Paid $15 for this Pre-Carrera...Dial seems to have been refinished at some point in time in the middle grey portion. Outer second black markers also seem to be redone, I see paint splattered on the dial. Sub dial's seem to be untouched but I do sense the markers be slightly thicker than they should be, they still have their rings/texture so maybe just the markings were thickened up. Logo seems too thin like the redial has taken away it's thickness. Will have to straighten out the seconds hand and figure out what else is wrong with the dial. Any help is appreciated, unfamiliar with these but the movement looks like a Valjoux 23. I appreciate any help! Thank you & I hope everyone is enjoying the cold...frozen over here in PA Thomas
Hi there. Really a cool find. I wish we had these kind of flea markets over here in Germany. Cheers Thomas
My Sunday hobby is digging through box lots of wrist watches, always running into vintage Seiko's and DOXA diver's ect. Never anything of this quality though!!!! Any additional information on this piece is greatly appreciated! Best, Thomas
I don't know Heuers so I could be way off, also you have the watch with you and I don't but that dial looks good to me. Are you sure that's paint splatter?
When it's under a loupe, the grey paint isn't perfectly round. Edges are wobbly and dip into "35" and "45". Yes it is paint, once it's back from servicing I'll have some loupe shots taken. Can anyone find me photos that show the same dial layout? The ones I have found do not have such a contrast between the outer edge and main dial. I appreciate all help given! How about the bent "Switzerland" marking? The pieces I find are usually beyond help & would cost more to restore to proper condition... I'm in antique country, and for every 1 successful watch, there were 50lbs of crap watches searched through.. Best, Thomas
$15 is a steal for this piece. I agree with @Modest_Proposal, the dial looks original. The movement is a Val. 22. Here is a similar one for reference.
Thank you! Any comments on the dial? Not sure if you're expertise floats into the world of Pre-Carrera's but I'm curious to know if there was any refinishing done. Maybe an older refinish?
I studied that exact photo, and came to the refinished conclusion. Look at how well aged your post is compared to mine with the shiner grey lacquer. Also, look at how faded the registers are in your photo compared to mine. I also see black specs, that I believe to be black paint from the finish. the "HEUER" seems different on mine as well. I don't see the "SWITZERLAND" marking either, here to learn! Not trying to doubt any previous assessments, just want to get into detail as far as what others see to prove it's originality. I appreciate any/all help given! Thomas
Dials do not all deteriorate at the same rate. Yours is simply well-preserved. Nothing about the dial suggests that it has been refinished. "Switzerland" is normal. The black spots are normal. The "Heuer" signatures are very similar. It's a fantastic piece for $15, enjoy.
One thing that does puzzle me is the cock that is marked "Heuer". It is usually a different shape (as seen below). Edit: This one is from On The Dash. But, as noted, it is a later Val. 22 and marked differently.
Nooooo idea! But I'd say that it has none of the signs I usually look after when determining whether or not a dial has been refinished. Look at how the different dial finishes still look good - if I had to put money on a possible outcome, I'd say it was original.