The "Coke" Tag Heuer 980.043 Non Clicking Bezel??

TyJoSimo43

So its been a crazy 2 weeks with all my Tag projects, I've been shipping some of my mod projects (the GMT 1000) out the door and lining up work for a couple more pieces in my store that officially launched about a week ago (www.simonwatchcompany.com if you want to check it out). With shipping out a few pieces, it means I have to continue to source new inventory! One of my latest acquisitions is a beautiful 980.043, and I have some questions about it!

When I first opened it out of its box, I noticed the crown was a screw down genuine Tag Heuer Crown I don't think that this is technically correct but honestly, I think it is an improvement meaning now I may actually trust this watch diving. The screw down looks great as well so overall I'm happy with that part and find it an improvement over the original.

The overall condition of the watch is absolutely fantastic, it looks like it was almost never worn and the hands have no signs of being messed with or anything tragic like that. However, I noticed the bezel was a bit odd. It doesn't click and can be rotated in both directions. It also requires much more force than the traditional tag divers I'm used to working on. Is this normal? Were these friction set bezels? I know it was technically the budget model so it may be true, however if its not I want to make sure the watch is fully repaired before going for sale.

Appreciate anyone taking the time to help! You guys are the best.
- Tyler Simon

dtf

Can't comment on that one, but great to see your shop open, I'll be taking that mod package for sure 😀

Calibre11

Congrats Tyler. Love your work and you're always welcome to post about your projects here 👍

J Jkbenn02

Correct, there was no provision for a ratchet system on these bezels or on the case itself. We have installed ratcheting bezels on these watches though for customers in the past. The 980.043 were even further down the ladder on the economy models compared to its slightly more expensive black on black brother, the 980.033 which features a thicker case and a mineral crystal.

Thanks,

Justin
Tag1000Diver.com

J Jkbenn02

The 980.043 is a watch that shares little with the rest of the line and I wouldn’t call it an L case or “an L before it was called an L”.

The case is much thinner, uses a different style caseback, etc. I would call the 980.003 a “Brass L before there was an L” but that’s the only one I would say that about.

Honestly, unless you really just have the red and black bezel, I ALWAYS recommend buying the 980.013. It’s better in EVERY way from a quality and specification standpoint. You will almost certainly be disappointed with a 980.043 when it arrives in the mail. I’ve sold a handful of these and the new owners generally sell them within a few months of ownership.