Oct 11, 2026Buying Guides
Watch Screwdriver Blade Size Guide: Matching Blades to Screws and Bench Sets
Chewed slots and slipped blades start with the wrong width. A blade-width ladder, set comparison and the caliber-specific drivers our catalog lists, with the numbers to order by.
Watch Screwdriver Sizes: Matching Blade Width to Screw Heads
Using an incorrect screwdriver blade width quickly damages watch fasteners. A blade narrower than the screw slot concentrates rotational torque across the slot center, shearing the metal edges and leaving visible burrs on polished heads. Conversely, an oversized blade extends beyond the slot walls, gouging movement bridges and marring decorative surface finishing. In watchmaking, matching both blade width and blade thickness is essential. Under a bench loupe, a properly fitted blade fills 90 to 95 percent of the slot length and seats fully against the bottom of the slot without wedging.
Blade width | Typical use | Catalog product (if listed) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
0.6 mm | Sub-dial screws, micro-regulators, minute bridge fasteners | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 10-Piece Ergonomic Set | Slotted blade; requires high-magnification alignment |
0.8 mm | Movement bridge screws, balance cocks, small train bridges | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 6-Piece Set; 10-Piece Hex Set | Slotted in GY004 and 6-piece set; hex tip in hex kit |
1.0 mm | Train bridge screws, barrel bridge screws, casing brackets | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 9-Piece Set (SPCN0064); 2-Piece H-Type Set | Slotted in general sets; double-ended H-tip in H-type set |
1.2 mm | Setting mechanism screws, winding bridge screws, rotor carriers | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 9-Piece Set (SPCN0064); 9-Piece Stand Set (NSRS-GF-C-0064) | Slotted across sets; 1.2 mm Phillips in 9-piece sets |
1.4 mm | Movement mounting tabs, case clamp screws, ratchet wheels | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 9-Piece Set (SPCN0064); 10-Piece Ergonomic Set | Slotted and Phillips available across 10-in-1 and 9-piece sets |
1.6 mm | Crown wheel screws, heavy casing screws, bracelet link pins | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 9-Piece Set (SPCN0064); 6-Piece Set | Slotted and Phillips in GY004; slotted in 6-piece set |
1.8 mm | Heavy casing clamps, automatic bridge main screws, bracelet screws | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 9-Piece Set (SPCN0064); 6-Piece Set | Slotted blade across GY004, SPCN0064, and 6-piece set |
2.0 mm | Caseback decorative screws, external bezel screws, casing fasteners | 10-in-1 Set (GY004); 9-Piece Set (SPCN0064); 10-Piece Hex Set | Slotted in GY004 and SPCN0064; hex tip in hex kit |
2.5 mm | Large exterior case fasteners, bracelet pins, bench screw pickup | Brass Body Screwdriver (SP0000063) | Changeable magnetic tip; 82 mm brass handle |
As detailed in the ladder above, movement bridges and keyless work typically require widths between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm, while casing clamps, ratchet wheels, and bracelet screws demand 1.6 mm and wider. When encountering an unverified screw, measure the slot length with a dial caliper or loupe graticule rather than guessing.
Watch Screwdriver Tip Profiles: Flat, Phillips, Hex, and Proprietary Slots
Mechanical movements rely primarily on straight slotted screws requiring flat, parallel-ground blades. Modern quartz modules and battery clamps often use cruciform Phillips screws, where radial flutes prevent slippage. Hexagonal socket fasteners are common on luxury sports cases, distributing torque across six contact surfaces. Kocandy catalogs a 10-piece precision hexagonal kit spanning 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm across ten sizes, servicing internal hex sockets without rounding corners.
Hexagonal blade profile spanning 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm.
Proprietary screw profiles appear frequently on luxury exterior hardware. Distinctive H-shaped screws feature two parallel outer slots separated by a center bar, demanding a bifurcated blade with a central clearance notch. Kocandy stocks a 2-piece double-headed screwdriver set with 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm blades, listed for Hublot Big Bang bezel, band, clasp, and lug screws, alongside a standalone 1.5 mm variant cataloged under model WL000007.
