Questions about a Heuer 3646H

[mtmazzitello]

Newbie to the forum here.
I have a Heuer watch that I inherited many years ago. From what I have been able to find out I am reasonably certain it is an approximately 1966 vintage "3646H" model. It is mechanically functional (again as far as I can tell) but it has many cosmetic flaws such as faded markings on the dial, chipped lume on the hands, and missing lume on the "12" of the hour bezel. I attached a couple pictures.

I would like to find a source for some information on its authenticity & potential value, and somewhere that can look at it and do a cost estimate for restoration as much as possible and any repairs or calibration needed.
I did write to Heuer USA in Jew Jersey, they said I would need to ship it to Switzerland with a $150 fee just to have it looked at. I guess I'd be willing to do that if it was the only avenue.

Also does anyone know how to get the back off? Does it pry off or screw off? I can't seem to get it to budge using either method. I am assuming the serial number or more info would be found inside.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Mark M

 

[mtmazzitello]

I do have a replacement bezel insert, but it is the 0-60 "minute" one not the original 1-12 "hour" one currently on it.

 

[abrod520]

Don't send it to TAG! Watch companies have a way of removing valuable old original parts and replacing them with new ones. It's part of their ethos that every watch that leaves them should be like new.

That said - you have a beautiful and valuable Autavia that dates to the mid-'60s, probably '64 or '65.

OnTheDash.com is a great resource for information.

The serial number will not be inside the watch, it will be between the lugs if you can safely remove the bracelet. If you can't, I recommend taking it to a watchmaker instead of attempting this yourself - you don't want to scratch or damage the watch.

If you're in the US, you should send it to Craig at Chronodeco - waiting times might be long, but it will be worth it for such a great watch.

 

[MRC]

ab520 is spot on. Do not take it to TAG-Heuer, Craig is an infinitely better choice (although never dealt with him, I use similar specialists on my side of the Atlantic, but his rep is very good). You do not want it "restored", all you need is to have it checked into running and reliable order. That is what the real specialists who understand old watches do for you. $500 as I understand it for USA prices. That's a small fraction of its value today.

And

when it has been checked and lubed

wear it. It's a lovely watch!


BTW: the back unscrews. But don't try it without the correct tool. A screwdriver and hammer will take $1000 off its value in a second. Maybe another $500 for the second hit.

Another BTW: there is a recorder (highly trusted) of sixties Heuer serial numbers and history, perhaps when you have the number you could let him know? Apply on this forum for the email address, don't post the number if you don't want to.

 

[mtmazzitello]

abrod520

The serial number will not be inside the watch, it will be between the lugs if you can safely remove the bracelet. If you can't, I recommend taking it to a watchmaker instead of attempting this yourself - you don't want to scratch or damage the watch.

Hmmm. No serial number between the watchband lugs. It looks like the whole thing had been polished at one time, so perhaps it has been rubbed off.

 

[mtmazzitello]

Thanks, I will try Chronodeco again. I emailed them a while ago and never got an acknowledgement or reply.

 

[abrod520]

M mtmazzitello

Hmmm. No serial number between the watchband lugs. It looks like the whole thing had been polished at one time, so perhaps it has been rubbed off.

It happens, not terribly unusual. (Of course, did you look on both sides? It'll be between the 6 o'clock lugs)

M mtmazzitello

Thanks, I will try Chronodeco again. I emailed them a while ago and never got an acknowledgement or reply.

Do keep trying, maybe attaching a photo might help

 

[mtmazzitello]

Serial number looks like "59057" if I am reading it correctly. It is pretty worn off.

 

[abrod520]

M mtmazzitello

Serial number looks like "59057" if I am reading it correctly. It is pretty worn off.

That's around the correct range for these, probably 1964 production.