Three Register, Manual Wind Monacos -- Reference 73633B There has been considerable discussion and debate regarding the authenticity of certain manual-wind Monacos, reference 73633B. These Monacos have blue dials, three white registers, and are powered by the Valjoux 7736 movement. Most collectors agree that there are many examples that use dials, hands and perhaps cases that are not authentic. Key differences between the genuine and questionable samples of these Monacos include the following: Hands Hands on all these Monacos are brushed steel, with luminous inserts, and the hands should be long enough to reach the circular track. Hands on some questionable samples are shorter, made of polished steel, and may not have luminous inserts. Script Script has considerable detail in certain letters (for example, the "A" in the word Monaco and the "R" in the word Heuer should have small serifs / tails). Refinished / fake dials often lack this fine detail. Numerals Style of numerals seems to vary between the genuine dials and some of the questionable ones. Notice different styles of the "4"s (open or closed), and some variations in other numbers. Markers Genuine dials usually have luminous dots at the 5-10-15-20-etc., although some genuine dials do not have these dots; applied markers at 2-4--8-10 should be rectangular, with polished tops and one beveled edge (toward outside); "waffle" tops on square markers indicate a refinished / fake dial; poor alignment of markers also indicates a refinished / fake dial Case-Back The case-backs of all genuine Monacos are marked "Tool 033", referring to the plastic tool used to open the case. The following photographs illustrate certain variations between these Monacos, so that collectors can distinguish models known to be genuine and those about which there may be some doubt.   A genuine Monaco -- proper detail in the script ("Heuer" and "Monaco"); brushed steel hands (long and wide, with luminous inserts); correct numerals in the registers (closed "4"s); correct markers, properly placed.   A genuine Monaco -- proper detail in the script ("Heuer" and "Monaco"); brushed steel hands (long and wide, with luminous inserts); correct numerals in the registers (closed "4"s); correct markers, properly placed.   A genuine Monaco dial; note that there are no luminous dots on the dial; in many instances, luminous dots may fall off when the case is opened for servicing; here, all the dots have been removed.   Questionable sample -- missing detail in the "Heuer" and "Monaco" script; short hands; waffle markers; hash marks on registers; and open "4"s suggest that this dial is not genuine   Questionable sample -- missing detail in the script ("Heuer" and "Monaco"); short, thin hands, perhaps from an Autavia GMT; different style numerals in the registers; applied markers not properly aligned; no luminous dots on the dial.   Questionable sample -- missing detail in the script ("Heuer" and "Monaco"); short, thin hands with minimal inserts; different style numerals in the registers; applied markers not properly aligned.   [text to be added]   There is considerable controversy as to whether Heuer ever made three register Monacos with blue registers. There may be a limited number that were made by Heuer (though this is controversial); there are certainly many fakes with the blue registers. On this watch, indicators of refinished dial / put together watch include the following: lines in registers very sloppy (especially continuous seconds register, at nine o'clock) applied "waffle" markers markers not well aligned hands are questionable   Similar to the blue dial / blue register one shown immediately above. Note the following: applied "waffle" markers markers not well aligned; scattered all over the dial hands are questionable   According to one of our readers, this blue dial / blue register Monaco has been authenticated by representatives of TAG-Heuer. It has painted markers, rather than applied markers. Compared with the blue / blue Monaco shown in the previous photograph, we see the following: lines in registers are properly spaced and aligned markers are properly aligned numerals in the registers are correct script (notice the numeral "4") luminous dots on the dial show some aging   Proper marking on the case-back -- Tool 033, a reference to the tool that is used to open the case.