Watchmaker Screwdriver Sets Compared: Hand Pieces, Materials, and Model Numbers
Selecting a bench set depends on your primary service scope and layout preferences. General watchmaking requires a consistent range from 0.8 mm through 1.8 mm, supplemented by micro-blades and larger casing drivers. Comparing catalog options clarifies handle alloys, grip textures, and included stands. Fixed-blade drivers remain preferred for movement assembly because rigid one-piece shafts eliminate bit wobble and maximize tactile feedback.
Model SPCN0064 nine-piece set on a circular rotating stand with spare blades.
The catalog includes two nine-piece rotating stand sets: model SPCN0064 in metal and plastic, and model NSRS-GF-C-0064 in stainless steel and plastic. Both provide flat blades from 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm, 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm Phillips drivers, spare blades, and an antiskid carousel. Alternatively, the 10-in-1 precision set under model GY004 offers 316 stainless steel bodies, covering flat sizes from 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm plus two Phillips heads.
Set | Piece count | Tip types | Stated material | Model No. | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10-in-1 Precision Screwdriver Set | 10 | Flat (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 mm), Phillips (1.4, 1.6 mm) | Stainless Steel 316 | GY004 | |
9-Piece Screwdriver Set with Stand | 9 | Flat (0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 mm), Phillips (1.2, 1.4 mm) | Metal and plastic | SPCN0064 | |
9-Piece Screwdriver Set on Rotating Stand | 9 | Flat (0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 mm), Phillips (1.2, 1.4 mm) | Stainless Steel and plastic | NSRS-GF-C-0064 | |
10-Piece Ergonomic Screwdriver Set | 10 | Slotted (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 mm), Philips (1.4, 1.6 mm) | Stainless steel and rubber | Confirm by message | |
20-Tip Luxury Screwdriver Set | 21 (1 handle, 20 tips) | Confirm by message | Stainless Steel | Confirm by message | |
10-Piece Precision Hex Screwdriver Kit | 10 | Hex (0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.0 mm) | Stainless Steel | Confirm by message |
Magnetic Screwdriver Tips and Bench Demagnetising
Magnetic screwdriver tips provide practical convenience during external case assembly, bracelet sizing, and loose screw retrieval. Kocandy lists an 82 mm brass-body screwdriver with 2.5 mm magnetic tip under model SP0000063. The non-magnetic brass handle keeps total weight at 40 grams and restricts magnetism to the changeable tip, while a smooth rotating cap facilitates controlled one-handed handling when picking up loose screws from parts trays.
Model SP0000063 brass-body screwdriver with 2.5 mm magnetic changeable tip.
However, magnetic tools must never touch an assembled mechanical movement. Magnetized steel tips transfer magnetism to delicate hairsprings and escapements, causing coils to stick together and producing severe timing errors. Magnetic tips also attract airborne ferrous particles directly into clean jewel bearings. If steel tools become magnetized, pass them through an AC bench demagnetizer. Kocandy catalogs a 110V/220V unit; holding tools in the energized field for five seconds neutralizes residual magnetism.
Movement-Specific Screwdrivers: Listed for Rolex, Richard Mille, and Hublot Calibers
Prestige watch calibers and luxury cases frequently require dedicated driver profiles matched to specific factory head cuts. Standard commercial screwdrivers risk slipping off narrow screw shoulders or marring decorated bridge surfaces. Kocandy provides caliber-specific driver kits designed to address these specialized service requirements, ensuring repairers can work on proprietary movement and case fasteners with positive mechanical engagement.
Driver | Stated for | Tip detail | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|
6-Piece Movement Screwdriver Set | Stated as for Rolex 3135 and 2135 movements | Flat: 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 mm | |
2-Piece Rotor Screwdriver Set | Stated as for Omega Cal. 8800, 8801, 8804, 8805, 8807 repairing | 3 prongs and 7 prongs (spokes) | |
5-Piece Screwdriver Set | Stated as for RM screws | 4 tips: 2.35 mm (4-prong, 5-prong), 2.75 mm (4-prong, 5-prong) | |
2-Piece H-Type Screwdriver Set | Stated as for Hublot Big Bang bezel and band H screws | Double-headed blades: 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm wide | |
3-in-1 Oscillating Weight Punch Screwdriver | Stated as for ETA 2892, 7750, and 2000 oscillating weight rotor release and lock | 3 interchangeable heads for ETA 2892, 7750, and 2000 |
For classical automatic calibers, the catalog includes a 6-piece stainless steel kit stated as for Rolex 3135 and 2135 movements, with flat blades from 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm. For splined fasteners, Kocandy lists a 5-piece set stated as for RM screws, with an aluminium handle and four stainless steel tips: 2.35 mm and 2.75 mm in 4-prong and 5-prong profiles. Verify prong engagement under magnification before applying torque.
