Hi ,
I'm sure this will be a lovely watch when its finally returned to you. Great vintage looks & a loving reminder of your father.

Here's my earlier post showing my 1940's 2447 on a Lizard skin leather strap that may well be something for you http://www.chronocentric.com/forums/heuer/index.cgi?page=1;md=read;id=50279

Here's the ebay link to a 20mm Lizard skin strap (takes a 16mm buckle) like i use. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20mm-BROWN-Vintage-GENUINE-LIZARD-Watch-Band-NOS-Strap-Made-Canada-99A-/140700988319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c26eb39f

You can also get the re-issue Heuer buckles on eBay. They come in both 16 & 18mm sizes so choose your strap first & then your buckle to match.
Good luck , we look forward to seeing some photo's.
Cheers - Darren

: Update :

: Almost 1 year later.. the watch is "almost" complete. The
: watchmaker looked high and low for a new and corrrect date
: wheel. Seems the original one was faded in the exposed area. He
: found one, and slowly worked his way through the servicing. A
: few other minor parts were replaced, like the main spring. Minor
: face clean up, light case cleaning, new lens ... etc.

: He "Test drove" it for a bit.. keeping perfect time - but
: - another issue surfaced. Seems the spring that resets the
: Chrono to zero was weak.. and broke. He ordered a new one and
: replaced it.

: I am expecting some pics shortly .. and hope to share them.

: So -- it looks like I will be getting the watch back soon - well in
: time for my daughter's wedding in June.

: I am super excited! The Navitimer will have to take a break from my
: wrist soon . . lol

: NOW - need a proper strap for it. I am leaning to a black leather [
: or Croc ] with white stitch band. Thoughts / suggestions ?

: Is there a source for a Heuer buckle? [ One that spells out
: "Heuer" on the buckle ? ]

: [ As a side note, and I hadn't noticed this, the date was never
: changed by me in the pics.. and I noticed something a bit later.
: It was set to my Dad's birthday! _ I suspect he did that when he
: put the watch in the desk drawer ]