Thanks so much for all the info, Stewart.

I agree that bezel insert looks spot on, and may be my best option. Please let me know if you happen to try to fit either that entire bezel or even only the insert to one of your Heuers - would be very curious to learn if it's a match!

Took the watch to my horologist today - he said the movement was in great shape and keeping excellent time - which was nice to have confirmed. He also agreed with your contention that I should leave the dial alone and only re-lume the hands, if anything. He has quoted me $300US to refurbish & re-lume the hands, go through the seals and gaskets, fit a replacement bezel insert, and give the case a fresh lightly brushed re-finish.

: David,

: Righto..

: BEZEL
: The case/bezel/insert I mentioned earlier.. this is here:
:
: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200903939286?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

: As you can see on first impression it looks like a brand new
: identical case to the Heuers, but it isn't.. it is a very
: similar design, but has 22mm lugs and a different overall case
: shape.
: But, as mentioned before, the insert looks bang on like a Monnin
: insert. I bought one of these with the intention of taking out
: the insert as a back-up in case mine ever got ruined. I have yet
: to test to see if it fits, but I'm very optimistic it will fit.

: CASE
: Yes, your case looks like it could do with very light attention,
: specifically the brushing on the upper part of the case. If you
: are 'hands-on' you can have a go yourself. You whip off the
: bezel, and using a suitably fine wet n dry sandpaper draw the
: paper around the upper of the case in a steady circular motion.
: It's not easy though, so speak to a recommended watchmaker about
: it.

: RELUMING
: I would not touch the dial.. my advice.. don't do it. If the lume
: on the hands are cracking/brittle, this can fall out and get
: into the date window, and/or stain the dial. I personally would
: not have a problem having one of our resident experts relume the
: hands to match the dial.

: GLASS
: Don't be fooled into buying uber expensive crystals on ebay, this
: uses a standard sized/thickness, and can be bought for a few
: £/$ form a watch parts suppliers.

: BRACELET
: Yeah, some aren't that keen on the original jubilee bracelet.
: I have found that Submariner bracelets are a decent fit.. of course
: these cost a fortune, but there are loads of sellers on ebay
: that offer aftermarket oyster bracelets - ranging from $20
: upwards.
: Below is a photo of one of my 'custom' Heuer divers with an
: aftermarket bracelet=, which cost very little but is decent
: quality, has solid links, and really looks the part.
: Don't forget that Heuer did, in the very early life of these
: divers, originally sell them on an oyster style bracelet, so you
: aren't deviating too far from the 'original look'.

: Aftermarket oyster...
:
:

: Hope that's useful.
: Any more questions, fire away.

: PS. Bit cheeky.. but if you fancied a leather 'vintage look' strap,
: I make em!.. check here:
: http://heuerville.wordpress.com/%E2%96%BA-heuerville-straps/

: Stewart
: - Heuerville