Watchmaking Schools UK - Trade Account & Horology Tool Supply

Horological training · Watch repair kits · Strap and bracelet tools · Trade pricing · Fast UK dispatch

Toolsmith Ltd supplies UK watchmaking schools, horological training programmes, independent watchmakers and serious enthusiasts with watch repair tools, anti-magnetic tweezers, case holders, strap kits and the supporting bench toolset used in daily horological practice. This page is for training coordinators, BHI (British Horological Institute) programme leaders, apprentice watchmakers and working independent horologists.

Toolsmith supplies tools, not watch parts such as movements, crystals or springs.

16-piece watch repair tool kit laid out on linen: case back wrench, pin pushers and spring bar tools, blue strap link remover, red-handled pliers, case knife, tweezers, pin block and a small brass and nylon hammer
Our 16-piece watch repair tool kit, a common first-year bench set.

Why UK watchmaking schools buy from Toolsmith

  • Anti-magnetic, anti-acid tweezers as standard — 3C-Ti and 5-Ti titanium grades for movement work. Magnetised tweezers are painful on a hairspring; we stock the right kit.
  • Full strap & bracelet toolset — pin pushers, spring bar tools, leather notching pliers, bracelet chain adjusters, wooden movement holders. See Strap & Band Tools.
  • 16-piece repair kits through to individual specialist tools — students can progress from a starter kit to a filled bench over a course without duplicating purchases. See Watch Repair Kits.
  • UK stock, same-day dispatch target for orders before 2pm Mon–Fri. Most UK orders arrive 2-3 working days after dispatch; Express delivery (£6.99) is available at checkout.
  • Trade pricing from Tier 1 (£250 annual). See Trade & Bulk Orders for the full schedule.
  • Storage-boxed kits that survive the shared-bench environment of a college horology studio.

Recommended kit by course level

Foundation / Year 1 (watch disassembly, basic repair)

Core bench toolset for first-year students learning case opening, strap work, and basic service skills. Budget guide: £60–£120 for the core kit.

  • 16-piece watch repair kit (pin pushers, spring bar tool, case back tools, screwdrivers)
  • 10x jeweller's loupe with storage case
  • Rubber-lined case closing pliers — see Case Opening Tools
  • Anti-magnetic 3C-Ti titanium tweezers (108mm or 120mm)
  • Watch case holder (wooden movement block vise)
  • Strap pin pusher with spare tips

Intermediate / Year 2 (movement work, strap craft)

Adds precision movement tools, bracelet work kit, and leather-strap notching equipment.

  • 5-Ti titanium anti-magnetic tweezers (finest grade for hairspring work)
  • Prong-style tweezers for holding screws — see Tweezers & Clamps
  • Bracelet link removal tool + replacement pin set
  • 1.5mm and 3mm leather notching pliers (for bespoke strap work)
  • Watch band pin pusher scribe (steel with wooden handle)
  • Fine-tip AA stainless tweezers for small findings

Advanced / BHI Final Year & independent watchmaker

Adds specialist bench kit used for full movement service and strap manufacturing work.

  • Professional concave/convex forming pliers for bracelet curving
  • Spring-loaded watch repair pliers for pin removal
  • 120mm jewellery pliers with loop system for chain adjustment
  • Multi-grade file set for case finishing work
  • Rainbow-plasma-coated forming pliers for ring and bracelet bending

Supporting reading for your students

How to order for your school or workshop

  1. Email info@toolsmithltd.co.uk or call 0121 314 7550 with your institution or practice name, programme or BHI affiliation (if applicable), typical annual volume, and preferred payment method (proforma invoice or card).
  2. We reply within one working day (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm UK time) with a quote at your discount tier.
  3. Confirm the order by email with your PO reference, and pay by proforma invoice or card. We reference your PO number on the invoice and delivery note.

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Delivery, returns and supplier details

  • Dispatch: we aim to dispatch orders placed before 2pm UK time, Monday to Friday, the same working day; later orders are dispatched from the next working day. Every order ships from UK stock, either packed by us or through Amazon's UK fulfilment centres.
  • Delivery: free UK delivery on every order. Most UK orders arrive 2-3 working days after dispatch. Express delivery (£6.99) is available at checkout. Trade and bulk orders ship via tracked courier with pallet options for large volumes. See our shipping policy.
  • Returns: 30-day returns on unused items in original packaging; you pay return postage unless the item is faulty, damaged or wrong. Sealed sterile instrument sets cannot be returned once the seal has been broken after delivery, for hygiene reasons. See our returns policy.
  • Minimum order: No minimum order quantity: tiers are based on cumulative 12-month volume.
  • Supplier: Toolsmith Ltd, Company No. 16520777 (England & Wales), VAT GB497504454, 39 Heather Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 9TE. Phone 0121 314 7550, email info@toolsmithltd.co.uk, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm UK time. We reply within one working day.

More answers: frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

Do you stock watchmaker's screwdrivers in matched sets?
Yes — our 16-piece repair kits include precision screwdrivers sized for standard watch movement screws. For BHI-standard matched 9-piece precision screwdriver sets in dedicated stands, email info@toolsmithltd.co.uk — we can source on request.

What kit does a BHI Technician Grade student need to buy before starting?
Check with your programme leader first. For self-equipping, a 16-piece repair kit, anti-magnetic titanium tweezers, a 10x loupe, and a wooden movement holder cover the first-year requirements for most courses. Total: £60–£120.

Do you supply watch crystals, springs or movement parts?
No — Toolsmith is a tools and instruments specialist, not a parts supplier. For watch parts, movements and crystals, Cousins UK is the long-standing UK trade source.

Are your anti-magnetic tweezers suitable for hairspring work?
Yes — 5-Ti titanium tweezers are anti-magnetic, anti-acid, and rated for precision movement work including hairspring and balance adjustment. 3C-Ti grade is a slightly coarser variant for general movement and bridge work.

Do you deliver to individual apprentices or only to the school?
Either. Each order can ship to any UK address you give us, so apprentices can receive kit directly or the school can receive bulk shipments to central stores.

Can independent watchmakers open a trade account, or is it schools only?
Either. Working independent watchmakers qualify for trade pricing at the same tiered rates as institutional buyers. BHI-registered practitioners, retail watch repair businesses and master watchmakers all welcome.