Buying and owning a vintage Carrera

M
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I’ve recently posted about my delight at getting hold of a Carrera Re Edition CS3111.

However I started off looking at 1970’s versions and got put off by feedback about not only the possible ongoing service costs but even their feasibility. Especially if I’d have sent one in need of refurbishment.

For instance, here is current information taken from Tag Heuer.

IMG_7241.webp


Yet speaking to them did not fill me with confidence that they would make any commitment until a watch … any vintage Carrera … was in their hands.

So, delighted with my Re Edition. But (but!) I’m left wondering what others experiences of … buying and owing a 1970’s vintage Carrera are?
 
dsio
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Pretty much anyone with a nice vintage Carrera is going to be using a really highly regarded independent watchmaker that specialises in high value chronographs, same as vintage Speedmasters, El Primeros and Daytonas, they're too special to send for a cookie cutter factory service.

That also means they're not cheap to service and it can take some time to get in and get it back but you don't want to take chances with something that nice.
 
mattp
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M Middlander
I’ve recently posted about my delight at getting hold of a Carrera Re Edition CS3111.

However I started off looking at 1970’s versions and got put off by feedback about not only the possible ongoing service costs but even their feasibility. Especially if I’d have sent one in need of refurbishment.

For instance, here is current information taken from Tag Heuer.

IMG_7241.webp


Yet speaking to them did not fill me with confidence that they would make any commitment until a watch … any vintage Carrera … was in their hands.

So, delighted with my Re Edition. But (but!) I’m left wondering what others experiences of … buying and owing a 1970’s vintage Carrera are?
Please invest a lot of time in researching the watch. Also in the seller/owner. In my case this was a vintage watch shop with a good reputation. The watch has also been checked by a reputable watchmaker. Again, do not rush into buying anything. Good luck!
 
abrod520
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M Middlander
what others experiences of … buying and owing a 1970’s vintage Carrera are?
They run like tanks, but the automatic ones require a certain pedigree of watchmaker who'll even take on the work. They're out there though and in my opinion, very much worth it.
The manual-wind versions on the other hand could be serviced (mechanically) by any reputable watchmaker.

Case parts, dials, hands aren't easy to come by but no harder than many other vintage watches in my experience. As always, best to do your research and ensure you're buying a correct example.
 
M
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Thanks, dsio, mattp and abrod520.

The point made about research is well taken.

I was kind of hoping someone on the forum had, had a watch extensively renovated and could give some insight as to how it went.

Having been told that LVMH are insisting makers / repairers reapply for their accounts, it will significantly reduce the number of ‘watchmakers’, aside from TAG, capable of correctly carrying out a service or refurb.

It seems that I haven’t completely given up on the idea of, for instance, a 1153. But it looks as though I need to do plenty of research to even understand what TAG will do before jumping in.
 
abrod520
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M Middlander
Thanks, dsio, mattp and abrod520.

The point made about research is well taken.

I was kind of hoping someone on the forum had, had a watch extensively renovated and could give some insight as to how it went.

Having been told that LVMH are insisting makers / repairers reapply for their accounts, it will significantly reduce the number of ‘watchmakers’, aside from TAG, capable of correctly carrying out a service or refurb.

It seems that I haven’t completely given up on the idea of, for instance, a 1153. But it looks as though I need to do plenty of research to even understand what TAG will do before jumping in.
While TAG is doing a good job with total restorations, I wouldn't rely on them for regular servicing.
 
Davidt
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I have no concerns or issues getting my valjoux powered vintage Heuers serviced. I’ve probably had 5 done in the last two years.
Slightly more tricky with the autos from the early 70’s but not so much it should put you off buying one
 
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