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My first Carrera Heuer Valjoux 72. What to do about the case?

Spartcom5
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Picked up my first ever Heuer for $500. Everything is in working order. Needs servicing and a new crystal. The only thing about it that I am unsure of what to do is the case. The gold plating is obviously in very rough condition. I have searches saved online in hopes to maybe find a replacement case. However, in the mealtime I can leave it as is or I can seek to have it replated.... or I can have it polished to somehow blend it in better perhaps? I NEVER polish vintage watches but I think this might be an exception. Anyhow I am happy to own this watch! Just needs TLC.

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MRC
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Spartcom5 Spartcom5
Picked up my first ever Heuer for $500. Everything is in working order. Needs servicing and a new crystal. The only thing about it that I am unsure of what to do is the case. The gold plating is obviously in very rough condition.

Very nice pickup! My first thought was "Gold plated? I thought there was just SS and Gold." But grabbing Crossthwaite & Gavin from the bookshelf revealed that you have a reference 2448S. I cannot tell you where to go to get it re-plated, but it owes you so little far I would seriously look for options to do that. A '60s Carrerra for $500, amazing. Lucky man 👍

Check https://www.heuerpriceguide.com/carrera-1960s-price-guide Row 5 column 1.


BTW -- DIBS.
 
Observer
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Maybe with a service you have the best beater ever, just the way it is.
 
MRC
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Observer Observer
Maybe with a service you have the best beater ever, just the way it is.
It would still get stolen to put that lovely Deci dial into another case. And the movement in good condition is worth the starting price too.
 
Spartcom5
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Reached out to replateit and they said it was completely doable. The only thing is.... I don't really want it to look BRAND NEW.

I'm torn because I like the originality of it all but its pretty rough looking. I'm still awaiting a response but I do think they mentioned if requested they can replate it but still leave most of the character etc scratches and dings on the metal. Would this be the route to go?
 
Dan S
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Personally, I would have them do the best they can do, and add my own scratches. 😁
 
Evitzee
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That watch case is in pretty bad shape, looks like it could be uncomfortable to wear with that peeling case. Get it replated and wear it, you can put your own wear and tear on it.
 
stonestone
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Wow. At $500 I don't think you can go wrong either way, frankly. But I'd probably replate.
 
w154
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I‘ve got a plated Heuer Carrera midcase, although right now it’s with a friend and I’m not certain whether it’s for the 2448 (valjoux 72) or the 3648 (valjoux 92) models. Also, some complete and utter €%&§@ decided at sometime in the past it was a good idea to check if it was solid gold by running a file down the 9 o’clock side. Still it’s a nice solution to your problem. And as others have said, wow that’s a fantastic pick up for $500.
 
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Spartcom5
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Pmd you about the case, I'm not sure how to tell either if it would be correct!
 
w154
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The two versions of the Carrera look very similar, and I’m not sure if the midcase is identical between the two or slightly different. Certainly the case back of the Valjoux 72 models are slightly deeper than the case back of the Valjoux 92 ones as the V72 is a slightly thicker movement.

The other issue is that your watch has a few additional problems. If the purpose is it increase resale value they’d all need doing too and the cost would become prohibitive. Think $300 for a correct crystal with second track, probably another $300-400 for crown and pushers in good condition, etc. In the end this is money you wouldn’t recoup. If you just want to make some money you’d be far better of selling the movement on its own (probably close to $2000) and the dial and handset on its own (I guess at least $500).

If your plan is to do a little work to make it more wearable then I’d sell the midcase, but first it’d be wise to make sure it’s the right type. What the serial number of yours ? Heuer made in batches so if it’s very close to mine it might indicate the same batch.
 
MRC
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Spartcom5 Spartcom5
I'm torn because I like the originality of it all but its pretty rough looking. I'm still awaiting a response but I do think they mentioned if requested they can replate it but still leave most of the character etc scratches and dings on the metal. Would this be the route to go?

Leave the dings, replate, wear it like the real tool watch it is with Deci dial and add your own scratches.

Could replateit also do the pushers and crown?
 
w154
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MRC MRC
Leave the dings, replate, wear it like the real tool watch it is with Deci dial and add your own scratches.

Could replateit also do the pushers and crown?
I did wonder about the possibility of replating the crown and pushers, but they’re such a mess I’d personally try and find vintage pushers and a crown (all generic).
 
MRC
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MRC MRC
Could RePLATEit also do the pushers and crown?

To answer my own question, yes. Crown & two pushers in 5 micron gold is $25-30, 10 micron add $20-30. That's the way I'd go, while looking out for rocking-horse droppings.

Another thought: the Deci dial was mainly used for scientific or industrial purposes -- but why Gold-plated not Stainless? Another use would be for USA Time/Speed/Distance auto rally competition. Could be the watches story....
Edited:
 
Spartcom5
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My watchmaker has worked on several Valjoux 72s before and is servicing it up for me. He's leaving the case with me so I can send it out and get it replated!
 
Spartcom5
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I'm not sure what happened but the replateit person has never replied to my email that had a few questions and I've since sent two emails to follow up and no reply. The watch is already undergoing servicing.... I guess the plating will remain the way it is for awhile. I'll just clean it up as best as I can and my total for the whole watch after service will be $800.
 
Jantar
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You found someone to service a Valjoux 72 for $300?

Seems like a bargain.
 
Spartcom5
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Jantar Jantar
You found someone to service a Valjoux 72 for $300?

Seems like a bargain.
Yea, he's a good friend of mine that has been servicing my watches for many years!
 
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