Hi
I have a 60’s Heuer Carrera with a black dial which has some areas of wear.
Now I know there are polarised views on refurbishment but I’m trying to consider options and wondered if you have recommendations for a specialist who can sympathetically restore the damaged sections or work magic on the whole dial?
Many thanks

 

That dial is in good enough shape that I believe restoring it would just hurt the value of the watch.

 

I agree with the sentiment that a full restoration isn't necessary. That said, it's your dial and your watch to do with what you please.

If you'd like to do a full restoration I highly recommend Bill & Sons in the UK: https://billandsons.co.uk/
They do spectacular work and did wonders on my Tudor dial.

If you're inclined to do a sympathetic relume, I recommend James Hyman: https://www.alchemistrelumer.co.uk/

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

 

If you choose to do this, understand in advance that you are taking a risk and the results could be worse than the current state. Several dial restorers are often recommended, and they have some beautiful before-and-afters on their websites, but I have also seen some disasters from those same places.

 

I'm inclined to leave it. When my watchmaker comes back I can ask him about the Heuer factory options, since his store is authorized repair.

Let me know.

 

Hi there, how did this go? Great watch!

My 3647s Carrera is with Abel Court for a service and relume at the moment. For a vintage Heuer, I wouldn't trust a job like that to anyone else in the world. He has a long waiting list though.

 

No one approached me, perhaps the original poster can share.

 

For posterity, here is how my relume and repair went with Abel. The original lume plots were black and flaking, now the watch is ready for another 50 years.

 

Looks terrific!