Thanks Paul, as we know (we discussed via email) there are many unknowns in the diver range from this period.
I've also noted that most bezels have tramline lips - ie. the bezel insert sits in a 'U' profile with a metal lip either side, but some just have a lip on the outside (like a rolex). Also around this time the catherdral / mercedes hands aren't necessarily consistent, as well as many models not featuring as a photograph in any know catalogues.

I recently picked up a very original but sorry looking 980.006 that I'm tidying up. It has a signed crown, which by common wisdom is incorrect, only seen on the later '1000' series 980's. but the previous owner tells me that it's not been fiddled with. Maybe it indeed came out of the factory with a signed crown, maybe it was replaced at TAG Heuer service.

The mysteries continue!

: Hi Stewart - great research. It seems like we have another Heuer
: Diver enthusiast. I just visited you blog and must compliment
: you on your pictures and text. I will keep visiting as I too
: have an interest (like many others) in this branch of the
: vintage Heuer range.
: best regards
: Paul
: www.heuerworld.com