Oscillating Weight and Rotor Drivers: ETA and Omega Caliber Tools
Automatic winding mechanisms often utilize central rotor retaining keys or multi-spoke fasteners rather than standard slotted screws. Attempting to unlock an oscillating weight using ordinary flat blades risks slipping into the hairspring, scratching decorated bridges, or applying uneven lateral force that bends the delicate rotor staff. Dedicated rotor drivers distribute torque symmetrically across the bearing retention clip.
Two-piece rotor screwdriver set listed for Omega caliber 8800 series with 3-spoke and 7-spoke tips.
Kocandy catalogs a 3-in-1 punch screwdriver key with an alloy handle and three interchangeable heads stated as for ETA 2892, ETA 7750, and ETA 2000 oscillating weight release and locking. For co-axial calibers, the catalog lists a 2-piece rotor driver set stated for Omega Caliber 8800, 8801, 8804, 8805, and 8807 repairing, equipped with 3-prong and 7-prong tips. Before servicing any rotor, mount the movement securely to stabilise the movement before rotor work.
Rotating Stand vs Storage Case: Choosing Your Bench Workflow
The packaging format directly influences bench efficiency and tool protection. Stationary watchmaker desks benefit from rotating carousel stands, such as those supplied with models SPCN0064 and NSRS-GF-C-0064. An antiskid weighted base keeps the carousel stable during one-handed tool selection, while color-coded caps enable instant width identification under a loupe. Central compartments keep replacement blades organized and accessible.
Conversely, technicians traveling between benches or offering mobile repair benefit from fitted storage boxes. The 10-piece ergonomic set arrives in a fitted padded case that isolates each screwdriver, preventing hardened blade tips from contacting each other in transit. Inspect blade tips regularly under 10x magnification. When a blade develops micro-chips or rounded edges, replace it with a fresh spare blade or re-dress the faces on an Arkansas stone.
Before You Touch the Screws: Case Opening and Caliber Identification
Careful watch disassembly starts before introducing a screwdriver to the movement. The initial requirement is gaining case access without slipping or scratching polished surfaces. Select the proper bench tool to open the case before you touch the screws, checking gasket seating and clearing external dust before exposing delicate mechanical trains.
Once the movement is uncovered, verify the exact caliber stamp under your loupe. Caliber architecture dictates reverse-threaded screws, plate tolerances, and factory torque specifications. If markings are hidden or you are working on a movement that carries no readable caliber name, refer to our movement guide so that if you cannot read the caliber, identify it first. When extracting resistant screws, apply firm downward pressure on the swivel cap and turn gently, using a tiny drop of solvent to loosen dried oil if a screw binds.
Screwdriver Inquiry Identifier: Send Us Your Measurements
Because screw dimensions vary widely across watchmakers and production eras, selecting drivers requires verifiable measurements. When submitting an inquiry, prepare an identifier containing three key details: the measured screw slot width in millimeters, the outer screw head diameter, and the movement caliber or case reference if known. If the caliber is unknown, include sharp macro photographs taken perpendicular to the screw slot alongside a millimeter rule.
Kocandy is not affiliated with, authorised by, or a dealer for any watch brand (Rolex, Richard Mille, Hublot, Omega, ETA, Audemars Piguet, Panerai, Tudor, Citizen, Bergeon, Horotec, Vetus). All trademarked brand and caliber references in our catalog are cited strictly as stated-for compatibility designations according to supplier specifications.
To submit your measurements or confirm blade availability, contact us through our inquiry desk. We reply within one working day. If your required blade width, tip profile, or movement caliber is not listed anywhere in this guide, send your measurements anyway; our team will check them directly against our complete workshop inventory.
