Is my TAG Heuer Authentic? All questions here please

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And welcome to the forum, can we see some pics of your 2000?
You bet! Love to share. Even for a piece that had come from the factory, everyone commented about how it’s in pristine condition. It originally came with a black leather band that had long ago become tattered. The factory did a full restoration and added the metal bracelet for $675.00 (the bracelet alone was over $200). I know the watch is probably not worth that much but it’s worth it to me.
 
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Wow, looks like they did a super job. Price on those older models depends a lot on condition, I don't think it would be far off - but since you wont' be selling it doesn't matter as long as you are happy with it.
 
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Wow, looks like they did a super job. Price on those older models depends a lot on condition, I don't think it would be far off - but since you wont' be selling it doesn't matter as long as you are happy with it.
I'm really pleased. My local jeweler is a Tag authorized service center and I have a new 12 month warranty, so I'll be keeping this one - it will be my daily driver for a while. Plus I think my teenager already has his eye on it. In any case, this has reignited my interest in Tag Heuer so I'll be lurking around here trying to learn more and planning my next purchase.
 
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C cmay
I'm really pleased. My local jeweler is a Tag authorized service center and I have a new 12 month warranty, so I'll be keeping this one - it will be my daily driver for a while. Plus I think my teenager already has his eye on it. In any case, this has reignited my interest in Tag Heuer so I'll be lurking around here trying to learn more and planning my next purchase.

Good to hear, please check out out www.tagheuerenthusiast.blogspot.com 😎
 
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@cmay nice classic 2000 automatic chronograph! Congrats! With a full service and new bracelet, you basically have a new watch! Sure, it was a bit costly, but considering what you got I think you did quite well. Plus it's part of your family history. Wear it in good health.
 
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@cmay nice classic 2000 automatic chronograph! Congrats! With a full service and new bracelet, you basically have a new watch! Sure, it was a bit costly, but considering what you got I think you did quite well. Plus it's part of your family history. Wear it in good health.
Thank you! Yeah I consider myself lucky. With regular service this should serve the family well for a long time.
 
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My CT1110-0 "Jason Bourne" Link arrived today! I've been searching for one since I sold mine last summer, and found a willing seller on WUS.

Although I have no reason to doubt the seller, he mentioned having purchased the watch from the original owner - without box, manuals, or paperwork. The serial number also doesn't show up on the TAG warranty site (FWIW, neither did my old one).

In comparing this watch with my old CT1111-0, everything looks and feels the same. I did have a few additional questions that would help put my mind at ease:
1. Does this watch look overly buffed/polished? My old model was a bit "duller" in comparison.
2. Were the tag CT1111 (12,3,9 dial) and CT1111-0 (updated) models only available in one (41mm or 42mm) diameter?
3. Finally, do both the bracelet and crown look original? I don't recall the "BA0550" stamped on the clasp of my old watch

Thanks in advance for your help! On to the pix...
 
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My CT1110-0 "Jason Bourne" Link arrived today! I've been searching for one since I sold mine last summer, and found a willing seller on WUS.

Although I have no reason to doubt the seller, he mentioned having purchased the watch from the original owner - without box, manuals, or paperwork. The serial number also doesn't show up on the TAG warranty site (FWIW, neither did my old one).

In comparing this watch with my old CT1111-0, everything looks and feels the same. I did have a few additional questions that would help put my mind at ease:
1. Does this watch look overly buffed/polished? My old model was a bit "duller" in comparison.
2. Were the tag CT1111 (12,3,9 dial) and CT1111-0 (updated) models only available in one (41mm or 42mm) diameter?
3. Finally, do both the bracelet and crown look original? I don't recall the "BA0550" stamped on the clasp of my old watch

Thanks in advance for your help! On to the pix...

I'm no expert with the Link series, but I'll attempt to answer your questions.

