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Microscopes for Watchmakers
I have several high resolution stereo microscopes suitable for the watchmaker at the bench, at the lathe and for inspection. All have been cleaned and lubricated with their optics checked to ensure that the image remains centered and focused when zoomed (if applicable). There is a procedure for balancing the eyepieces to your eyes, but once done it is done. Parfocal zooming is ensured by focusing at the highest magnification.
Compare these to prices on auctions sites. These are tested, cleaned and lubed. I make my name on service so if you are unhappy you send it back. I only picked up scopes (mainly from labs and quality control departments) that I knew were useable. Bad ones go to auctions.
NIKON SM-6
This is a FIXED magnification microscope that has a 2X objective. With the two pairs of Nikon eyepieces (10X and 15X) it provides magnifications of 20 and 30 powers. This is great for most applications and especially for working at the lathe. I have a provided a Nikon .7X auxiliary lens to increase working distance and decrease magnification.
This scope is about the least expensive option. While it lacks zoom, it is theoretically optically superior since there are fewer optical elements in the light path.
The focus block is included and you can either mount it on your own post and aluminum/hardboard base for inspection, assembly and oiling. This is also a great setup for adjusting escapements.
The microscope body rotates in its mount and has a capture screw to keep it from falling out of the mount.
PRICE: $285 Shipped in USA
NIKON SMZ-2B
This is a highly adaptable scope and set up. The Zoom is .8X to 4X giving a magnification of 8 to 40 power with the included Nikon 10X eyepieces. It is easy to locate auxiliary objectives for changing the working distance and total magnification. Put a standard 10mm reticule in one eyepiece and measure your work while it is on the lathe. The included LED ringlight provides ample illumination. The AO boom stand is readily configurable for the bench or at small machine tools (lathe, Sherline mill, drill press).
I use a .5X auxiliary lens for my Nikon at the bench, but this will work just like the AO 570 w/o the extra lens at the lathe.
The microscope body rotates in its mount and has a capture screw to keep it from falling out of the mount.
PRICE: $395 plus Shipping
AMERICAN OPTICAL 570
This scope is also highly adaptable for the bench or lathe. It comes with two American Optical Eyepieces (10X and 15X) and has a zoom range of .7X to 4.2X. Thus it gets you to over 60X magnification if you need it. Again, auxiliary lenses are readily available. This works as is fantastically at the WW lathe or turns as you can see in other pics on my website. I use a .5X auxiliary on the Nikon used at my bench. But I use the 570 as is at the lathe.
The AO 570 was AO's top of the line high resolution scope and should not be confused with the 569 (lower resolution) or the 571 (fixed magnification). They only ended production when industry shifted to digital imaging.
The microscope body rotates in its mount and has a capture screw to keep it from falling out of the mount. AO articulating arm (which does make things simpler in some setups).
PRICE: $365 plus Shipping
BAUSCH AND LOMB STEREO ZOOM 4
This scope is excellent for all around utility work in the watchmaker shop. Its maximum zoom factor gives a max zoom of 45 power with the included unbranded 15X eyepieces. It comes with a pair of highly sought after Olympus 10X eyepieces. Again, it is great for working over a lathe, inspection, lubrication and assembly. It has the B&L high resolution optics, but a more limited zoom range (3X).
Comes with the American Optical boom stand as pictured and I left the focus mount post exposed so you can see I turned an adapter to fit it to the AO articulating arm (which does make things simpler in some setups).
FWIW, Leica purchased B&L and sold this same scope under their name.
Price: $325 plus shipping
AMERICAN OPTICAL 570 on Base with direct and reflected lighting
No matter what scope you buy or from where, I highly recommend buying a light source that transmits light FROM UNDER the piece. This is essential when inspecting hole jewels and oiled pallets. There are LED light plates made just for this purpose.
This AO 570 is mounted on a lab base that allows the included lamp to be used above the work or under the work. As presented here, it is useful for assembly, inspection and oiling. Once you buy a boom you have a very versatile system.
The AO 570 was AO's top of the line high resolution scope and should not be confused with the 569 (lower resolution) or the 571 (fixed magnification). They only ended production when industry shifted to digital imaging.
This is a great setup if you are a serious watchmaker but are not yet heavy into lathe work.
Since it IS an AO 570, you have a zoom factor of .7 to 4.2X. Comes with original AO 10X and 15X eyepieces which provide a max. magnification of over 60X.
PRICE: $285 shipped in USA