S/el CG1123-0

Posts
15
Likes
2
1/100

I have two. My Japanese version says 1/100sec SPORTS CHRONOGRAPHS, my other one (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish etc.) says CHRONOGRAPH 1/100TH SECOND (CAL. 251.251). Which is a little puzzling since the movement inside says ETA 251.252 (not 251.251).
Thanks you sir! Happy Holidays!馃帀
 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
FFR, from my research 251.251 and 251.252 are the same movement. Everything I've come across refers to them interchangeably - 251.252 has a lot more references (maybe 251.251 was quickly replaced by 252, or possibly renamed?)
Makes sense. Probably why there are different titled instruction booklets as well, with the newer version dropping the Cal 251.251 reference.
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
It depends upon how technically accurate one wants to be.

The CG1123 is the same watch, regardless of whether it's on a bracelet or leather strap. But Senna only wore his with the leather strap. So technically I feel that is the Senna model. Having said that, there's an argument to be made that the bracelet version is too, because one could easily swap the bracelet out for the leather strap.

If one wants to be even more technically accurate (or anal), Senna wore the s25.706c not the CG1123. TAG Heuer changed their ref numbers scheme, so the CG1123 is basically the same watch as the S25.706c, but with a newer reference number. Hence both are called the Senna model. However there's a few small differences. The CG1123 added "Professional" to the dial and the case has a very light brushed finish. The S25.706c only had "200 Meters" and the case finish lacks the light brushing.

Here's a side by side of the two. (Pic courtesy of @Snowy)
Hi Sir! Do you have photo of the back case cover of the s25.706c highlighting its serial number? I cant find one in the internet.
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
I found it. This answers my question. Thank you for the replies!馃憤
 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
That picture is a good reference for anyone who wants to own the exact same version that Senna wore. I bought my CG1123 in the early '90s (circa '93 or '94?), believing it was Senna's model (which it basically is). However, I didn't know back then that the reference changed from S25.706 to CG1123 and there were subtle differences compared to the earlier version he wore.

--
Even prior to the reference change to CG1123, I've since noticed slight variations of the watch from the early '89 version to '92. The early versions only had "200 Meters" on the dial and "S25.706C" is above the TH shield logo on the case back.

The "C" designated the Calf strap in brown. Metal bracelets were designated with a "M" suffix, per the 1990 catalogue.

--
Later versions of the S25.706 have the added "Professional" to the dial and the reference number is below the TH shield logo. This is the same as on the CG1123.
Also, the "C" and "M" suffix has been dropped. The '92 catalogue shows S25.706/459 for the brown calf strap, 424 for the metal two-tone bracelet. Both reference numbers S25.706 and CG1123 are shown together as well, so we know this is when the ref. number changed.

--
Hence, if I were to buy the Senna model today, I'd be looking for a very early model with "S25.706C" above the TH shield on the case back. Since the first photos of Senna wearing this model are from the '89 F1 season.
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
Wow! This is so helpful!!!! Thanks a lot!!!! By the way, how much do you think is the s25.706c above the TH logo nowadays? The one that worn by Ayrton?
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
I mean not the one worn by Ayrton because it was auctioned. Just the same watch s25.706c above the TH logo. How much is it nowadays?
 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
I mean not the one worn by Ayrton because it was auctioned. Just the same watch s25.706c above the TH logo. How much is it nowadays?
I'm not sure. The early ones don't come up for sale that often.

In general, the average prices for a good S25.706 (later version) or CG1123 are about the same. I good one can be had for around $700-$800, with some selling for less and others more. Most people don't know the difference, all are considered the Senna model to the majority.

The problem is the 1/100th split seconds analog-digital 251.251 and 251.252 movements don't last forever. The complicated split seconds chronograph function will likely fail at some point and the digital LCD readouts can fade. So, finding an early version, like Senna's, in perfect working condition isn't that simple.
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
I saw this youtube video with the link below. He is selling s25.706 for 7000euro. Also in ebay the cg1123-0 prices are ranging from $1300 to $1600. The junk ones that no longer work is still expensive amounting to $700-$800. If s25.706 is selling for 7000 euro, s25.706c in good condition must be much more expensive isn鈥檛? Again, thank you for answering my questions馃檹

 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
I saw this youtube video with the link below. He is selling s25.706 for 7000euro. Also in ebay the cg1123-0 prices are ranging from $1300 to $1600. The junk ones that no longer work is still expensive amounting to $700-$800. If s25.706 is selling for 7000 euro, s25.706c in good condition must be much more expensive isn鈥檛? Again, thank you for answering my questions馃檹

7000 euro seems like a crazy high asking price, unless the watch is NOS.

I bought mine new, 30 years ago, and haven't looked recently at ebay closely. Maybe others who've bought used more recently can chime in on the prices. But I believe it's possible to find a good CG1123 for under $1000.
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
I鈥檓 sorry but what is NOS? And if you are given a chance to price a s25.706c, how much would you price it as a seller knowing it is rare and in good condition even if it is a used one?
 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
I鈥檓 sorry but what is NOS? And if you are given a chance to price a s25.706c, how much would you price it as a seller knowing it is rare and in good condition even if it is a used one?
NOS = New Old Stock. An old stock item that was never worn in brand new like condition.

Here's a S25.706 that I had looked at about a month ago, supposedly in working condition. It's since been sold. But is an example of why I think 7000 euro is way too high.
 
Posts
597
Likes
1,883
I owned 2 CGs. After two failed exchange proposals, I sold one 6 months ago. With papers, box and a new strap, sold for 1700 euros. 7000 is nonsense..
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
I owned 2 CGs. After two failed exchange proposals, I sold one 6 months ago. With papers, box and a new strap, sold for 1700 euros. 7000 is nonsense..
If you are given a chance to sell a s25.706c the same watch that Ayrton worn, how much you would sell it? Used but in good condition no papers and box.
 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
Here's an early S25.706C that was auctioned in 2022 for 37,000 JPY (about $240 USD). Super cheap. Even if not fully working, at that price it would've been worth picking up and sourcing a new ETA movement for it.
 
Posts
8,227
Likes
16,660
If you are given a chance to sell a s25.706c the same watch that Ayrton worn, how much you would sell it? Used but in good condition no papers and box.
Are you looking to sell or buy?
 
Posts
15
Likes
2
Here's an early S25.706C that was auctioned in 2022 for 37,000 JPY (about $240 USD). Super cheap. Even if not fully working, at that price it would've been worth picking up and sourcing a new ETA movement for it.
Another reference for me. Thank you! How about this photo I attached? Is this Original?