TAG Heuer Calibre 185/ LWO 283 Movement

Calibre11
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A reader asked me a question a couple of weeks ago about the Calibre 185 (quartz)/ LWO 283 (automatic) duo of the 1980s. The movements use the same chronograph module, with one sitting on a quartz base and the other an automatic base.
1987-TAG-Heuer-Chronograph-Catalogue-05-768x1118.jpg

Here are the technical details of the pair
185 (1)-1.jpg 185 (1)-2.jpg 185 (1)-3.jpg 185 (1)-4.jpg


The base of the LWO 283 is the ETA 2892-2 movement, upon which today's ETA 2892A2 and Sellita SW300 (i.e. Calibre 7) are both based. That movement was introduced in 1983.

Interestingly, the origins of the 2892 go back to the Eterna-Matic 3000 of 1963 for which Eterna's movement business ETA, developed the Calibre 1466U.

As I understand it, Lemania developed the 2000 module with Dubois Depraz, exclusively for Heuer. When Piaget/ Lemania took over Heuer, they changed the deal to allow Lemania to sell the movement more broadly. One place you'll find the DD2000 module? The original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore from 1993, which mounts the module on a JLC base.
Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Offshore-Chronograph-ref.-25721ST-first-version-1993-4.jpg
Edited:
 
Mr_Orange
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Calibre11 Calibre11
The base of the LWO 283 is the ETA 2892-2 movement, upon which today's ETA 2892A2 and Sellita SW300 (i.e. Calibre 6) are both based.

I thought the Calibre 6 was an ETA 2895-2/Sellita SW260-1 and that the 2892-2 was the base for almost all of the modular chronograph movements including Calibres 11, 12, 18 & 45 as well as being the Calibre 7 and 8 on its own.
 
Calibre11
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Mr_Orange Mr_Orange
I thought the Calibre 6 was an ETA 2895-2/Sellita SW260-1 and that the 2892-2 was the base for almost all of the modular chronograph movements including Calibres 11, 12, 18 & 45 as well as being the Calibre 7 and 8 on its own.
My mistake! Can I blame fat fingers? It's the Calibre 7. Yes, both the Calibre 7 GMT and Calibre 8 are based on the Calibre 7- one has a GMT module and the other has a Grande Date + GMT module from Soprod
 
Mr_Orange
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My mistake! Can I blame fat fingers? It's the Calibre 7. Yes, both the Calibre 7 GMT and Calibre 8 are based on the Calibre 7- one has a GMT module and the other has a Grande Date + GMT module from Soprod

I'll be honest, I have gleaned most of my knowledge of the modern TAG Heuer movements from Calibre11 so it's not like I am the foremost expert!
 
TAG as in TAG
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How did I miss this? Is this the correct movement for the 2000 in the center of the picture attached? I have been snooping around trying to find info about the watch as it has a good back story for me. I have the watch set up to be sent to Switzerland as US service bailed out on it. This is great info. The watch was running 15-30 second slow per day and has never been serviced, so I decided to give it a try. TAG says it will be a minimum of $1,000 for repair or $250 just to look at it. Not having much success finding a local on the US Gulf Coast that will work on it.
3 old guys.jpg
 
Calibre11
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TAG as in TAG TAG as in TAG
How did I miss this? Is this the correct movement for the 2000 in the center of the picture attached? I have been snooping around trying to find info about the watch as it has a good back story for me. I have the watch set up to be sent to Switzerland as US service bailed out on it. This is great info. The watch was running 15-30 second slow per day and has never been serviced, so I decided to give it a try. TAG says it will be a minimum of $1,000 for repair or $250 just to look at it. Not having much success finding a local on the US Gulf Coast that will work on it.
3 old guys.jpg

Yes, the Super 2000 Automatic uses the LWO283. That's a big price...I'd consider scoping eBay for a "donor watch", i.e. a tatty old TAG using the same movement and then do a swap. Might be cheaper than repairing
 
Gambba
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@TAG as in TAG as David says above I’d not go the route of sending it away.

