French 844 - Identify and Seeking Band

[P45C4L]

Hi All,

I’m new here and trying to identify this Heuer. Family heirloom, originally my grandfather's. If anyone knows approximately what time period it’s from, please comment! So far, I've seen similar faces labelled as an 844/2 Monnin, but haven't been able to find any with the "MADE IN FRANCE" labelling at the very outside of the dial.



I’m seeking a stainless band for this watch. Style of links is less important than it being correct for the case, but from my research so far I see that most with original bands seem to be on a jubilee, such as in the two photos below. Mine is 20mm. If anyone thinks they may be able to help or has any suggestions at all, please comment below!

Thanks!

 

[thingziliketoo]

Very cool watch - I have a later model 844/5 and have been able to fit several different 20mm bracelets with hollow end links on mine. I have posted a few shots in this forum. If on Instagram I am @thingziliketoo and have a few there as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jubilee-br...-/233627216118?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

The above link is to an eBay seller that seems to specialise in these older divers. This is for a jubilee bracelet and they offer oyster as well.

 

[SteveP]

HI, I'd say this is an 844 as opposed to an 844-2. Does it have the model on the caseback? You don't see too many with the small 'Made in France' on the outside.

20mm Jubilee is the way forward generally on these.
Best, Steve

 

[P45C4L]

Thanks for the quick responses, @thingziliketoo and @SteveP !

I ordered a jubilee bracelet from the above eBay seller and am looking forward to getting it on there!

Below is an image of the case rear. It appears that you were right, @SteveP ! Is there any information that you can glean from it about the production or the time period?

Additionally, the crystal is quite scratched and it's mineral (right?). Does anyone know about swapping up to sapphire on an 844, and where I might get a sapphire and gaskets if I choose to do so?

 

[thingziliketoo]

The same ebayer above sells replacement seals and sapphire crystal kits.

 

[P45C4L]

After a long wait for completion of service... The restoration project is finally finished. Service by DeBoulle of Dallas. Full repair and correction of movement as well as polishing of case and replacement of the seals and crystal with the parts I ordered from eBay at @thingziliketoo 's suggestion. There was significant rust inside and it took the servicer a very long time to get it back to water-tight condition. See photos below.

All—thanks very much for your help, especially @thingziliketoo and @SteveP

Best— P

 

[thingziliketoo]

Congratulations, it came out great!

 

[Jim Dollares]

Cool, enjoy it!

 

[SteveP]

Looks great! Ready to go for another 40 years!

 

[RockBurner]

Looks good. Nice to see another 844 still in use and being loved.