Pawn Shop Find: ‘Black Coral’ Heuer 980.026l
As an enthusiast, I've always dreamed about finding a watch in a flea market, or a thrift store. Well, on Boxing Day in 2018, it finally happened. It was at a pawn shop in the suburbs just west of Toronto, where my wife grew up. I had no reason to be in there in the first place but when I saw the Heuer PVD 980.026l among a myriad of random watches, my heart skipped a beat. I took a gamble on this watch as the store owner wasn’t sure if the watch needed an overhaul or just a new battery, but he sold this thing to me for a mere $100 (CAD).
Turns out, it just needed a new battery. Otherwise, this watch was in an almost pristine condition. What's even more interesting is that all the parts including the crown, clasp, and caseback are signed 'Heuer’, while housing an ETA 964.114 movement with an "L" suffix added to the reference number, meaning that it’s the second execution of the Black Coral variant. The PVD coating, despite its age (possibly from the early 80s), remained remarkably intact, a testament to the quality of Heuer's manufacturing, pre acquisition.
Vintage Heuers often spotlight racing models like the Carrera, Autavia, and Monaco. However, the 1000 Divers also hold their own iconic status, with notable appearances in films like "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "The Living Daylights." The origins of these divers trace back to 1979, a time when Heuer faced challenges that had already begun in the mid-1970s, due to what we now know as the quartz crisis—a rough patch for the entire Swiss watchmaking industry. Quartz watches were making waves because they were not only technically advanced but also more affordable, giving traditional Swiss companies a run for their money. Of course, that didn't stop them from trying to break into the market too.
One of the defining features this particular watch was the size; at 38mm, it was considered the standard "man's full size" during its era. This size not only offers a balanced presence on my wrist for various potential settings. The level of detail and quality in these smaller Heuer cases is seriously impressive. It punches above its weight, considering its size. Heuer really went all out with these divers, making sure they were top-notch and could handle being waterproof up to 200m, just like the previous Jumbo models produced by Monnin.
Image credit: Heuerville
A few tidbits I could find from the internet about this particular watch are that the Black Coral range, introduced in the 1982 catalog, was a standout collection known for its striking all-black design. What set the Black Coral apart was its bold yet elegant look, making it a sought-after choice among collectors. The catalogue highlighted the Black Coral as 'The Sportsman's Choice,' emphasizing its durability, precision, and versatility for various everyday activities. Despite its higher price point compared to other models, retailing at $345 in the 1982 Speciality Catalogue price list, it garnered a cult following among a niche vintage Heuer collectors.
Just my luck, I guess.
