Just discovered the Calibre 11 forums as I was browsing the web... so thought I'd pop in and say hello and share my story!

Ever since I've known of vintage Heuers I've always drooled over the Monza. I know there are more desirable pieces in the vintage Heuer realm but this one just does it for me. Me being a devoted tifosi and it's F1 connection only adds to its appeal.

 

That's a really stunning piece - beautiful even wear on the PVD and the aged lume on the dial and hands looks perfect too. Fantastic find. Look forward to hearing the story of how you got it!

 

D.C and step_hent, thanks for your kind remarks. You guys called it... it's in lovely original condition with even patina in the markers and hands and smooth PVD. However there is just a bit of pitting on the side between the pushers and the crystal had to be replaced due to the heavy damage it had when I received it.

D.C to answer your question I found it on the best and in some instances worst place to buy vintage watches... ebay IMHO!!!

Here is the scoop
The Monza don't generally come up for sale too often but every time they do they are watched like prey by hawks. In the past I bid on a couple but quite frankly they went well beyond what I was prepared to pay. So when this one came along I was determined to make it mine. This time I had a few things going for me firstly, damaged crystal and secondly the watch was not it working order and finally there was a reserve. Now I knew the non runner was a gamble but I was confident my watchmaker could fix it. With a few minutes remaining on the clock I was set to bid... CLICK... I made my offer and then 5 sec... 4 sec... 3 sec I was totally excited and PUFF I lost it within the last 3 seconds. Out bid by 5 bucks I couldn't believe it. But here was light at the end of the tunnel... the reserve was not met... So immediately I contacted the seller and made him an offer and/or offered to match his reserve. For my luck my offer and his reserve were spot on. But I only learn't of this when the seller contacted me a few day later because the fellow who out bid me was not prepared to pay the reserve. The rest is history... received the watch and almost immediately sent it away for some TLC. Moral of the story... persistence pays off.

I have owned and enjoyed it for little over a year and this will be in my 'never letting it go' collection Here are a couple of more pics for your viewing pleasure.

 

Love that suede nato on your monza- where did you source? I have a Monza and will happily steal this look from you!

 

Stunning pictures and a real beauty of a piece. A good hunt for a great watch often makes the piece itself more enjoyable, I think - if this one had been easier to find, you might not appreciate it as much! Thanks for sharing a great story and an awesome watch.

 

Of-course scottonfourth!

I sourced it from a place on San Francisco but that was their last piece. Below is the link that led me to them.
http://www.acquiremag.com/style/beams-nato-straps

Since you liked the suede, you may like to check this out. Although not suede but leather... still very nice! (These are in stock)
http://www.feitdirect.com/products/nato-watch-strap-natural

 

Absolutely stunning Monza !!! - Top marks for persistence

Entirely understand, agree & empathise with the 'never letting it go' comment.

Sometimes there is an emotional bond created by the sheer design beauty of the watch, that is unbreakable

Attached is my recently acquired '67 cal.321 145.012 Speedmaster - Advertised on Italian eBay, with poor photography, virtually no description, & no bids.

Swift follow up & ( with guidance from me ) better imagery of case & open caseback / movement - I was lucky enough to persuade the Seller to accept an offer

There are still interesting watches to be found with due diligence.

 

Thanks ICONO,
Nice Speedy... its a great feeling when taking a chance pays off!
A 69 Speedy is on my list next!

 

During the holidays I wore my Monza on a more festive strap... haven't changed it since