1. It's possible that the watch was polished by the previous owner. In any event, the watch looks to be in very good shape for its age. There's a photo of this watch in the 2002/2003 catalogue that's available on the Calibre 11 website, and you can view that here (be sure to scroll down to the catalogue):

https://www.calibre11.com/catalogue.../2002-2003-tag-heuer-catalogue/#2002-2003-059

2. You can tell the "size" of the watch using the model code. It would appear that this is the full size version and it was available in 42 mm. Refer to below to interpret the model code:

C = chronograph
T = Link series
1 = quartz movement
1= full size (42mm)
1 = stainless steel
0/1 = dial colour
-0 = modification within the specific model

3. the bracelet and crown look consistent with those shown in the catalogue to me. Could they have been replaced during a service? Sure. But they certainly appear to be OEM parts. The "BA0550" is the bracelet code for this watch, and is consistent with that shown in the catalogue.

So - I guess I'm saying this watch looks genuine to me. The fake TAGs from this vintage were not nearly as good as today, so I'm thinking you're good to go? There are a few variations of this watch, including a coloured vs. monochrome logo for the quartz chronograph. TAG traditionally used coloured logos on their quartz watches and monochrome logos on their automatics, but TAG seemed to apply the monochrome logo on quartz versions well into the 2000's.

Congrats on your watch! It looks great. Wear it in good health...
 
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@akong71 - I REALLY appreciate the detailed response!! Very good stuff...you answered all my questions and certainly helped ease my concerns as well.
 
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Some really good information here with some knowledgeable people willing to help solve potential authenticity issues...I'll just bought a watch that I have doubts about. More to follow when I get pictures.
Is it OK to post pictures of serial numbers?
Edited:
 
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Some really good information here with some knowledgeable people willing to help solve potential authenticity issues...I'll just bought a watch that I have doubts about. More to follow when I get pictures.
Is it OK to post pictures of serial numbers?

You can, but be aware that it is a public forum accessible to everyone - if you have doubts about security then post images with the serial blurred out, and you can always PM someone the serial.
 
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I'll get started with a small introduction, I've been a collector of watches for 25 years or so, always careful of where I source my watches from and more often than not, it's pre-owned.
I've had a hankering to own a Monaco, so the hunt started. As much as I do like the blue, black and motorsport themed watches I wanted something a little more unusual.

Without saying too much about who I bought it from, I found a TH CA211K ACM. It did come from a professional dealer via a well known selling platform.
Telephone calls with the dealer before commiting boosted my confidence that all was well, so I went ahead. He sourced it as part of a dealer to dealer transaction - doesn't sound untoward, and was an ex-display model.

Watch was described as 'mint' and unworn and arrived swiftly to me.

I've asked opinions on another forum and it's divided. I was told the real expertise is here..so her I am!


I was hugely pleased when I opened the TH box, it looked as good as I hoped until I looked closer.

I have a TH 1887 chrono bought new from a local retailer so that was a useful reference to compare fit & finish, engraving and printing.

If added pictures to give some clue to my perceived issues - some are real others perhaps less so. Your opinions are valued.

* Date doesn't sit true in dial and printing appears less than crisp. I think the numerals are off. One number sits higher than the other.
* Saphire glass - it doesn't feel or look right, especially when compared to my 1887.
* The Aligator strap feel awful. It's dry and feels somewhat fragile - ties in with ex-display and sitting in a window?
* The big one. The limited edition number is partially obliterated! Why that should've happened is beyond me, especially when the the serial number is clearly visible and untouched? It's a mess and not easily corrected.
* I thought there was an issue with the minute hand lagging by a 30 secs when time setting. I've been told this is a common trait of CAL12 movements.
* Wrong booklet - Quartz alarm watch. Warranty card should have hologram and it's stamped Nov 2018 with no name of seller, if it's ex-display why would it be stamped.

