For sale we have a good example of an early 1990s Tag Heuer 1500 Series 40mm Diver watch, with rare and desirable granite dial. It has a water resistance of 200m and has the reference 959.706G. It has a uni-directional bezel, a screw down crown and Tritium lume. It is on its original Stainless bracelet and end links, with divers extension. Inside is a new ETA 955.112 movement which is working perfectly. 
 
The 1500 Series started in 1990 and ran until 1998, with full size 40mm models being discontinued in 1994. The 1500 Series was seen as a mix between the 1000 series and 2000 series, combining utilitarian features and style. They were successful in occupying this middle ground, being reliable dive watches that were offered at an attractive price point. It was described by the 1997 catalogue as “offering all the features of an authentic sports watch, with simple and efficient design. They appeared more modern than the 2000 Series, with cleaner lines and thinner lugs.
 
Barack Obama regularly wore his 1500 Series model on the campaign trail and in the White House, helping the model to be widely-recognised. 
 
The most unusual dial variation was the Granite finish. It was a trademark of the series and was never used on any other series.
 
The full size 40mm case is well proportioned, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm giving it significant wrist presence. This is balanced by the slim depth of 10mm, making this a very neat diver to wear. The circular case is Stainless and it has a sandblasted finish, whilst the lugs are thinner than the average dive watch. The signed crown screws down and is protected via the crown guard. The bezel is robust and angles downwards on the outer section, whilst the inner section angles in towards the crystal. The triangle markers for 10 minute graduations are nicely balanced with black filled engraved 5 minute graduations. The triangle at 12 has black in-fill with a Tritium lume pip to the centre which has aged nicely. The screw back case is also sandblasted and is signed with the Tag Heuer logo and the reference number.
 
The Granite dial finish is the most desirable and it’s easy to see why. The dark grey tone is filled with specks of glitter that shimmer in the light. The dial is balanced in its layout with luminous baton hour markers, dot markers at 6 and 9, with the triangle at 12 O’clock, making this a legible dial. The date window sits at 3 O’clock. Below 12 is the colour Tag Heuer logo, with professional 200m signing above 6 and Swiss Made T below. 
 
The hands are clean with a black painted outline. The hands are of a Mercedes style, with lume in-fill. The central second is of lollipop design with a lume plot. These are protected by the Sapphire crystal glass. 
 
The watch is presented on its original Tag Heuer signed Stainless Steel reference 606/81 bracelet with matching end links. This has divers extension and will fit a 7.5” wrist diameter without it.
 
The movement is an ETA 955.112. It has a jewel count of 7, hours, minutes, second hand and quickset date. A brand-new movement, with new battery, working perfectly.
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is in excellent condition with no marking, discolouration or damage to the finish.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original with black painted outline and Tritium lume in-fill. 
 
Glass: 
The sapphire crystal is original and is in excellent condition. 
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and is in good condition with Tag Heuer logo. It screws down as it should.
 
Bezel:
The bezel is original and in good condition with some light surface scratching. It turns as it should.
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel, in good condition and has some light surface scratching associated with age. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in good original condition. The Tag Heuer logo is clear as is the engraving. It has some light scratches from poor opening attempts.
 
Strap: 
The watch is on its original 21mm Stainless bracelet. The fold over clasp is signed and locks as it should. It has divers’ extension. It is good and original with light surface scratching. It will fit a 7.5” wrist diameter without dive extension.
 
Movement: 
The movement is an ETA 955.112. It has a jewel count of 7, hours, minutes, second hand and quickset date. A brand-new movement, with new battery, working perfectly.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 40mm
Case width with crown: 43.5mm 
Case width with crown guard: 42.5mm
Case length: 40mm 
Case length lug to lug: 48mm
Case Depth: 10mm
Lug width: 21mm