A genuinely significant piece of Heuer history, this Heuer 844 Mark 1 is widely regarded as the very first dedicated dive watch produced by Heuer and one of the most important references from the brand’s pre-TAG era. Introduced in 1979, during the challenging years following the Quartz Crisis, the 844 helped establish Heuer’s presence in the professional dive watch market and laid the foundations for the dive watches that followed.
This particular Mark 1 example is exceptionally well-preserved and retains many of the original features collectors actively seek, making it a highly desirable acquisition for enthusiasts of vintage Heuer watches.
Key Details
• Model: Heuer 844 Mark 1
• Year: Circa 1979
• Case Size: 42mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Manufacturer: G. Monnin (French-made case)
• Dial: Original black Mark 1 dial
• Hour Markers: Tritium markers with attractive cream patina
• Inner Scale: Red 24-hour scale
• Hands: Original sword hands
• Bezel: Original bidirectional dive bezel
• Crystal: Original acrylic/mineral crystal
• Crown: Heuer service replacement crown
• Movement: Swiss ETA-based automatic movement
• Bracelet: Original stainless steel bracelet
• Wrist Size: Fits up to approximately 18cm wrist
• Spare Links: Included
• Water Resistance: Originally rated to 200m (not currently pressure tested)
• Guarantee: 12-month mechanical guarantee
Condition Report
Case: Original unpolished case showing light wear consistent with age whilst retaining strong original lines and edges.
Dial: Original Mark 1 dial in excellent vintage condition with attractive and even patina throughout.
Hands: Original sword hands with matching vintage character.
Bezel: Original bezel in excellent condition with minimal wear and full functionality.
Crown: Believed to be a genuine Heuer service replacement.
Bracelet: Original full-length bracelet complete with spare links.
Overall: A highly original and well-preserved example of an increasingly collectible Heuer reference.
Working Order
Automatic movement running well and operating exactly as intended.
All functions tested and working correctly.
Supplied with our 12-month mechanical guarantee.
Special Notes
Collectors will appreciate several important details found on this example:
• Correct Mark 1 dial without country-of-origin marking.
• Original cream-patina tritium markers.
• Original sword hands.
• Original G. Monnin-manufactured case.
• Original bidirectional bezel.
• Original bracelet with spare links.
The only noted replacement appears to be the crown, believed to be a genuine Heuer service replacement.
Our View
The Heuer 844 Mark 1 is far more than simply a vintage dive watch. It represents the beginning of Heuer’s dive watch lineage and remains one of the most important watches from the brand’s pre-TAG period.
The combination of the G. Monnin case, red 24-hour scale, tritium dial and classic late-1970s styling gives the watch tremendous character and collector appeal. Examples retaining their original components are becoming increasingly difficult to source, particularly in such honest, unpolished condition.
For collectors of vintage Heuer, early dive watches or significant Swiss sports watches, this is a reference that deserves serious consideration.
