TAG Heuer Professional 2000 Chronograph, c. 1990s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

There is no doubt that diving watches hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors, ourselves included. In fact, Analog:Shift was founded with its eyes set squarely on vintage divers. With their simple designs and robust movements, the tool watches of the 1960s and 1970s were built to accompany the adventurer across the globe and to keep time at its great heights as well as its dark depths. Today, the dive watch segment is stronger than ever, with the spirit of a past era living on in the full spectrum of the market — from entry-level micro-brands all the way up to the big players. In the late 1970s, Heuer was looking to capitalize on the demand for dive watches, and they succeeded — today, they feature a full line of divers with different shapes, sizes, and movements. In fact, their Aquaracer is the entry point for many young people into the world of dive watches, full stop! The particular watch, a 'Professional' 2000 Chronograph, dates to circa the 1990s and features a 40mm two tone yellow gold and satin-finished stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a signed 'fluted' crown, 'fluted' pushers, and a unidirectional dive timing bezel with yellow gold 'rider tabs.', Inside, it has a satin black 'gilt' Tritium dial with gold sub register rings, a magnified date at 3 o'clock, a matching handset, and a robust Lemania Calibre 283 automatic winding movement. This piece comes fitted to a matching two-tone multi-link bracelet with a signed fliplock clasp — an option that this black-dial variant never came with from the factory — but a clever previous owner clearly had the right idea! If you are looking for a good looking, functional, and affordable option into the sports watch segment with a 1990s twist, this neo-vintage TAG is a tough option to beat!