You can get started for <£100 or even <£30 if you are careful
You will need a set of flat headed screwdrivers. These are 80% of the tools you'll be using.
If you are approaching middle age, you'll need some magnification. I dont like loupes (those lenses you hold to the eye), and the visor mounted magnifiers are also not that good for me. I got a second hand long armed stereo 10x microscope for £30 which is perfect for me. You might just want a big old magnifying glass.
You might want a movement holder, again you can get super cheap ones, but second hand ones are better (because the shit ones are thrown away). they are basically specialized vices, or tiny little buckets(those are custom to each movement though.)
Next, start off with pocket watches, they are much bigger and more forgiving, and also cheaper.
In the uk: H samual, Thos russel are good brands to look for anything £20 or less.
For america: waltham/elgin (they often have broken balance though so watch out ) Eglins and Walthams look a lot more pretty, and have a better standard of finishing than the english counterparts.
You will need a set of flat headed screwdrivers. These are 80% of the tools you'll be using.
If you are approaching middle age, you'll need some magnification. I dont like loupes (those lenses you hold to the eye), and the visor mounted magnifiers are also not that good for me. I got a second hand long armed stereo 10x microscope for £30 which is perfect for me. You might just want a big old magnifying glass.
You might want a movement holder, again you can get super cheap ones, but second hand ones are better (because the shit ones are thrown away). they are basically specialized vices, or tiny little buckets(those are custom to each movement though.)
Next, start off with pocket watches, they are much bigger and more forgiving, and also cheaper.
In the uk: H samual, Thos russel are good brands to look for anything £20 or less.
For america: waltham/elgin (they often have broken balance though so watch out ) Eglins and Walthams look a lot more pretty, and have a better standard of finishing than the english counterparts.