Heuer Monnin 844 - redial?

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

Another redial query...I’m having all the luck at the moment...

It’s a Heuer 844 Monnin. The “U” in the Heuer logo is a bit wonky.

The watch seems right in every other way - hands, bezel, movement, consistent patina.

But there are a few models which had the same dial...is it possible someone changed the logo...?

Larry S · Nov 24, 2017

A hot brand right now. As with the others, lots of temptation to apply lipstick to pigs, create fake and create Franken.

bristnj · Nov 24, 2017

It's a bit difficult to truly ascertain based on the angle of the photo. Do you have a straight-on shot? Would like to see placement of "Professionel" (French spelling) and Made in France at bottom. In general the angles of the bottom of the E's to the U look right, but the overall logo does not look cleanly applied. Also, middle of the E's looks short. At the close-up shot it's though to see if it's truly ligit, but I have my doubts. Also, more shots would be helpful. Is the FE4611A movement signed G.Monnin or not signed? Case back has 844 and if so, what serial number? Shot of inside the case back.

Below is mine for reference.

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

Thanks! Yours is lovely.

Here are some more pics - taking me ages to upload. The logo and 200 metres etc writing are a bit different on yours, but the printing on mine generally looks similar to this one: http://classicheuers.blogspot.co.uk/2009/01/heuer-844-french-made-diver.html?m=1

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

More pics...

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

This is the one online where the printing looks quite similar to mine

bristnj · Nov 24, 2017

So in general, it looks okay. The logo could be the result of a bad press, which did happen and is seen from time to time. I bezel insert looks to be a replacement, but accurate w/out silver ring around glass. I've asked a few other knowledgeable folks for their opinion and will advise. How much is seller asking?

Larry S · Nov 24, 2017

I cannot imagine this watch leaving the factory like that. No way.

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

Thanks, very much appreciated! I already bought...at huge price...but can return at my discretion.

Have now heard back from two independent experts. Both say it’s legit. One gave this pic of his personal version which is even worse.

So I’m actually getting convinced it’s legit...

bristnj · Nov 24, 2017

Since I'm not a Heuer expert, I have solicited a few other opinions. These were only produced 1 year (1979) and not in a Heuer factory. They were made by Georges Monnin in a French factory, who was making similar private label pieces for other manufacturers. Heuer took production in 1980 (after these were very successful) and moved it to Switzerland. At that point, movements changed to ETA and 24/HR was dropped from dial. There are some transitional Monnin's w/out the 24/hr dial and still Made in France dial and FE4611A. While I complete agree with @Larry S , Heuer would never let a defective or bad press logo out of the factory, there have been some examples on the Monnin's being not complete clean. Since you've already bought, it's now a piece of mind thing. Once I hear and feel there is a consensus from the people I've asked, I'll advise. In the mean-time, you may get some other opinions on your post.

bristnj · Nov 24, 2017

The consensus is it's real. This from two very highly regarded folks in the Heuer community. Here is another example of an authentic dial with a poor press that one shared with me. Also, one has seen/serviced this piece in person, and was 100% positive on its authenticity. So, from my vantage point, you have a winner.

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

Thanks!

Yeah we both heard back from the same expert (and I heard from another)...

Larry S · Nov 24, 2017

Well another good research thread!

keepschanging · Nov 24, 2017

Found another one with imperfect Heuer logo - beginning to think it’s a badge of originality for the prototypes!

bristnj · Nov 25, 2017

I don't believe its a prototype vs. possibly a difference in dial manufacturers. My S/N is lower than yours, and my dial's logo and writing are applied very clean (outside of the years of patina on the dial of course). My guess (and its just that) is that there may have been multiple dial sources to keep-up with production as these watches did much better than expected in 1979 when launched. One manufacturer who's press applied clean and one where you see the anomalies in the logo with yours and a few of the others pictured. These seem to be rarer, but as documented they are out there and proven original. Either way, it looks like you have yourself a nice 844, and in general one of a handful that survived and in very nice condition. Congratulations and wear in good health.

keepschanging · Nov 25, 2017

Thanks, you too 😀

You never know with serial numbers...it is unlikely that they were organised enough to stack their casebacks by serial number. They probably just had them stamped, chucked them in a bucket and grabbed one each time to make the next watch, meaning early watches can have later serial numbers etc. I worked in a factory when I was a kid and that's what it was like there. Totally speculative of course.

keepschanging · Nov 25, 2017

Gratuitous pic ...

Notice the similarity in red 24 hour markers on my Omega 300m diver in the profile pic...

Optimizer13 · Nov 25, 2017

I don't think its a redial. One of mine has a logo similar to that and I know for sure it was from the original owner. The other parts of the watch looked fine too.

keepschanging · Nov 25, 2017

Thanks, yeah I'm sure it's original now. Very nice pics!

bristnj · Nov 25, 2017

A bit more fun with the Monnin family. Here is my 844 transitional. Non-24/hr dial, G.Monnin Signed Rotor on FE4611A movement, Made in France dial, 844 on case back with high S/N.