Tudor Chronograph Knowledge

[Solo118]

Great thread right here.

I am currently looking at a 79160 Big Block w/silver dial. No box, no paperwork but it has been serviced (in rough shape though)

I am curious to see if these watches are worth the premium over the 792x0 models. I am a big fan of these now vintage chronos, but should I just be looking for a nice non tiger 79260 rather than the 79160?

The only differences I know of are the case, plexi crystal and a few other small differences. Are the 791x0 models more collectable/hard to find?

Thanks in advnace :)

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Great thread right here.

I am currently looking at a 79160 Big Block w/silver dial. No box, no paperwork but it has been serviced (in rough shape though)

I am curious to see if these watches are worth the premium over the 792x0 models. I am a big fan of these now vintage chronos, but should I just be looking for a nice non tiger 79260 rather than the 79160?

The only differences I know of are the case, plexi crystal and a few other small differences. Are the 791x0 models more collectable/hard to find?

Thanks in advnace :)

Sol,
Prices for the Big Blocks have stagnated the past few years after a steady increase. Imho, that's due to the release of the THC's. Many collectors view the Big Blocks as the last of the vintage Tudor chronos because of the case design [like the Sub & SD only thicker], plex crystal, Oysterdate dial, and Rolex crown, case back. A few early 792XX models had the Rolex attributes but the transition to Tudor Shield was underway. The 792XX and 792XXP's have increased in value a bit but largely remain under the Big Blocks.
If you want a vintage chrono and Rolex crown & case back are important, go with the Big Block. If you are looking as daily wear [or more often that occasional use] chrono, I'd go with the 792XX or 792XXP.
Hope this helps,
dP

[Dan Pierce]

Thought I would show some love to the last Tudor chronographs offered wrapped in the iconic Oyster case, the 792XXP [in my case 79270P].

But before that, let's look at the difference between the 14mm Big Block case [same as Sub & SD except thicker] and the more curved modern 12mm [give or take 1mm] Daytona style case of the 792XX & 792XXP.
[Big Block top, 79280 bottom]




With the 792XXP reference Tudor offered their leather strapped stainless steel versions w/ OEM end links and deployant clasp.




This was long before the WIS community considered the asthetic importance leather straps w/ end links, something Rolex only offers in their precious metal references. It makes any strap look OEM.

Tudor provided an extra set of internal lug holes to secure the end links.



79270P w/ custom carbon fiber strap.


Tudor also offered their version of the jubilee style bracelet. It's actually a perfect blend of oyster & jubilee w/ SEL's and all solid link construction [except very center link]. And like all jubilee bracelets, very comfortable.



Hope this helps any who want to learn about these great chronographs. They ain't making anymore, the 7750 movement is a tried & true workhorse, and with all the dial, bezel, bracelet, or strap options available [much more than Rolex, thanks again, Tudor!!] there's certainly one [or many] out there for you to wear & enjoy.
dP

[Solo118]

Amazing post Dan! Thank You!

While I did have a bit of knowledge about the 792x0 model, I have learned a bit more about the 791x0.

I will continue to pursue this one, and if the buyer accepts my offer I might have an incoming thread :)

Just curious why you do not recommend the 79160 for daily use? I do plan on wearing it a lot.

PS- Wow that 791x0 sure is huge!! I think I prefer the slimmer case!

[magnetized]

Tudor BB with fix bezel

[HogwldFLTR]

Tudor GT Chrono 20530N with fixed bezel and Tudor Valjoux 7753 movement.



And recessed date advance button on the 10:00 lug.

[lhanddds]

The 79160's big block case does not affect it's comfort. It sits flat on the wrist and is very stable. I do wish it came with end links, like Dan's, but I got mine from George (Smartyjones).

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Amazing post Dan! Thank You!

While I did have a bit of knowledge about the 792x0 model, I have learned a bit more about the 791x0.

I will continue to pursue this one, and if the buyer accepts my offer I might have an incoming thread :)

Just curious why you do not recommend the 79160 for daily use? I do plan on wearing it a lot.

PS- Wow that 791x0 sure is huge!! I think I prefer the slimmer case!

Sol,
Nothing wrong with a Big Block as a daily wearer. You should buy what you like most, that always pays more dividends in the long run.
dP

[VerticalHorizon]

Bumping this thread up!
I just got a 79280P and I can't take it off my wrist.
What a thread and what knowledge!
Some questions for you kind folks.

