1980's TAG Heuer Professional Diver (Ref. 844/5) "Monnin Case"

Introduced in 1979, the Heuer 844 set the template for the brand’s professional dive watches—robust, highly legible, and powered by dependable ETA automatic movements. Quickly embraced by working divers and enthusiasts, the 844 series became one of the most capable and versatile tool watches of its era.

By 1985, following the acquisition of Heuer by Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG), the transitional reference 844/5 emerged. Functionally, it remained true to the original 844, but its updated TAG Heuer branding marked a pivotal shift: this was the final automatic model in the storied 844 lineage and the only example to carry the TAG Heuer logo.

Positioned within the “1000 Series,” a naming system inherited from Heuer, the 844/5 effectively bridged the brand’s past and its future, laying the groundwork for subsequent lines such as the 1500 and 2000 Series. Today, the 844/5 stands as not only a rugged and wearable diver, but also a historically important reference that captures the precise moment Heuer evolved into TAG Heuer—a cornerstone piece for collectors of the brand’s dive watch heritage.

SPECS

Stock #		HURPRDV8445
Brand		TAG Heuer
Style		Professional Diver
Model		844/5
Serial		030XX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black
Millimeters		42
Bracelet		Black NATO Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent M.R.P S.A. case is in impressive, gently-worn condition overall, showing gentle signs of wear from use, but retains the original factory chamfers, and the geometry is still present and intact. The original unidirectional bezel exhibits only light signs of use. The unsigned screw-down crown is original and correct for this watch. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp condition; there are some tool marks present on the case back. The watch comes supplied on a new black NATO style strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black dial remains in virtually flawless condition; the only elements of age on the dial are nominal in nature and invisible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have achieved a beautiful creamy patina with no notable degradation present under UV light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show discoloration and patina from age consistent with other examples from this era. Under UV light inspection, the hands glow consistently with the lume on the dial and show no degradation.