The largest independent, non-commercial, consumer-oriented resource on the Internet for owners, collectors and enthusiasts of fine wristwatches. Online since 1998.
Informational Websites ChronoMaddox -- the legacy of Chuck Maddox OnTheDash -- vintage Heuer website Zowie -- Omega information
Discussion Forums ChronoMaddox Forum Heuer Forum Omega Forum
Counterfeit Watchers ChronoTools Forum ChronoTrader Forum
Vintage Heuer Discussion Forum
The place for discussing 1930-1985 Heuer wristwatches, chronographs and dash-mounted timepieces. Online since May 2003.
OnTheDash Home What's New! Price Guide Chronographs Dash Mounted Collection
I agree completely plus more

Right you are Jeff. This same seller as I pointed out to you has two more refinished or put together 1940's Heuer Chronographs with the refinished dials which didn't have the telltale signs of being refinised until all aspects of the chronographs were analyzed. First one of then had a signed crown by someone other than Heuer. Also Heuer didn't autograph their 1940's crowns, specially with someone else signature. Then the movement was incorrectly signed and Heuer logo was added using a recent die. On this particular chronograph the bridge should have been serial number and it wasn't. Also the case was stamped on the outside instead of the inside. When all this was considered it is apparent that the mint condition (NOS) dial has been refinished. On the 18Kt Gold Heuer Chronograph by the same seller the points of discovery are that this has an unsigned movement. On all of Heuer's 1940's gold chronographs they signed "ED HEUER & CO" as well as the "HEUER" logo to the bridge. They also included a seial number on the bridge. This watch has the serial numbered gold case which appears to be correctly signed with all gold hallmark stampings. Based on this I would assume that the dial is a refinished dial since the movement has been tampered with. The most protected portion of a watch is the movement. It is almost impossible to damage the movement without damaging the dial. Even if it is worn enought to have to have the movement service then there should be some fading to the dial. Thus if any parts, namely the bridge had to be replaced I would conclude that the dial would not be mint condition, since the watch had to suffer some type of damage or that it was a put together watch using some Heuer parts. Also the seller is selling them as mint (NOS) original Heuer Chronographs. As Jeff has pointed out the third chronograph offered by this seller had the repainted or restored dial incorrectly done. Also backing this up is that it is also a 18Kt Gold Case (top of the line in the 1940's). The movement is signed with the "HEUER" logo and serial number on the bridge but lacks the "ED HEUER & CO" signature on the bridge. The 18Kt Gold chronograph was Heuer's top of the line and the bridge on all of them had both signatures and a serial number. When one of these are missing something is not correct. Also the Heuer logo signature on the case appears to have been applied by engraving, which is incorrect. It does have the correct gold hallmarks on the inside case. And as Jeff also pointed out the crown is signed by some other watch company or crown manufacturing company. As I stated before, on all the early Heuer Chronographs, they are not signed by Heuer or anyone. Of course the giveway that the dial has been refinished is as exactly as Jeff stated on the register dials. Charles

:
: Charles: Here's another one with the nice BIG
: REGISTERS, but the markings that do not
: quite reach the edges of the registers.

:

: Also, notice that there is no circle at the
: very edge of the hash-marks -- another sign
: that the refinisher got lazy.

: The case and movement on this one are also not
: genuine, but we can save that story for
: another day / another gallery.

: Jeff

Current Position
Chronocentric and zOwie site design and contents (c) Copyright 1998-2005, Derek Ziglar; Copyright 2005-2008, Jeffrey M. Stein. All rights reserved. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the terms of use. CONTACT | TERMS OF USE | TRANSLATE