Hello,

Forgive me for replying to this thread, but I am currently in possession of a McLaren variant of the 1553s. However, it has significant water damage (we believe) to the dial, where the decals have been completely destroyed.

I am interested in having the watch restored to its former glory - though, the work has been rejected by Heuer Vintage in Switzerland due to limited access to parts.

I have confirmed that the glass and mechanism can be fully serviced, so all that remains is seeking advice of a specialist who can restore the dial to its original state, including the McLaren decals for personal and sentimental reasons.

Do you have any advice for specialists who can perform this kind of work? I'm receiving limited support in the UK.

Very best,
Adam

: Hi Amer.

: Yes, they are real and we have seen a handful of them over the
: years.

: One was sold by Bonhams in a sale at Goodwood in 2003:

:

: As it sold for £1400 back then, there was definitely a premium
: attached to it. An interesting period for McLaren historically
: too - after Bruce's death but before Ron Dennis came along with
: his Project 4. Still it was a period that brought two driver's
: championships (Fittipaldi in '74 and Hunt somewhat fortuitously
: at the expense of Lauda in '76) and the constructor's
: championship in 1974, the year of these watches (as evidenced by
: the dial). So definitely a catch for the McLaren fan, especially
: one not so keen on Mr. Dennis...