tedward,
Yep, it certainly looks like an early prototype. Like I mentioned before, I've seen this bezel insert design before.
The large hand I haven't seen before. The first 844s were sold almost as 'work in progress', we can see models with the Cathedral hands, then the later mercedes hand design that became the norm.

There is also evidence of other hand designs from this period. Like Paul's lollipop hand seen on the small orange dial ladies diver. (Pic below). Also, mens the orange diver can be seen in catalogues with cathedral hands too.

Stewart

: I'm I correct in assuming that this an early prototype? Always
: interesting to see what could have been.
: I think I like the hand, dial and bezel design that Heuer settled
: on for the 844 series, very simple and uncluttered. Although I
: do like the inner red 24 hour track of the French ones.

: :