As I have been studying these "Paintless" Monacos, it seems clear that something in the "midnight blue" paint failed. So then I start thinking that this was one of Heuer's first attempts at a colored dial, with almost all the previous Heuer dials being wither black or dial. Of course, the Skippereras from circa 1968 did just fine.

So here's the question: Were many brands using colored watch dials around 1968 / 69 or was this a relatively new thing? Part of the "pop" culture of the era. I will need to flip through some multi-brand books (to check the other brands), but it does strike me that until the late 1960s, the primary color choices in watches were black and white (and the silver variations, of course).

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++

: On the recently discussed topic of topicality/patina, one of my
: latest additions to add to the party...

: This one came via Mexico and is now the fourth Chronomatic Monaco
: (157189, 200, 201, 213) without a back case toolno33
: marking. I think there is a strong likelihood that such watches
: were the batch produced pre-production and pre March 1969 launch
: and which were then sold after the event. I also suspect that
: initially Heuer had not bargained for watchmakers being
: nonplussed about how to open the watch, i guess that was what
: led to the tool stamp coming in shortly after...

: Although the picture doesn't show it (i need to wait for some much
: needed UK sun first!) this heavily patina'd back to brass dial
: has a tendency to shine brightly when it catches the sun. It's
: certainly the perfect "beater" Chronomatic, fear of
: future degrading is not on the agenda!

: Cheers
: Rich