I confirmed with the original owner that he did in fact purchase new in 1971. He worked for one of the largest watch distributors in the country (at the time), and he remembered because Heuer would not sell them direct as they were a "discounter". He had one of his suppliers get him the watch. The bezel was not special order, it came on the watch. Nothing had been replaced over the years, watch is 100% original. My best guess is the movement is a Cal. 11i based on year and how it feels when you wind.
I guess all seems consistent with S/N (mid 1971) and it being a "pre-Viceroy" piece. Appreciate the input and if there is additional, please feel free to comment. Always like learning what I can!!
Jeff