I've gone over this watch in minute detail using whatever pictures I can find on the net. To balance out my negatives there are things than lead me to believe it's a genuine item, or a very high quality replica. I'm not an expert.
* Functions; it all works and resets perfectly. Winder is smooth, date rolls over when it should and it's around 5 seconds fast in 24 hours.
* Dial and markings; the TH logo as applied not printed as it should be. The Swiss Made it's perfectly clear and crisp. Markers look perfect - I can't find fault.
* Case back engraving is deep, well aligned with no spelling mistakes. The Ltd Ed obliteration is so ugly.
* The movement seems to look just fine with all the decoration and engraving looking just fine. Again a non expert opinion.
* Case brushing/polishing seems fine. Edges sharp and clean.
Some really good information here with some knowledgeable people willing to help solve potential authenticity issues...I'll just bought a watch that I have doubts about. More to follow when I get pictures.
Is it OK to post pictures of serial numbers?

I've contacted the dealer and he seems genuinely upset, not in an angry way, with my suspicion that all is not as it seems. Refund or compensation has been offered. Paid for by CC so they're available as a fall back.

I really do like the watch and I'm not looking at it as an investment piece and it's bought to keep so resale value is not a major consideration. That'll be the kids problem when I've gone.
If the dealer and I can reach an agreement, I'd likely keep it BUT only if I can sure of authenticity... stupid?
 
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I'll get started with a small introduction, I've been a collector of watches for 25 years or so, always careful of where I source my watches from and more often than not, it's pre-owned.
I've had a hankering to own a Monaco, so the hunt started. As much as I do like the blue, black and motorsport themed watches I wanted something a little more unusual.

Without saying too much about who I bought it from, I found a TH CA211K ACM. It did come from a professional dealer via a well known selling platform.
Telephone calls with the dealer before commiting boosted my confidence that all was well, so I went ahead. He sourced it as part of a dealer to dealer transaction - doesn't sound untoward, and was an ex-display model.

Watch was described as 'mint' and unworn and arrived swiftly to me.

I've asked opinions on another forum and it's divided. I was told the real expertise is here..so her I am!


I was hugely pleased when I opened the TH box, it looked as good as I hoped until I looked closer.

I have a TH 1887 chrono bought new from a local retailer so that was a useful reference to compare fit & finish, engraving and printing.

If added pictures to give some clue to my perceived issues - some are real others perhaps less so. Your opinions are valued.

* Date doesn't sit true in dial and printing appears less than crisp. I think the numerals are off. One number sits higher than the other.
* Saphire glass - it doesn't feel or look right, especially when compared to my 1887.
* The Aligator strap feel awful. It's dry and feels somewhat fragile - ties in with ex-display and sitting in a window?
* The big one. The limited edition number is partially obliterated! Why that should've happened is beyond me, especially when the the serial number is clearly visible and untouched? It's a mess and not easily corrected.
* I thought there was an issue with the minute hand lagging by a 30 secs when time setting. I've been told this is a common trait of CAL12 movements.
* Wrong booklet - Quartz alarm watch. Warranty card should have hologram and it's stamped Nov 2018 with no name of seller, if it's ex-display why would it be stamped.

I've gone over this watch in minute detail using whatever pictures I can find on the net. To balance out my negatives there are things than lead me to believe it's a genuine item, or a very high quality replica. I'm not an expert.
* Functions; it all works and resets perfectly. Winder is smooth, date rolls over when it should and it's around 5 seconds fast in 24 hours.
* Dial and markings; the TH logo as applied not printed as it should be. The Swiss Made it's perfectly clear and crisp. Markers look perfect - I can't find fault.
* Case back engraving is deep, well aligned with no spelling mistakes. The Ltd Ed obliteration is so ugly.
* The movement seems to look just fine with all the decoration and engraving looking just fine. Again a non expert opinion.
* Case brushing/polishing seems fine. Edges sharp and clean.


