Vintage TAG Heuer F1 Repair and Restoration

As a TAG Heuer Authorised Workshop, we regularly see a whole range of TAG Heuer watches for repair. These repairs range from smaller jobs like watch battery replacement and resealing to full servicing and refinishing. In this instance, we have a vintage quartz F1 model for repair.

On arrival, Inspection of the watch showed the bezel to be very worn and not functional, the glass was very scratched and the watch was not working.

TAG Heuer Authorised Workshop

Being a TAG Heuer Authorised Workshop means we are able to access the required original parts to complete a restoration like this. We order an original glass, bezel, crown, tube and complete set of seals for this model. We also order a new movement from TAG Heuer – the replacement for this model is the modern equivalent of the vintage calibre.

When the new parts arrive, we are able to complete the repair work using approved tooling and equipment throughout the process.

Vintage TAG Heuer F1 Repair

We remove the movement from the case and remove the dial and hands. With these parts removed they are put to one side and we concentrate on the case work.

We proceed on to disassembling the case. We remove the bezel, bezel springs, glass, tube and seals. We then give the case and bracelet a thorough clean in our ultrasonic cleaning machine before giving it a light polish/refinishing. Once cleaned and dried we can fit the new seals and replacement glass and tube. With these fitted, we can fit the new bezel click before fitting the bezel itself.

Now the case is back together and looking great we move on to replacing the movement.

We fit the dial onto the new movement, then put the movement into a movement holder with appropriate support to refit the hands. This can then be fitted into the case.

As this movement is a replacement it has a new stem, so we need to cut this down to size so the new crown fits the case correctly and works as it should.

With everything fitted into the case and working correctly, we can close the case before testing for water resistance in our Sigma Pressure Testing Machine.

Summary

As a TAG Heuer Authorised Workshop, we recently completed a full repair and restoration of a vintage TAG Heuer F1 watch. The watch arrived non-functional and with significant wear to the bezel, glass and movement.  After repair using original TAG Heuer parts throughout, the watch is now in excellent working order, ready for years of continued use.