Hi all.
Looking for some help with a dial query.
A Heuer chrono has been a grail of mine for as long time now.
Not having bundles of spare cash ,pulling the trigger on one is a big deal for me. But i'm willing to do it for the right watch.
I have researched tons over the years and have most things sussed.
I have been eyeing off this watch for a couple of weeks now. All seems well except for the fact it doesn't have the usual lume dots at 3, 6 and 9. I've never seen this before personally. Worn or fallen off dots sure. But this one looks clean underneath like there never was any lume dots at any point.
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable and experienced than me can tell me if this is any cause for concern regarding originality etc.
the price is reasonable and from what i can tell a respected and well known dealer.
Can anyone help me at all.
Also, any other obvious problems or non genuine Heyer parts anyone recognises?
This is my first post. Apologies if i did anything wrong. Think i have it all right
Thank you in advance
cheers
Steve

 

Looks like it may have had a relume. Certainly the hands look as if they've been redone. The dots at 3, 6 and 9 could potentially have perished and been cleaned away at the same time. Have a look at the 9 dot on this example to see what I mean.

 

Tachy ring differs from what is expected to be seen on this

http://www.onthedash.com/chronograph/carrera-ref-1153-s-third/

The third execution should have a 60 to 500 tachy ring

More pictures available?

What is the asking price?

 

Thanks guys. they are asking US$3630.
I did look at the On The Dash reference pics. I’m not too worried about the tachy difference. As long as it seems like a genuine Heuer ring. From what I have seen Heuer had a tradition of using parts they had from other models at times. I guess to not waste parts and there have somewhat transitional models etc.
not worried about the relume either. As long as the hands aren’t cheap copies.
I’ve attached more pics. As I said. The price seems ok. I’m not really in a position to spend more than this. And in a long time looking I haven’t seen much at this price point.
numbered 19x,xxx
How would you think the lack of lume plots would effect resale if I ever needed to sell it? I guess some people wouldn’t mind but some definitely mind. thanks again for your help.

 

Caliber 11 in a third execution Carrera from 1974 - I don't know but I tihnk there should be a Caliber 12 inside...

Too many questions and with 3600 USD you are already on the high side.

I would be very careful with this one...

 

Ok. Thanks for the advice. As long as it’s all genuine parts I could live with it potentially. I might point out all these questions and try to negotiate the price down.
I’m in Australia. So if I could get the price to AU$4000 which is US$3100 it might be worth considering

 

You've probably spotted it already, but the right-hand subdial isn't dead centre either.

 

Yes I did see that. I figured it’s probably not a big deal to get fixed at a first service.
But I guess a few issues you guys have listed adds up.
What do you think would be a reasonable $ amount to hit them with to make it worthwhile a purchase?
Ahh the joys/stresses of vintage watch collecting.
I’ll point out some of the flaws and suggest a number and see what they say
Thanks again

 

Almost certainly a relume. Tachy ring is odd but the pace of iteration on the 1153 was so fast they were often jumbled up, and it's not a dealbreaker or even a major detractor from value.

 

I hadn't paid attention to this but yes - a Cal 11 in this is another red flag and now that we have two (mis-match between tachy ring and dial; Cal 11 in what appears to be a later watch) I would tread carefully.

We need to see the serial number on the case to figure out what's going on, it's possible then that a later dial and handset were fitted to this watch but as it is, it's incorrect.

 

I have emailed the seller with a few questions, photos of serial number being one of them. I will post when they get back to me.
Thank you

 

So the dealer got back to me.
Didn’t answer any of my questions regarding the movement or operation of the chrono. Nor the probable mismatch of parts. They simply stated that the watch was priced to sell and they couldn’t negotiate further. They did offer free shipping.
They did include 2 lug shots as I requested. The numbers are mostly worn.

I think I’ll steer clear of this one. I’m pretty sure I’m priced out of the market now. I can’t justify any around the $5k mark.
But. I’ll keep looking. You never know. Thanks everyone for the advice

 

A 190xxx serial isn't completely out of the question for a Cal 11 (and likely would have the tachy-at-3 version) but shouldn't have the later dial or hands.

In any case it sounds like this seller isn't very interested in selling and so I think your best bet here is to move on. However you'll be looking at $5k or so for a nice 1153 these days one way or another, so I would suggest searching instead for a 1553 or for a barrel-case example.

 

Stay clear of this one, much better deals to be found if you have patience. Saw a good 1153n trading for 3k last week, of course not from a trader.

 

As a bit of a curve ball, Watchpool have just posted one with identical features, down to a very close serial number-
Vintage Heuer Carrera 1153 Unpolished for sale (watchpool24.com)
(complete with lume dots!)

 

Hhmmm seems to be getting hard to find a good 1153 these days. This is why you should always be careful with traders, even with Watchpool. Obvious mismatch of parts.
No way that dial and hands are original to a 190 serial and C11 movement. The 'unpolished' case is either NOS and not original to the rest of the watch or has been refinished. From the photos of the back of the lugs I would def say the latter. Also a few small blemishes on the plexi not consistent with the condition of the case. The hands have been relumed although claimed '100% original'. "The excellent condition of this Carrera makes it extremely valuable." Wow I don't know what they're asking but should be no more than 2k.

 

Always been very hard, they don't enjoy the "they're so in demand and valuable that they come out of the woodwork" status of the 2447 / 3647 and Autavia models.

Took me a while to find my 1ex 1153n, and it'll take me another while to replace it :/

 

If that case is refinished, then it's a very good job, but agree it must have been, or replaced.

 

If you look at the back of the lugs you'll see plenty of marks consistent with the age. So a refinish in my book. You can also see the triangle engraving in one of the lugs. @abrod520 do you know what that's about?

 

Interesting, also with Caliber 11 but Watchpools one has the updated Caliber 11. The OPs one has the earlierst 11 as it seems



EDIT:
https://www.onthedash.com/docs/CompareCal11s.html