Heuer Monnin 844 diver advice needed

lancerpilot
Posts
4
Likes
7
My father gifted me this Heuer Professional Diver this Christmas. The watch was purchased new in the 70’s (Estimated), and has been taken care of. Never been worked on. Showing signs of age, but appears fully functional. A fish eye to see the date was added over the original crystal many years ago. I’d like the watch restored to like new condition, and be able to pass it down to generations, so I don’t want to make an irreversible mistake. I’ve spent a lot of time researching the forums for the perfect service center and to be honest, I’m more confused as to what I “should” do. I reached out to Tag Heuer, set up a service request, called, and emailed them pictures. I was told by them, after receiving the pictures below, that it’s a 1995 1000m model and can be serviced in their New Jersey Center. I’m relatively new to Heuer, but this is clearly a Heuer, made prior to 1985, and I believe them to be wrong. I said this in response email requesting a 2nd opinion.

Am I missing something?

This short negative experience has me questioning the capabilities of the OEM repair center.

Would love to hear all opinions on what I should do, and who to send it to.

Thank you!

IMG_4268.webp IMG_4269.webp IMG_4270.webp IMG_4272.webp
 
lancerpilot
Posts
4
Likes
7
Thank you. I believe this to be an 844/2, Monnin. Which was why I was surprised that tag could be so wrong, especially with made in France written at the bottom.

Any recommendations on a shop to bring this back to like new condition, wisely?
 
flawless
Posts
599
Likes
824
Independent watchmakers are the way to go - if you provide your general location, I'm sure someone will be able to advise who will take best care of your watch.

As someone who has refinished watches, I would advise against getting it refinished. It's still in good condition (although it appears it may have been relumed at some point), so I'd suggest having the crystal replaced (keep the original) and have it serviced, cleaned, resealed, and new spring bars.

The new crystal, along with a thorough cleaning, will be quite a change - if you still want it refinished, bear in mind that it will most likely devalue it and permanently alter the case. Sharp edges can be softened, corners can be rounded, and this is worse than a few dents and scratches.

Your watchmaker should be able to advise, and I'd hope would agree that the best option would be a light polish of some surfaces and a rebrushing of others to maintain their aesthetic without pursuing that as-new condition.

It's the age old advice - take the time to think before you do things that cannot be undone!
 
lancerpilot
Posts
4
Likes
7
flawless flawless
Independent watchmakers are the way to go - if you provide your general location, I'm sure someone will be able to advise who will take best care of your watch.

As someone who has refinished watches, I would advise against getting it refinished. It's still in good condition (although it appears it may have been relumed at some point), so I'd suggest having the crystal replaced (keep the original) and have it serviced, cleaned, resealed, and new spring bars.

The new crystal, along with a thorough cleaning, will be quite a change - if you still want it refinished, bear in mind that it will most likely devalue it and permanently alter the case. Sharp edges can be softened, corners can be rounded, and this is worse than a few dents and scratches.

Your watchmaker should be able to advise, and I'd hope would agree that the best option would be a light polish of some surfaces and a rebrushing of others to maintain their aesthetic without pursuing that as-new condition.

It's the age old advice - take the time to think before you do things that cannot be undone!
Thank you, that’s the type of advice that I was looking for. I’m located in Stuart Florida. But I can travel anywhere in the states or elsewhere for “the person”.

Any suggestions come to mind? I see tag1000diver.com suggested frequently.
 
Mspeedster
Posts
8,464
Likes
17,074
lancerpilot lancerpilot
Thank you, that’s the type of advice that I was looking for. I’m located in Stuart Florida. But I can travel anywhere in the states or elsewhere for “the person”.

Any suggestions come to mind? I see tag1000diver.com suggested frequently.
I've used and do recommend TAG1000Diver, Justin really knows these vintage 1000 series divers well. He's based in Kentucky.

Your model, the Heuer Monnin 844 is the first of what became the 1000 line, introduced in 1979. Yours has the Mercedes hands, rather than the Cathedral, so my guess is it's from the early '80s.

There's a good write up on the 844 here:
https://veblenist.com/blogs/watch-articles/heuer-monnin-844-a-brief-history-and-collectors-guide
 
lancerpilot
Posts
4
Likes
7
Justin received it today, his communication has been nothing short of exceptional so far. Thank you all for the advice.
 
Jemagloh
Posts
1,928
Likes
7,491
I’m excited for you, @lancerpilot. Keep all of those wonderful scratches and signs of wear. I’m wearing a special piece, over 30 years old, that belonged to my father, right now. Every scratch was put there by my amazing dad (my hero). It’s something I cherish.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

M

Heuer Monnin 844-4

mtherrmann84 Vintage Heuer Discussion
M
mtherrmann84
Posts
0
Views
1K
ASW

For sale - TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 WBP208C.FT6201 844 Divers Limited Edition - Like New

ASW Marketplace
ASW
ASW
Posts
3
Views
2K
R

Orange dial 844 divers.

REX1975 Vintage Heuer Discussion
SteveP
SteveP
Posts
12
Views
3K
zakruvalcaba

My recently acquired Heuer ref 844 diver

zakruvalcaba Vintage Heuer Discussion
zakruvalcaba
zakruvalcaba
Posts
4
Views
2K
abrod520

SOLD Vintage Heuer 844 Monnin diver, 1st version from 1978

abrod520 Marketplace
Jim Dollares
Jim Dollares
Posts
1
Views
7K
llstv1

Heuer Monnin 844 980 Diver Jubilee Bracelet

llstv1 Marketplace
llstv1
llstv1
Posts
0
Views
5K