I need a referral for restoration of a Heuer Carrera Dato 45 3147S (first generation) that I purchased new in 1967 in Switzerland. It has sat in a drawer, untouched, for the past 30 years. The crystal is scratched, the bezel is missing, and there is corrosion on the case between the lugs, caused by a rusty pin on the strap. There are also some deep scratches on the case -- especially the lugs.
I want the watch restored so I can wear it, but am worried about over-restoring it, and diminishing the value of the piece. I need a restorer who can advise me on how much to restore, and how much to leave original. I contacted several watch restorers in the U.K., but none were comfortable with shipping/insurance issues in transit. If there is a reliable, well-respected restorer in the U.S., who specializes in vintage Heuer restorations, I would like to contact them.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! When I was a young man, I loved this watch to death, functionally, and it deserves a second life on my wrist . . .