TAG Heuer 980.023N Deep Dive 1000m

TAG Heuer 980.023N Deep Dive 1000m (3300 ft), c1986-91

The fantastic Heuer 1000m tool watch was not canned when TAG acquired Heuer, they continued to build this stunning watch, pretty much identical to the earlier Heuer version right up to c1993. The ‘N’ at the end of the model code simply marks the fact that there are small differences between it and the Heuer version – most notable, and obvious, is the TAG Heuer shield on the dial. It most probably has a different ETA quartz movement too, but I haven’t opened up the caseback to verify this. (The suffix letters were never referred to in catalogues).

I’ve noted that early versions of this 1000m TAG Heuer version has a larger pre-TAG crown (seen in the early catalogues). This example has a crown with a  slightly different design and is signed TAG Heuer, so it is either a later model, when TAG finally ‘shed’ any cross-over parts, or a service crown fitted by TH.  These crowns can be seen on many other 980.023N’s.

Seen here in the 1987/8 Catalogue on Calibre 11’s fantastic catalogue archive. (Scan 38, 1/3 down the page)

This model was considered a top of the line tool watch by TAG Heuer, the catalogue describing it as…
“Super water-resistant – Model from the top of the TAG-Heuer’s range of professional diving watches. Water-resistance 1000 M (3300 ft), Quartz, date, stainless steel case, screw-in crown, uni-directional turning bezel 0-60 minute with ratchet. Mineral glass. Available with steel bracelet or rubber strap. Special: 1000m/quartz. Perfect perception of time to 1000m in depth”

The crystal glass is actually constructed in a ‘top hat’ shape and is held in place with a special design screw down ring.
The model actually survived into the early 1990’s. It can be seen with the same model code in the 1991 catalogue. However, in the 1992/3 catalogue, the model code changes to WB1111, a time when TAG Heuer overhauled their model codes to a new system. It is shown next to the rarely seen black PVD Super Professional, still clearly a tool watch to top the range.