Heuer Autavia Viceroy

I actually bought this watch brand new when I was in college. Even smoked the carton of Viceroys to get the deal for $88.00. On the lugs it has 11630 and 291XXX. In my internet research this SN seems really high for a Viceroy model, is it possible one of the times I sent it back to Heuer they used a different case, or sent me a knew watch. I really can't remember. It is the highest SN I can find in my research. It has a case with the pushers only exposed on the back. At least three times I knocked the pusher off. Sent it back to Heuer USA or whatever it was called then and after a long time I would get the watch back. I think they fixed it free twice and I paid once but can't remember how much. About 1974 I knocked off another pusher and didn't have the money nor the inclination to fix it, and gave it to my mother for safekeeping. I was going through a drawer of mine recently and found the watch and band. Still doesn't run, and still is missing a pusher. After more than 40 years sitting out of the sun it is dial and hands wise in great condition. It has scratches on the crystal the band ( blank leather perforated) has seen better days, but the clasp is still good. and it still is functional. I would like to sell it. I will never wear it again as I am too rough on the pushers and that is why a have a Rolex Sub.

So should I get it fixed, or sell it as is? If I sell as is what would be a good EBAY starting price? If I get it fixed what would be a good starting EBAY starting point? If I get it fixed who do I use. I know not to polish the case nor change the dial or hands. There are recommendations not to use Tag Heuer vintage repair service. Somebody said to use a watchmaker in Belgium with a first name Abel, but his site is down and I would rather not ship outside the USA. I have used Nesbitt's in Seattle for rolex along with another repair place in Chicago that was authorized for Rolex, but I can't find the name of the shop anymore. So what are my choices and what should I do. Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks for advice in advance.

I will put up some photos tonight. I am at work goofing off 😀 .

here are some pics

another

another

The dial is actually very black, but I am having a hard time learning to use the new iphone camera.

back side

Great looking vintage watch! Definately something to fix in my opinion. Easy to say as I am not paying 😀 But in a slightly restored shape it whould be an awesome piece!

Hi, the watch is a very nice original example and one I would call 'honest'. There are a couple of easy fixes a buyer (or seller) could have done to make it A1-new crystal, new pusher (cap), clean and service. I'm not convinced you'd get the money back on doing these things upfront however and agree with Abrod520 on possibly not having it done.

The serial is spot on as it should be. Bear in mind your's is the later 11630 model, NOT the 1163 which was predominantly used in the Viceroy promotion.

Love a watch with a bit of history like this.

Steve

I figured out it was a later watch, but really it shouldn't be as I know I bought it early in the promotion. Is it possible on one of the trips for repair in the mid seventies, that they just sent me a new watch or a new case? Also the opinion seems to be that I should sell as is as I might not get my money out of it. I see nice examples going for $2K-5K on various sites, and I seem to be getting estimates from two service centers of $3-500 for repair. I know it would be a risk, to sink $500 into it but I don't have a good idea what it is worth in a non running conditions. Any ideas what it would fetch broken, with band with Heuer buckle? I always thought it was a great watch, and it started me down the mechanical watch path, but I seemed to be too rough on chrono pusher caps. I stay away from Rolex Daytonas for that same reason,although I have no first hand experience with Daytonas 😀

Whatever sale prices you see, deduct the cost of service/repair and that will be the best estimate of selling price. You may do slightly better by not repairing, and of course you don't suffer the risk.

It is the original leather band with the sun log on the underside and the HEUER logo on the front side. Any sites other than EBAY to list it on?

I think it unlikely Heuer would have changed the case or the watch when you sent it to them. Your serial is one of the early 11630s but I don't know how far after the promotion started with the Autavia 1163, that they introduced the 11630 also.

Ebay will undoubtedly get you the most exposure, however to reach Heuer collectors there is a For Sale section here-
https://forums.calibre11.com/forums/marketplace.45/

also try Chronotrader too.
http://chronocentric.com/forums/chronotrader/

Best,
Steve

Here is a picture of the band and a better one of the face.

Despite the condition of the strap, I think it's great that it's original. If I were a buyer, I'd definitely want it (although I wouldn't wear it!). As abrod520 says, the buckle definitely has value.

The advice provided by @abrod520 is bang on.

Lovely piece and as a complete package should get some great interest.