That price is very expensive considering the value of the watch. I’d get a decent watchmaker to service it and see where you go. If all it is doing is loosing time then the I assume your chrono module is working without issue. The chrono module is the big headache, as parts and replacements are difficult to come by. As it’s just the auto movement, service should be cheapish and you could likely find a replacement ETA2892 movement on eBay.....a switch of rotors and boom.
Edited:
 
TAG as in TAG
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The watch has a great backstory for me...that's the only reason I am even considering sending it off. My AD sent it for service to Texas and they bailed out on it. We are limited along the US Gulf Coast in finding some good honest watchmakers. I am sure there are some but every place I tried has one guy that changes batteries and takes up links...they all want to send it off. My AD is a pretty big outfit along the coast and they immediately sent it off. I realize that the costs are exorbitant, but I will keep the watch so maybe the value might edge up for a mint, serviced Super 2000. It is in fantastic shape otherwise. Don't get me wrong, I would rather not pay this, but I have been frustrated and don't have the time to keep looking. Funny, my old 3000 Heuer Quartz just keeps on ticking with the correct time, like a good soldier on duty...the first "fancy" watch I bought back around 85-86...memory is foggy from those good ole days. Thanks to all for the info and help.
 
TAG as in TAG
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Update - Watch was serviced and repaired in Switzerland for less than the minimum $1,000 US. Around $750 with shipping. Have not seen the work order yet but happy to report it is on it's way back via snail mail. Given the sentimental value I can live with it. Now to stash it and see if the value with go up with time... a long time. If not so be it...I will wear it a bit. Post up a photo when it arrives.
 
Calibre11
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Thanks for the update- I reckon you've made the right call and look forward to seeing the photos

dc
 
Gambba
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@TAG as in TAG dont stash it as that’s verging on criminal. A watch with such a story linked to it deserves to be worn as often as possible (of course avoiding skydiving is suggested).

Just my opinion of course, but I hate to think of watches sat in safes around the world simply not being enjoyed....a lot like cars.
 
TAG as in TAG
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I will have it in rotation. It is a good looking watch in person. I may have phrased that oddly as it will be out and about. I will be telling the story till my friends roll their eyes. Funny, my wife thinks of it as sort of a valentine present to both of us so I saved on that bill!! Not sure how that happened, but not arguing.
 
bobsy
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Hello everyone... just joined this forum.
I have a 2000-series quartz chrono. The LWO 185 movement circuit is dead.
Just wondering if it is possible to swap out the quartz module and replace it with an automatic ETA 2892?
Since the Dubois Depraz chrono module is the same for both 185 and 283?
 
Calibre11
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bobsy bobsy
Hello everyone... just joined this forum.
I have a 2000-series quartz chrono. The LWO 185 movement circuit is dead.
Just wondering if it is possible to swap out the quartz module and replace it with an automatic ETA 2892?
Since the Dubois Depraz chrono module is the same for both 185 and 283?
Hi Bobsy. The theory sound right, but not sure if it will work in practice...haven't heard of anyone who has done it successfully, but if you are happy to give it a go, we'd love to see the results!
 
ernetho111
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Calibre11 Calibre11
Hi Bobsy. The theory sound right, but not sure if it will work in practice...haven't heard of anyone who has done it successfully, but if you are happy to give it a go, we'd love to see the results!

Recenlty sucess , using an 2892 movement to swap the quartz moement in my 273.006
 
C98F214E-9A74-4B10-9170-2DF0828EE517.jpg IMG_0062.jpg
N
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ernetho111 ernetho111
Recenlty sucess , using an 2892 movement to swap the quartz moement in my 273.006

I have the same watch and the movement is kaput. Did you do the movement change yourself or have a watch shop get it done? I want to save my 2000 Chrono. It's such a classic for me.
 
bobsy
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Hi Noel. No, it didn't work. I used a 2892 but there are 2 main isssues :

1. The auto movement is thicker than the quartz so the stem does not line up correctly with the crown tube.
2. You need a special sweep seconds pinion with the correct chrono driving wheel attached. These parts are not interchangeable with the quartz version.

I do see the quartz module being sold on ebay occasionally. They are listed as 555.232 or 955.232 and range from $150-200 USD.
 
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