Inherited this Heuer Watch - I suspect it is fake

I inherited several nonworking watches from my late grandfather (USAF navigator in WW2). One is this watch with a HEUER logo on the face. I poked around online and I cannot find an image of a production Heuer watch that looks like this. The images I see of similar Heuer watches all have the numbers 2,4,8,10 numbers on the watch face but are partially covered by the two smaller gauges on the watch face. I haven't seen a Heuer watch online that has small dots in place of the numbers 2,4,8,10 like my watch does. I suspect my watch is not an original.

I thought I'd post it on a Heuer forum and see if someone knowledgeable about this era of Heuer watches can confirm my suspicions.

Hi,

Do you have any photos of the movement? You're right that this isn't a typical dial configuration, but if the watch has been in the family for a while, then it may well be genuine.

I appreciate the input, thanks. I don't have pictures, but I can certainly take some pictures and post them. The back of the watch is smooth with no visible screws or notches. I am not a watch guy so I am don't know the basics of watch maintenance. I suspect I just slide a thin screw driver in between the watch back and case and pry off the watch back? Seems like my only option, but figured I'd ask before I attempt it.

Of the three watches of his I acquired, I like this Heuer the best. I fear the estimate I would get from a watch repair shop to get it in working condition though. It's missing a button; I don't know how easily a replacement can be purchased.

Ah, yes, a knife blade popped the back off easily. This is what the innards look like.

The inside of the watch back reads:
FOND
ACIERINOXYDABLE
The HEUER logo
57283

If anyone is following this post, I took the watch to a watch/clock repair shop today. The owner seemed confident that this watch is genuine. He informed me that while the watch is especially dirty, it is still functional. His biggest concern was the missing button. He said I will have a difficult time finding a replacement button and spring for a watch this old.

Sounds good for you, maybe a couple of wanted ads on this forum(and any other watch places) might source the parts you need?

Yeah, I figured I'd look around for this part online. In the meantime, I sent pictures and an inquiry to the Tag Heuer "Vintage Workshop." I read they have a limited supply of vintage replacement parts, and if they do, to expect a daunting repair fee. If anyone is interested, I'll report back on what they say.
http://customer-service.tagheuer.com/en-us/service/vintage-workshop-0

Keep us posted, i want to know how this turns out

Thanks for the update- looks good!

An update: So, my local watch repairman did not seem interested in dealing with my watch and informed me I'd have a near impossible time finding a replacement pusher for it. While searching online for a replacement pusher, I noticed a website (http://www.scotchwatch.com/chronograph_pusher_button_page.html) had pushers for sale, one of which appeared to match my watch. A note at the top of the page read, in part: "If you don't see the pusher/button you need just email us we will help." So, I emailed them asking if they had a pusher that would fit. I exchanged emails with the owner, Blake Scott, several times; eventually I sent him my watch for inspection.

After inspecting the watch--like my local watch repairman--Blake too informed me that he does not have a replacement pusher for my watch. The pushers I found on his website would be too small for my watch. Blake did provide me a cost to repair the watch, however, including the cost to have a replacement pusher fabricated. The initial quote to clean and repair the watch, as you may imagine, was daunting (for a guy who wears a $50 Seiko). We agreed to lower the price tag some by eliminating cosmetic aspects of the repair (such as gold-plating the pushers). Blake was responsive to my questions, and seems competent and accommodating. I expect to be pleased with his work.

I forgot to mention: the Tag Heuer Vintage workshop did reply to my question. They warned "Most Heuer restoration services begin at approximately $750" in their response, which was enough to deter me. Plus, a $150 fee to just give a repair estimate.

Thanks for the update and sounds like you've found a good solution- look forward to the pics

He finished with the repair, and sent me photos. I'm looking forward to getting it back...

Be proud. Priceless with that heritage😀

Wow, awesome!

When I first acquired the watch, I was not able to find a picture online of another Heuer Chronograph of this era with an identical dial. Blake mentioned to me that the dial was "refinished" at some point, including a dial color change most likely. He wasn't terribly impressed with the refinish job either. So, I suppose that answers why I can't find another dial like it online. I do wish it had the original dial, but I am happy to wear the watch as my grandfather wore it.

wow, that looks great, wear it well my friend, love the story