I just received my Flea Market Heuer Autavia back from restoration from LVMH, Tag Heuers Vintage restoration division. You may recall I found this watch at a Flea market last May and had paid $150.00 for it. So……

Without out being too dramatic, I have to say I am impressed beyond my wildest imagination. The watch is back and is as close to perfect as reasonably possible under the circumstances. When I originally sent the watch to LVMH my goal was to replace the highly worn bezel and missing top chrono pusher. As far as I was concerned I would stop there, everything else was satisfactory as far as a “Vintage” piece was concerned. LVMH reviewed the watch and said they could do a total overhaul, but the Bezel would have to be replaced with the best “used” bezel they had in their existing parts inventory. I got the feeling do to there standards they wouldn’t do a half job it was all or nothing. My big concern was of course what would a "used" bezel look like. After talking at length with Jeff Stein of “onthedash.com” I decided to go ahead. He had assured me from his dealings with LVMH I would be happy with the out come. So this is what was estimated to be done:

* Total overhaul of movement
* replace crystal
* replace crown (didn't look like it needed it when sent)
* new top pusher and tube for chrono function
* polish case and back to as near new as possible (back even came with plastic protection sticker

All this was in original bid
Here's the surprise:

* Dial totally cleaned and relumed
* Hands all polished and relumed

Because the crystal previously was so shabby its hard to know what condition the dial was exactly when I sent. This dial is so perfect clean and crisp it has me questioning if its the same dial but according to Jeff Stein they wouldn’t do a redial.
Now here is the big question for you.
What kind of strap should I now place on this incredible watch????

AFTER