Heuer Professional Diver (Ref. 844) Mk I "Monnin", 1970s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

By the 1970s the Heuer brand had already amassed a rich pedigree as a watchmaker, though most of this success came from their innovations within the chronograph sector of watchmaking. And while these incredible watches, such as the Carrera and Autavia, were technically "water resistant", Heuer's first delve into the professional dive watch market wasn't until the ref. 844, known most notably for its French designer Gerald Monnin. Uncharacteristically for Heuer, the ref. 844 was an immediate commercial success. This sudden demand spawned rapid changes within the reference, these variations or "Marks" all carry distinct characteristics that set them apart from one another with varying levels of value and collectibility attached. However, the very first version of the ref. 844, the Mark I, remains extremely collectible today. The ref. 844 Mk I along with the Mk II were made entirely in France, before production was moved to Switzerland for the later variants. The Mk I most notably employs ornate, cathedral-style hands with a dial featuring a military-inspired red 24hr scale and text that reads "METRES" and "PROFESSIONEL" instead of the "Meters" and "Professional" seen on the later models. Stock # HURPRDV8441 Brand Heuer Style Professional Diver Model 844 "Mk I" Serial 50XX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 41 Bracelet Heuer Jubilee-Style Bracelet W/ Flip-Lock Clasp CASE & BRACELET The excellent French-Made case is in impressive, gently-worn condition overall, showing gentle signs of polishing but with the original factory chamfers and geometry still presently intact. The original uni-directional bezel has achieved an incredible "ghost" fade and exhibits only light signs of use. The unsigned screw-down crown is original and correct for this watch. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp condition, there are some tool marks present on the case back. The watch comes supplied on its original Heuer Jubilee-style bracelet with flip-lock clasp, the bracelet retains 16 links that show normal stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black Mk I dial is truly incredible and remains in virtually flawless condition, the only elements of age on the dial are nominal in nature and invisible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have achieved a beautiful creamy patina with no notable degradation present under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection minute hand features a lume repair at its center and is stable, the hour and seconds hand exhibits no degradation. ACCESSORIES