Vintage Heuer Service- What’s your experience?

I have a 1974 Montreal chronograph. It’s currently at the Tag Heuer factory in Switzerland for full maintenance and to have the return pusher fixed.

What are peoples experiences with Tag Heuer services? especially with vintage pieces? I really wanted all original parts / done right, so i immediate thought to send my watch to Tag factory. Thanks

I've had my 1000 Series 844/5 sent to Tag a few times over the years (I've had it from new), but recently I was told by the Oxford Street TAG dealer that it's not such a good idea for the older watches to be sent back to TAG Switzerland because they don't actually have the original parts, and will fit 'new' parts that they have if the old ones are beyond use. Basically, I was told, if you want the watch to stay original, get it done by a specialist who will/might have old stock or 2nd hand original parts.

As I say - this is what I was told: about 3 or 4 years ago now (feels more recent - but the lockdowns have altered my sensation of time passing!)

If you sent a Ford Anglia to a Ford main dealer they wouldn't know what to do with it. 😉

I heard TAG Heuer are in the process of reproducing original parts, including rare dials, for refurbishment of vintage watches. These wouldn't be available for restorers most likely. The dials would be marked TAG Heuer on the back.

Like I say - it's what I was told in the Oxford street branch. I may well be that the guy simply didn't want my business.

I recently (July 2022) sent my 2000 series Diver to TAG.

They sent it back indicating there were no parts available to repair it.

So much for that.

Unfortunately not enough demand or value in the 80’s or 90’s models for TH to take an active interest in them.