I prefer the black. Is there any way I can have it switched to that?
Is it easily replaceable like the 16710?

Mine does not have the Arabic numbers with the offset/shadow effect.
All the examples I've seen are ones that have it.
Should I be concerned?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by VerticalHorizon

Bumping this thread up!
I just got a 79280P and I can't take it off my wrist.
What a thread and what knowledge!
Some questions for you kind folks.

I prefer the black. Is there any way I can have it switched to that?
Is it easily replaceable like the 16710?

Mine does not have the Arabic numbers with the offset/shadow effect.
All the examples I've seen are ones that have it.
Should I be concerned?

There were many types of Tiger dial and I'm sure yours is fine, although it is shown here without the Tiger name, and with a leather strap.

[Old Expat Beast]

Some more info....

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by VerticalHorizon

Bumping this thread up!
I just got a 79280P and I can't take it off my wrist.
What a thread and what knowledge!
Some questions for you kind folks.

I prefer the black. Is there any way I can have it switched to that?
Is it easily replaceable like the 16710?

Mine does not have the Arabic numbers with the offset/shadow effect.
All the examples I've seen are ones that have it.
Should I be concerned?

Nice looking watch; a jeweler might be able to help remove it from your wrist. I actually do understand what you mean and feel the same about my 20530N which I'm currently wearing.

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Some more info....

Great catalogs!!!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Nice looking watch; a jeweler might be able to help remove it from your wrist. I actually do understand what you mean and feel the same about my 20530N which I'm currently wearing.



Great catalogs!!!

It's the Tudor Anthology

[timlaw]

it would have been really helpful to have read this fantastic thread before last week when I bought my 79260p on Tudor Jubilee but it has worked out well I think.......



it was originally sold here in the UK in May 2005.

I see this one getting plenty of wear.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

It's the Tudor Anthology

Great book then!!!

Originally Posted by timlaw

it would have been really helpful to have read this fantastic thread before last week when I bought my 79260p on Tudor Jubilee but it has worked out well I think.......

it was originally sold here in the UK in May 2005.

I see this one getting plenty of wear.

And well it should!!!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by timlaw

it would have been really helpful to have read this fantastic thread before last week when I bought my 79260p on Tudor Jubilee but it has worked out well I think.......



it was originally sold here in the UK in May 2005.

I see this one getting plenty of wear.

Very nice, congrats!

[Case61]

Interesting the way threads get resurrected. Plus, one more Big Block pic won't hurt anything.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Case61

Interesting the way threads get resurrected. Plus, one more Big Block pic won't hurt anything.

Nice! Have you measure the size of the head vertically? Wonder how the big block model length compares to the Tiger (later model), which is supposely 48.47mm

Just in case, referring to the 48mm length shown on the Speedy picture below:



Thanks,

Francisco


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stts]

Hi. Here is my first input as Big Block owner for this amazing thread.

This Big Block was originally purchased from local Rolex authorised dealer at 5th June 1995 by gentleman who worked as a car dealer. The original owner was friend of another gentleman who later on became a professional used watch dealer. Lets call the owner of watch shop as watch dealer. During next 20 years (from 1995 to 2015) the watch dealer asked few times the original owner to sell this beautiful Big Block to him without succeeding on it. Last year at 2015, somehow, the original owner finally sold the watch to this watch dealer, maybe because of unexpected financial compensation the watch dealer was ready to deliver. As we know the resale value of Big Block, or any vintage Tudor/Rolex, have increased significantly since its original purchase date. Quite soon, after the watch was properly serviced, the watch sprout up to watch dealer websites and after less than 24 hours I became the 2nd private owner of this beautiful Panda-dial Big Block.

Here listed some info of this Big Block:

- Tudor Oysterdate 79180
- Model with plexi glass
- Rolex caseback and crown as is supposed to be
- Gorgeous “porcelain” panda-dial with tritium indices
- Writing on dial (Tudor, Oysterdate, Automatic - Chrono time, T Swiss made T)
- Serial B62xxxx matching year 1995 (The last year Big Block was manufactured 1995)
- The plexi and the shape of case was kept close as original with light polishing (not strong grinding on purpose)
- Rolex 78360 bracelet with Tudor clasp and correct 589 endlinks
- Original outer and inner box (with cushion/pad), reference (with AD markings and stamp) and quarantee papers, original Tudor wallet for papers, original hang tag, original case back protection film, brochure/operation manual and original proof of purchase / receipt (from 5th June 1995)

I am really happy that I found this gem.

