A couple of years ago I bought a NOS Heuer Monza case- the 38mm steel version from 2001.

My plan was to find a donor watch and fit it into the new case. I already have the black dial model and so was on the look out for a white Heuer-branded watch in need of some TLC. A couple of days ago, I found what I was after- here it is


It's a little hard to tell the true condition of the watch, but that wasn't really a priority for me.

I've managed to track down a new leather strap, and so hopefully by the end of January, I'll have a "new" Monza...will post updates on how it all comes together!

 

Cool project! In for the pics!

 

Yes, I love this model..it was the first TAG Heuer that I bought myself back in 2000 and it's still one of my favourites, so can't wait to see the white one come back to life!

The Calibre 36 Gold Chrono is also pretty special, but another league in terms of pricing.

 

No, I am totally incapable on the technical side, so I'll be handing this over to a local watchmaker. Will this work out to be any cheaper than simply buying a good second Monza from eBay? Let's see, but maybe not

Still, that's not why I'm doing it..quite like hunting down the various bits and pieces. Sadly I can't find the correct strap (FC6161) and so am using FC6164, which is the same strap, but with "TAG Heuer" embossed on the underside instead of "Heuer".

 

There is a crystal just doesn't look like it! The case came with crystal and both pushers...only thing it's missing is the crown.

I guess that this was a service case as there is no reference number engraved on the back.

 

Step 1 is done- picked up the new strap yesterday. Not cheap, but lucky to find a NOS one. The other steps are much more interesting, I promise! I'll pick up the watch next week, so will share plenty of "before" photos

 

OK, here she is...and I was very happy when I opened the box this morning. The watch is in exactly the condition I thought it was...a bit tired and well-used, but no major obvious issues. I would have felt bad swapping the cases if the original was in better condition. Likewise, I wasn't sure about whether the watch needed a new strap, but now that it's arrived I can safely say that the original is well and truly done.

The only external parts I'll be keeping are the crown and the clasp..both of which are OK, but a bit beaten around, especially the clasp as you'd expect. It seems to be keeping time OK, but will see what the watchmaker says when he has pulled it apart

 

This could be one of the shortest, least dramatic "project" threads ever!

I dropped the watch and case/ strap off a few hours ago, thinking it night be gone for a couple of weeks...nope, I'm picking it up in an hour or so!

 

BTW, I should also include the costs so far:
- NOS Case: EUR240 [US$275]
- Monza: US$1100
- New Strap: A$450 (!) [US$320]
- Total: US$1,695..plus about $50 for the watchmaker

 

OK, almost done:


Not surprisingly, now that the watch has a nice case and strap, the deployant looks a bit scruffy. Found a NOS one on eBay, so that is on the way. The only issue is that the watch needs a new crown as the seals have gone...that one is on back-order.

But very happy with the watch as it's just the perfect size for me. As much as I like the 40th Anniversary model, it does feel huge compared to the 38mm original.

 

Thanks Darren. You know, I bought my Monza back in 2000 for exactly the same reason: I was looking at the Monaco, but just couldn't get my head around wearing such a large, square watch...so the Monza seemed perfect. I wore my Monza every day from 2000 through to 2005 when the vintage bug began to bite...but like you, I was into the re-editions first.