Heuer 1000 Quartz Diver (Ref. 980.007) "Monnin Case", 1980s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

While today there are probably more quartz watches in the Tag Heuer stable than not, if we go back a handful of decades to when Heuer was the only name on the dial, the brand was known almost exclusively for its incredible mechanical movements. But the 1970s "quartz crisis" spared no one, not even the legends, and Heuer had to do something to keep the doors open. So, they came out with these battery-powered "Monnin Case" dive watches, which told time more accurately and, more importantly, were much cheaper to produce – a win-win for a company in dire straits. And while "quartz" tends to be a 4-letter word among watch enthusiasts today, the fact remains that this is a fantastic, classically designed dive watch made by one of the most storied brands in horology – and a piece that's far more accessible than the vintage Monacos and Carreras floating around out there. It's maybe even more unique, too. SPECS Stock # HEQUD980007-2 Brand Heuer Style 1000 "Quartz Diver" Model 980.007 Serial 12XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 41 Strap 2pc Black Rubber Tropic Strap CASE & BRACELET The French-designed "Monnin Case" retains exceptional dimensions and chamfers while showing only nominal evidence of previous polishing, with gentle signs of use present. The original black unidirectional ratcheting bezel is in excellent condition, showing light wear while retaining its luminous pearl. The watch features its original, unsigned crown nestled between stout crown guards. The engravings on the case back remain fully visible and present. The watch comes supplied on a new 2-piece black rubber tropic strap. DIAL & HANDS The matte black dial is in near-perfect vitnage condition, showing no whatsoever and nominal age. The tritium lume plots have taken on a characteristic greenish-yellow hue that is commonly seen on these watches in this era, with no degradation present when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands have taken on a more tan coloration; the hour hand displays some superficial cracking under UV light inspection and remains stable, while the minute and second hands exhibit no degradation. ACCESSORIES None. The watch just received a brand new battery and is keeping time perfectly.