to the floor when you're pulling it out of your pocket.

Caseback - The portion of the case covering the back of the watch.

Crown - The knob used to wind the watch and set the hands.

Crystal - The glass piece (or clear plastic) that protects the dial and hands. The probability of breaking the crystal is directly proportional to the difficulty and expense of finding a replacement.

Cuvette - The inner cover on the back of a watch case. Typically found on hunting-case watches.

Dial - The "face" of the watch. Most commonly made of porcelain (enamel) or metal.

Escapement - That portion of the movement that allows the motive power of the watch to "escape" slowly and in a regulated fashion, thus keeping time.

HB&B - Hinged back and bezel. A "style" of watch case.

Hunting Case - A watch which has metal "lids" on both the front and back of the watch. See also "Cuvette".

Jewel - A small donut-shaped "bearing" that supports (or caps) a wheel pivot. In general, the higher the jewel count, the higher the grade of the watch. 19-jewel or higher is considered a high-grade watch.

Lever-set - A watch that is set by moving a small lever usually located under the bezel. A safety feature of Railroad watches that prevented accidental changes to the time. See also "Pendant Set".

Movement - The watch's "works." As distinguished from the case.

Pendant - The portion of the watch which holds the winding-stem and crown.

Pendant-set - A watch that uses the pendant to set the watch. See also "Lever-set".

Roller-Jewel - The jewel-pin that serves as the point of contact between the time-train and the balance wheel. Also called the impulse jewel.

SB&B - Screw Back & Bezel. A "style" of watch case.

Snap Back - A case whose back "snaps" or "pops" off. Can also refer to the response you get from your watchmaker when you ask him for the 12th time if your watch is done yet.

Stem - (or winding-stem) The shaft that connects the crown to the movement. Used to wind the watch and set the hands. The part that breaks when you open a swing-out case without pulling out the crown.