[stts]

I forgot attach the picture so here it comes.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by stts

Hi. Here is my first input as Big Block owner for this amazing thread.

This Big Block was originally purchased from local Rolex authorised dealer at 5th June 1995 by gentleman who worked as a car dealer. The original owner was friend of another gentleman who later on became a professional used watch dealer. Lets call the owner of watch shop as watch dealer. During next 20 years (from 1995 to 2015) the watch dealer asked few times the original owner to sell this beautiful Big Block to him without succeeding on it. Last year at 2015, somehow, the original owner finally sold the watch to this watch dealer, maybe because of unexpected financial compensation the watch dealer was ready to deliver. As we know the resale value of Big Block, or any vintage Tudor/Rolex, have increased significantly since its original purchase date. Quite soon, after the watch was properly serviced, the watch sprout up to watch dealer websites and after less than 24 hours I became the 2nd private owner of this beautiful Panda-dial Big Block.

Here listed some info of this Big Block:

- Tudor Oysterdate 79180
- Model with plexi glass
- Rolex caseback and crown as is supposed to be
- Gorgeous “porcelain” panda-dial with tritium indices
- Writing on dial (Tudor, Oysterdate, Automatic - Chrono time, T Swiss made T)
- Serial B62xxxx matching year 1995 (The last year Big Block was manufactured 1995)
- The plexi and the shape of case was kept close as original with light polishing (not strong grinding on purpose)
- Rolex 78360 bracelet with Tudor clasp and correct 589 endlinks
- Original outer and inner box (with cushion/pad), reference (with AD markings and stamp) and quarantee papers, original Tudor wallet for papers, original hang tag, original case back protection film, brochure/operation manual and original proof of purchase / receipt (from 5th June 1995)

I am really happy that I found this gem.

Congrats on your new masterpiece!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by stts

I forgot attach the picture so here it comes.

Well done!
dP

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by stts

I forgot attach the picture so here it comes.

Sweet!!! Congratulations!!!

[bgbg13]

uploadfromtaptalk1456693867714.jpg
Thank you to Dan and Bagel for the help on this one. All this knowledge made it easy to learn what's needed and decide which way to go.


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[shay2nak]

Is that dial dark gray? I've only seen one other on the 79260. Hard to find.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

Attachment 715804
Thank you to Dan and Bagel for the help on this one. All this knowledge made it easy to learn what's needed and decide which way to go.


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Glad to be of help. Never seen a dial like this. I'd like to learn more about it and if others like shay2nak have run across these before.
Congrats!
dP

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by shay2nak

Is that dial dark gray? I've only seen one other on the 79260. Hard to find.

I'd say it's more of a slate, but yes, it's a dark gray. It's not too dark because I can always tell the differencebetween the black sub dials. It really is beautiful in the flesh.
uploadfromtaptalk1456753934942.jpg
And I love the bracelet and clasp on this one. So comfortable!
uploadfromtaptalk1456753909562.jpg

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Glad to be of help. Never seen a dial like this. I'd like to learn more about it and if others like shay2nak have run across these before.
Congrats!
dP

Thanks Dan.
I have been looking for a 792xx for a while. Once I saw that color dial I asked our "experts" if it was legit being as I have never seen anyone talking about it or seen pics pop up.
I know it's one of the later production runs (mid 2000) by the h44 serial and the newer small "Daytona like" flip lock clasp....

I'd love to know more about it if anyone else has come across it?
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Glad to be of help. Never seen a dial like this. I'd like to learn more about it and if others like shay2nak have run across these before.
Congrats!
dP

The only other time I saw this dial was when I was searching online. Found it at an Italian watch shop. It came with the leather strap and the subdial hands were black and not white as in the above photo.

Originally Posted by bgbg13

I'd say it's more of a slate, but yes, it's a dark gray. It's not too dark because I can always tell the differencebetween the black sub dials. It really is beautiful in the flesh.
Attachment 715993
And I love the bracelet and clasp on this one. So comfortable!
Attachment 715992

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

looks awesome. congrats!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

I'd say it's more of a slate, but yes, it's a dark gray. It's not too dark because I can always tell the differencebetween the black sub dials. It really is beautiful in the flesh.
Attachment 715993
And I love the bracelet and clasp on this one. So comfortable!
Attachment 715992

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

That's a very cool clasp on the Jubilee style bracelet!