TAG Heuer - 1000 Professional - No reserve price - 980.020 L - Men - 1980-1989

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic 1980s diver offers a highly attractive aesthetic defined by its exceptionally well-preserved dial and striking creamy tritium patina. The two-tone configuration of the black dial and bezel, paired with the gold-tone accents, provides a distinct period character that remains highly wearable today. Brand: TAG Heuer Model: Professional Reference Number: 980.020 L Movement: Quartz Caliber 3.86 Dial: Matte black with creamy tritium patina Case Size: 38mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1980s Condition: Good vintage condition. Dial and Hands The matte black dial surface is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean with no visible spotting or damage. All printed text is crisp and fully intact. A major highlight of this watch is the tritium luminous material on the indices, which has aged to a uniform and highly attractive creamy vintage patina. The gold-tone Mercedes hands feature intact luminous material that perfectly matches the dial indices, though the hands themselves display noticeable surface oxidation and spotting. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features brushed and polished surfaces that show moderate scratches and handling marks, presenting an honest character consistent with age and use. The case edges remain reasonably defined but show expected signs of wear. The black bezel insert is well preserved with clear gold-tone numerals, while the gold-tone outer grip ring exhibits moderate plating wear and fading along its edges. The signed TAG Heuer crown also displays visible wear and fading on its fluted gold-plated edges. The caseback engravings remain crisp and fully legible. A clear, flat mineral crystal protects the dial, showing no significant scratches or chips. Movement Inside is the TAG Heuer caliber 3.86 quartz movement, based on the ETA 963.116 architecture. The movement appears clean with a battery installed, showing no obvious signs of battery leakage or heavy corrosion. The caliber is clearly engraved with standard TAG Heuer markings, noting one jewel and unadjusted Swiss construction. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The material shows light wear and creasing from use. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean with a beautiful uniform patina, contrasting with the visible surface oxidation on the hands. The stainless steel case and two-tone bezel present honest wear, scratches, and fading to the gold-plated surfaces expected from regular use. The movement is clean and visually well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 38mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This TAG Heuer Professional offers a classic vintage diver aesthetic with an exceptional dial patina. The combination of the matte black dial, creamy tritium indices, and nicely aged two-tone case elements provides a compelling 1980s presence on the wrist. History The 1000 series is widely recognized as a pivotal model line for Heuer and subsequently TAG Heuer during the 1980s. Originally introduced to meet the growing demand for reliable, accessible sports watches, the 1000 Professional series helped secure the brand's future during a challenging transitional era for the Swiss watch industry. Characterized by its classic diver geometry, Mercedes hands, and robust quartz movements, the series became highly popular among professionals and recreational enthusiasts alike. Today, these early TAG Heuer models are appreciated by collectors for their straightforward, utilitarian design and undeniable vintage charm. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: TAG-PLX-0001