Last week I was in Geneva and I took a day out to visit Tag Heuer HQ in La Chaux-de-fonds. It’s a 2 hour train ride plus a short bus trip to the modern office complex clearly visible on the outskirts of the town. The people were courteous and I was given access to the museum. It’s an impressive, modern design well stocked with historical pieces representing many of their achievements from 1860 to the present. My interest lies in the period 1964 to 1984 and they had a good selection of the popular models. The most striking pieces in my opinion were a Carrera Dato and a white dial Autavia 45 screw back case, dauphine hands and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway logo all in pristine condition. This may well be the only one of its kind and the dial markers and outer minute track are most interesting. (Please excuse the pictures - they were shot without tripod and through the glass).

In addition to the museum visit I was there to collect three pieces that had been serviced/restored – all Autavia 1163’s (T, MH and GMT). I have had pieces restored and serviced by Abel and Nic and they both did fantastic work so my expectations of Tag Heuer service team were high. I left the building with mixed emotions and only one of the three pieces – the Siffert. The other two were the symptom of a philosophy very different to mine. I treasure the watches in my collection and when it comes to any work done to them I have become a perfectionist. If I choose to have a case polished I expect it to be correct. Attention to detail is all important and in this respect Tag Heuer failed. The GMT case received a brushed edge. The MH was a complete disaster. It came back in a very nice 11630 case. Not quite what I was expecting. This is a special piece in my collection – early dial, cal 11 movement and low serial number Schmitz case. They had no explanation for me and I did not have the time to hang around so I have left the remaining two pieces in Switzerland in the hands of their Customer Service team.

I will reserve my judgement depending on the final outcome. Anyone can make a mistake (or two) but sometimes it is the way the mistake is rectified that can really speak volumes about the overall service. My Siffert is superb with new bezel, crystal, pushers and crown. The other two remain in their hands and I sincerely hope that they turn this around and make my experience one to remember for the right reasons and not the other way around. I will certainly report back on the outcome.

Regards to all
Paul

PS Geneva is a lovely city. I just wish I had more time to look for vintage Heuers.