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REPAIR & SERVICE
TAG Heuer Vintage/ Regatta Watch Circa 1970s
Gray & Sons Jewelers, located in Miami Beach, Florida is an independent watch service center, repairing TAG Heuer Vintage/ Regatta Watch Circa 1970s watches since 1980.
How We Service a Vintage Heuer Regatta Watch Circa 1970s
TAG Heuer Repair Services
A little bit about watch specialist and watch repair
Vintage Heuer Regatta
In 1967, Heuer began partnering with several sailing teams and became the official timekeepers of the 12-metre class yacht Intrepid. When skipper Emil Mosbacher won America’s Cup in 1967 and 1968, a special edition Heuer/Aquastar Regate with ‘Intrepid’ added to the dial was given to only the crewmembers, making them extremely rare!
Finally, in 1983, Heuer released their own Regatta Chronograph timepiece which was powered by the Lemania 1345 movement, known to be of better performance than the Felsa movement. This first true Regatta model by Heuer came in two editions.
The first had a silver dial and steel bezel with steel screws locking it in place and a steel bracelet (ref. 134.500). The second edition featured a black dial and a gold-plated bezel with steel screws locking it in place on a steel bracelet (ref. 315.505).
Now, many aren't aware of how the regatta countdown feature is actually applied during races. Prior to takeoff, sailors get a 10-minute countdown which is distinguished by two cannon shots. On the first cannon shot, sailors must press the pusher located at 2 o’clock to begin the countdown. Gradually, the discs begin to turn blue from left to right, each blue circle indicating an elapsed minute.
Once all 5 discs have turned blue, the first 5 minutes have passed. As the countdown continues, the discs begin turning red as the last 5 minutes of the countdown comes to an end. Once all five discs have turned red, sailors should hear the sound of the second cannon which indicates them to GO!
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Gray & Sons - Top Watch Repair Center For Vintage Watches
The watch repair we will speak on came from a customer looking to sell his watch to us. The watch was not in working condition, it was missing a screw, and had several deep scratches along the case and the bracelet. Every watch that Gray and Sons Jewelers buys to sell must first go through our workshop department to assure it is resold in pristine condition.
First things first, we open the case back of the watch and look for any rusted or damaged parts that need replacing. Once we’ve diagnosed the problem on the watch and know what extra parts are needed, our watchmaker takes apart the watch piece by piece and prepares it for cleaning.
The movement, crystal, and watch stem is separated from the head and bracelet. The case and bracelet is given to our head polisher while our watchmakers begin working on the movement. Piece by piece, our watchmaker begins dismantling the watch’s mechanism evaluating every piece.
Once the watch parts that need replacing are identified, our watchmaker prepares the standing parts to be cleaned and sources the parts that need to be replaced. We use six different cleaning solutions in an ultrasonic machine to make sure all dirt, dust, and dried oils are extracted from every crevice within the watch parts.
Once the watch parts are cleaned, the watchmaker starts to reassemble the movement while adding lubricants wherever designated and replacing all the gaskets for water resistance. This tedious process usually takes around 1 to 2 hours per watch! Ofcourse, assuming the watchmaker isn’t interrupted and all parts continue functioning.
Since this watch is from the 1970s, it is considered a vintage and collectible timepiece. For this reason, we had our polisher only clean the case and bracelet in an ultrasonic solution. In this case, the scratches on the watch not only show its history, but it also adds value to the watch since its still considered “original Heuer finish”.
Once our watchmaker puts together the movement and re-cases the watch, it's time for the final steps of our repair process. Prior to returning the client their watch, we must execute a final quality control process to assure the watch is running as accurately as possible.
Vintage Heuer Regatta
In this quality control, we measure the watch’s amplitude and water resistance using special machines that listen to the heartbeat of the watch and simulate a deep plunge using air pressure to check for leaks. We also check that all complications are functioning fully; in this case the Regatta countdown. If both amplitude and water test come out good, the watch gets put on our winding wheel for observation where it rotates and mimics the movement of the wrist.
With this machine we can analyze the power reserve on the watch and make sure the automatic is providing power up to par throughout the day. Our entire repair process usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks total.
Get to Know More About Us, Gray and Sons Jewelers - Watch Specialists
For over 41 years, Gray and Sons have specialized in the luxury business of pre-owned watches and estate jewelry. Every item in our inventory has been repaired or restored to like-new condition.
Every day customers come into our store to sell us their watches and jewelry items so our inventory is evergrowing. Through our constantly updated website, customers can request a free monthly catalog that includes our updated inventory as many things come in every month.
Our sales associates are fluent in English, Spanish, French, Polish, and Russian so language barriers are often not a problem. Aside from buying, selling, and repairing, we also do trade-ins or take things in on consignment. Visit us for all your luxury needs!
Our showroom is located in the heart of Miami Beach diagonally across the street from the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops. If ever in the area, we highly recommend you come into our store; we’d love to meet you!
#1 Specialist on Vintage Heuer Regatta Repairs
Visit Gray and Sons Jewelers is a one-stop source for all your luxury watches and high-end jewelry needs throughout Florida, especially in Miami, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Fort Lauderdale. Gray and Sons have an excellent reputation with many customers in New York, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Chicago. Access our website by clicking here .
Antonella Diaz
Sales Assistant
Gray & Sons Jewelers & Inspired Watch Specialist
OUR EXPERIENCE
OVER 150 YEARS OF COMBINED WATCHMAKING AND JEWELRY/CASE AND BRACELET REPAIR EXPERIENCE!
How to Repair Your Watch with Gray & Sons Jewelers
We offer our watch repair services locally in South Florida (Miami, Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach), nationally as well as internationally with our Easy Ship Box Option.
Local Repairs
Come visit our showroom and let us evaluate your watch. Our Swiss-trained watchmakers are among the best in the United States and we just happen to be located on Miami Beach. We will provide you an estimate before beginning any work.
National Repairs
To accommodate customers across the United States who complete repairs with us, we devised the Easy Ship Box as the fastest and most convenient way to send sensitive luxury items. This allows you to receive our state of the art services anywhere in the country, so you never compromise on the care your watch rightfully deserves.
