Hi all,

I’ve been a long-time reader of the OTD Heuer Forum and it has been an invaluable resource for me in developing my knowledge of the Heuer brand over the years, particularly in relation to my second Heuer purchase (but more of that in a second). For my well-overdue introduction, I wanted to first offer something back in the form of a few vintage advertisements for the OTD resources (didn’t see these in there on last check): -

So, as is customary, here’s my little piece of the Heuer world...

The first I guess is a little bit of an oddball - termed ‘Carrera’ in the catalogues of the period but no-one would argue it truly shares any lineage to the original. But to go down that route would be missing the point in my opinion. I feel this watch, along with the other models in the Classics line-up, played a role in re-imagining the heritage line of TAG-Heuers available today, and for that, I feel it warrants it’s dial namesake.

This unassuming wristwatch also represents my first step into mechanical watchmaking, and even though my purchasing decision was primarily driven by aesthetics and brand equity, I wanted my first serious watch to be mechanical. Only in writing this post did I consciously start to think about what I actually liked (or still like) about this watch - the case size and its proportions, plexiglass, the balanced dial, the applied numerals and baton markers (respecting the old without aping the vintage style) and, of course, the Heuer dial, crown, case-back and buckle, which I feel sits on the right side of contrived, particularly when compared to the current era of industry ‘vintage redux‘ (and to think TAG started doing this around 15 years ago). I liked wearing something that didn’t have an instant ‘TAG’ recognition. I am also yet to see the black-dial variant (excepting the GMT model) in the later ‘WV’ TAG-dial series, leading me to believe they only ended up making it in the ‘WS’ (Heuer) format (the WV2111 was a significantly different watch).

There then followed several years of collecting other brands before I would pick up another Heuer - an 1133G. It was a bit of a surprise to not only happen across this particular example but also to be buying an 1133 in general. I had never paid much attention to the re-edition Monacos (I actually preferred the Monza at the time) but it was only when learning more about the model heritage that the 1133 began to grow on me, big time. However, I still never thought I would end up venturing into the vintage space. Anyway, I found this watch in London, 2009 and it made the ideal 30th gift to myself given the Monaco was also turning 40 that same year! I appreciated the apparent integrity of the watch by it not having service hands, a polished case etc. I felt the condition allowed me to more honestly see the life the watch had led; and I thought it was just that, honest. I was also glad to be buying the ‘G’ variant (big fan of grey/ardoise and fume dials) - it is more wearable, more of the time in my opinion and just remains that bit different and not what some people expect who might already know a little about the Monaco. Please let me know if I’ve got any of this wrong regarding condition (limiting from my photos) and I would also appreciate any insight into the date range of the watch if possible (serial number starting 2499).

Anyway, all that’s left to say is thank you for making this resource available - without OTD, I probably wouldn’t have the pleasure of owning the vintage number you see here (hopefully more to follow!).

Cheers,
Lee Robinson