Today I set up a new tool on the bench: a micro drill. It was inexpensive, I didn’t expect much from it, and honestly, I assumed it would be more of a curiosity than a serious addition. To my surprise, it performed better than expected — drilling clean holes as small as 0.3 mm in diameter. For anyone who has worked in watchmaking, that’s quite impressive for such a modest machine.

Comparisons and Expectations

When I purchased my Elara 2 and Lathe 3, I was advised that my existing equipment — a Sherline mill and a traditional watchmaker’s lathe — were toys, and would not provide the level of precision required for professional results. That seemed fair at the time; after all, these tools are often categorized as entry-level or hobby-grade.

Yet, a year later, the contrast has been eye-opening. While the larger machines have severle underferformed, this small micro drill has quietly demonstrated the ability to handle delicate work with confidence. It wasn’t supposed to be a precision hero, but in this case it has shown what’s possible on a smaller scale.

The Value of Simple Tools

There’s something encouraging about this. The micro drill isn’t overcomplicated, it isn’t marketed as cutting-edge, and it certainly didn’t cost a fortune. But it delivered where I needed it to. Sometimes, the simplest tools can step up in ways that more complex systems do not.

Looking Ahead

I won’t claim this micro drill replaces a full CNC, or that it solves all the challenges of watchmaking. But it has reminded me that progress can come from unexpected places. Tools often described as “entry-level” or “for hobbyists” still have their place in a serious workshop. And in this case, they’ve proven surprisingly capable — drilling holes that the more advanced machines have not yet been able to produce in my experience.

It’s a small victory, but one that keeps me motivated. Watchmaking is a long journey, and sometimes the most pleasant discoveries come from the tools you least expect.