The TAG Heuer 2000 Series
TAG Heuer 2000 Chronograph ref. 173.006 / Credit: Invaluable
Heuer is well-known for their chronographs, but in the 1980s, the company came out with a particular series of watches. A series that was not only key to the company’s bottom line until the early 2000s, but also kept its name throughout the transition from Heuer to TAG Heuer. The Heuer/TAG Heuer 2000 series.
The TAG Heuer 2000, is a series of Heuer watches made from 1982 to 2005. It is a very diverse collection although the most recognizable model from the series is likely the Professional dive watches. In fact, it’s worth noting that the TAG Heuer Professional 1000 was TAG’s first dive watch. The 2000 dive watches were very similar to the 1000 in terms of the case shape and design, but came in two versions initially: one with a stainless-steel bezel and the other with a black aluminum bezel insert.
The TAG 2000 series initially came in both quartz and mechanical versions. Both used a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module but the quartz version featured an ETA 555 while the mechanical version used an ETA 2892 (this movement was called the LWO 283; Lemania). It was first exclusive to Heuer until TAG acquired the Lemania’s shares in Heuer in the mid-1980s.
In terms of diversity the range of the 2000 series included chronometers worth tens of thousands, two-tone models that go for less than $1,000, and solid gold models – to name a few variants. They updated the movements in the early 1990s and started using the Valjoux 7750 in the mechanical models and ETA quartz movements. The second generation of the 2000 series came about in 1995, and the series was revamped for a third time in 1998. This time they divided the range into Sport, Exclusive, and Classic. The fourth and final iteration of the 2000 series came in 2004, right before the line was discontinued in 2005.
Ultimately, although not particularly collectible watches, the 2000 series is emblematic of 1980s Heuer and the company’s transition in the mid-1980s.
By: Andres Ibarguen