I've contacted the dealer and he seems genuinely upset, not in an angry way, with my suspicion that all is not as it seems. Refund or compensation has been offered. Paid for by CC so they're available as a fall back.

I really do like the watch and I'm not looking at it as an investment piece and it's bought to keep so resale value is not a major consideration. That'll be the kids problem when I've gone.
If the dealer and I can reach an agreement, I'd likely keep it BUT only if I can sure of authenticity... stupid?
I suspect it's perfectly genuine, but I can see why some people have said it's fake. The close-up photos are a little grainy and the light reflection isn't helping. I'm doubtful as to whether a fake this accurate would exist, however.

As I say, I think it's fine, but the way to be sure would be to send it into TAG Heuer. If you're in the UK, you can email them at customerservice.uk@lvmhwatchjewellery.co.uk. Basically you just send it in and they'll give it a full check over. It's free.
 
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Authentic in my book. I can't find a single issue from your detailed photos. I have seen good fakes but this would be really good. That ACM logo is flawless fe, I don't expect fakers to get it this right. Caseback, everything looks ok.
You can check the detailed photos in DC's review of this watch here.
The date not being centred in the window can be corrected by a watchmaker. Not a big deal. The watch is 9 years old so a service is advised in any case.
The partial visibility of the number is unfortunate. I expect this is due to it having had a light polish at some point. Might very well be the dealer that sold it to you. Maybe that hairline next to the number was deeper and they wanted to polish that out.
The documents probably don't belong to this watch so it's up to you whether this is important, from a price paid or investment standpoint. You should get a partial refund for that. It's obviously not a quartz and a 2018 sale from an AD of a 2012 watch seems highly unlikely.
 
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I own this model. I'm not home at the moment but can compare your photographs against my watch. At first look at your photos, it does look ok. These kinds of limited editions are rarely copied with any degree of accuracy.
 
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I appreciate you kind fellows taking the time to reply, thank you.

I am moving more and more towards the view that the watch is authentic, the accuracy of the details that may be give-aways seems, to my less than expert (and ageing) eyes, faultless. There's no inaccuracies.

The booklets and cards are a minor issue, I've bought used watches before with the incorrect paperwork, sometimes it's resolved sometimes it isn't. Not a show stopper, just an irritation to me.
What are the numbers on the warranty card, I didn't post a picture, I've got: CLM3-MQ7Z-HGRF I'm assuming it's simply a warranty registration number?

The condition, apart from the butchering of the numbers, ties in well with the ex-display story. It has one or two very minor hairlines, the glass isn't chipped and it has the plastics on the case back and clasp.

The seller and I are having a useful and friendly dialogue and he's keen to see me happy either way, return or perhaps something in the way of reducing his sale price.
I do like very much like the watch, heart and head are having a good old battle!

Can I ask what you'd place it's value at assuming it was a full set without the caseback damage and how much would be reasonable and fair reduction in value because of the case back numbering issue.

Mr_Orange, I'd love to hear your views as an owner please.

Finally, the strap - it's rubbish! Where do you source your replacements (UK)? I'm not interested in paying TH prices but someting that's respectable that I can expect a reasonable life from.

Thanks again all 😀
 
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If it's ex-display, then perhaps negotiate a replacement strap as part of your ongoing dealings with the seller.
 
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Value is hard to say as there aren't many around, but this one sold in January on eBay for £2650:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TAG-Heuer-Monaco-ACM-Limited-Edition-739-1200-Orange-Automatic-Chrono-CAW211K-/133624742402?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=2x0DT%2Fo85F%2BpYeJOCzo4SkgrAa4%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc

It was in worse condition than yours (especially the strap) and private sales are always less than dealer prices.

Only one on Chrono24 at the moment - asking price of £3856 (excludes import vat).

So if you go somewhere between those two figures you won't be far off.

Regarding straps, have a look on https://www.watchstrapworld.com/ - they do after-market straps that fit various TH deployant clasps.
 
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