This quartz Heuer came in recently for a movement service. I see quite a few variants of these across the bench but rarely with a full glow dial, and rarely one in such cracking condition as this example. The rotating bezels on these usually are a lot more worn than this one is and dials can so easily become damaged by dead battery cells that have burst inside the watch. This one really is a rare survivor in such great condition! The dial is actually phosphorescent as opposed to lume and the advertising of the time marketed them as “Night diver” watches. The dial will glow for 10 minutes after a 10 second “charge” under a strong light. This model also came in a black case (980.031) and a ladies sized black case (980.030). Powered by the ESA 536.121 quartz movement, it makes it a rock solid reliable performer.

The caseback is a plain affair with just the model details and depth rating stamped on it.

Inside you can see the Heuer “branded” movement, in reality it’s only the coils protective cover that has Heuer printed on it.

The crown, stem, battery and movement ring is removed here and it’s ready for the movement to be taken out.

A closer look at that full glow dial in beautiful condition 🙂

Underneath the dial is the usual ETA/ESA type motion/calendar work.

It doesn’t take long to remove it all ready to flip the movement over.

The coil/circuit assembly has been removed here….

….and the plastic spacer and orange insulator is removed here. It doesn’t leave a lot behind!

With the train bridge removed you can see the stator and train wheels ready for removal.

And here it is before its trip through the cleaner. Despite the remarkably clean condition of all the wheels and plates the watch didn’t actually run due to degraded oils.

Once the parts had been cleaned and inspected it was re-assembly time.

Just the coil cover to go back on here then it can be turned over to tackle the motion and calendar work.

The motion and keyless work has been lubricated and refitted here….

….and the calendar work here.

Another shot of the dial and handset as it’s refitted.

The movement is recased and the crown seal is silicone greased before the crown/stem assembly is re-engaged.

And that’s it, all done. As I said I’ve had many of its black dialled cousins on my bench but very few of these, what a lovely example.