TAG Heuer 2000 Series Quartz Chronograph Ref. CE1120 (Two-Tone)
Dive-style Chronograph · TAG Heuer (Parent: LVMH since 1999); Premium luxury tier known for accessible sport watches and chronograph heritage.
Period: Neovintage (Late 1980s - 1990s); characterized by its 'Six Features' design philosophy and sporty two-tone aesthetic.
Type
Dive-style Chronograph
Brand
TAG Heuer (Parent: LVMH since 1999); Premium luxury tier known for accessible sport watches and chronograph heritage.
Movement
Quartz Chronograph Caliber (likely ETA 251.262); 1/10th of a second precision, multi-hand display with five center hands (including minute and second chronograph counters).
Dimensions
Case diameter: 38mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 44mm; Lug width: 20mm.
Description
The TAG Heuer 2000 series is the direct ancestor of the modern Aquaracer. This specific model, the CE1120, represents the 'Techniques d’Avant Garde' era where the brand focused on high-performance quartz timing and rugged dive aesthetics. Its compact 38mm size and flashy two-tone finish make it a quintessentially 90s luxury tool watch.
Key Features
Red central chronograph hand; 1/10th second subdial at 2; Mercedes hour hand; signature crown-style bezel with tabs; 200m depth rating.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with three gold-tone 'champagne' subdials; applied luminous dot markers; mercedes-style hands; date window at 4 o'clock; red chronograph hands.
Case Material
Stainless steel with gold plating (electrogold) on the bezel and accents; brushed finishing with polished highlights.
Crystal Type
Flat sapphire crystal; no visible antireflective coating; appears scratched or marked in the user image.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating bezel; gold-plated stainless steel with engraved 60-minute scale and six 'grip' tabs (ridders).
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down gold-plated crown with guards; two cylindrical pump-style chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated-look two-tone 'Professional' bracelet (brushed steel with gold-plated center links); double-locking folding clasp with diver's extension.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback; features the TAG Heuer shield logo and reference/serial numbers.
Movement Type
Quartz Chronograph Caliber (likely ETA 251.262); 1/10th of a second precision, multi-hand display with five center hands (including minute and second chronograph counters).
Water Resistance
Originally 200 meters (660 feet); suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but seals must be replaced for safety given the vintage age.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland using an outsourced ETA-based quartz movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1992-1998; the dial layout and logo style are consistent with mid-90s production.
Cultural Significance
This model helped stabilize Heuer's transition after the 1985 TAG acquisition, becoming a status symbol for the emerging middle-class professional in the 1990s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant wear to the gold plating on the bezel and case; crystal appears to have heavy surface debris or scratching; indices show signs of potential moisture ingress (discoloration).
Value Estimate
Market value in current visible condition: $150–$300. In Excellent restored condition: $500–$750. Value is heavily negatively impacted by plating wear.
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement every 2-3 years; water resistance should be tested before any immersion due to aged gaskets; gold plating should not be polished as it will wear through to the steel.
Similar Watches
Omega Seamaster 120m Multi-function; Breitling Shark Quartz; TAG Heuer 1500 Series.
Interesting Facts
The 2000 series was designed by Eddy Schopfer and established the 'Six Features' (200m WR, screw-down crown, unidirectional bezel, sapphire crystal, luminous markings, and double-safety clasp) that defined TAG Heuer for decades.