Tudor Chronograph Knowledge

[ness038]

I'm about to buy a 79270 from around 1990 from Jackroad in Japan and noticed now that it's on a Rolex 78360 bracelet. Is this correct for the watch, or should it have had a Tudor bracelet with it? If it's incorrect should that affect the price of it at all?

[Watchdaytona]

Originally Posted by ness038

I'm about to buy a 79270 from around 1990 from Jackroad in Japan and noticed now that it's on a Rolex 78360 bracelet. Is this correct for the watch, or should it have had a Tudor bracelet with it? If it's incorrect should that affect the price of it at all?

Something is off the 79270, I don't think the 79270 was produced until 1997 when it was updated from the 79170

[ness038]

It looks like the 792 series was introduced in 1995. Maybe they just got the year wrong on their listing? But the Rolex bracelet throws me a bit.

[ness038]

I got some more photos and the watch has a B6 serial which dates it around 1995. The bracelet is not the original that came with the watch. It's a Rolex engraved/stamped 78360 with 589 endlinks. Does anybody think this is a big problem that it doesn't come with the right bracelet? Would I be able to essentially sell/swap the Rolex one for the correct Tudor one?

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by ness038

I got some more photos and the watch has a B6 serial which dates it around 1995. The bracelet is not the original that came with the watch. It's a Rolex engraved/stamped 78360 with 589 endlinks. Does anybody think this is a big problem that it doesn't come with the right bracelet? Would I be able to essentially sell/swap the Rolex one for the correct Tudor one?

Interestingly, the bracelet itself is more valuable than the Tudor equivalent. As a complete full set, collectors would prefer the correct bracelet.

[ness038]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Interestingly, the bracelet itself is more valuable than the Tudor equivalent. As a complete full set, collectors would prefer the correct bracelet.

It's definitely interesting, according to them the watch has the original box and papers so the only thing incorrect is the bracelet. It has an "L" stamped clasp which according to the research I've done places it around 1987. I'm a bit torn on what to do as I think I'd prefer a full set, but the price on this watch seems to be much better than what I've found elsewhere.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by ness038

It's definitely interesting, according to them the watch has the original box and papers so the only thing incorrect is the bracelet. It has an "L" stamped clasp which according to the research I've done places it around 1987. I'm a bit torn on what to do as I think I'd prefer a full set, but the price on this watch seems to be much better than what I've found elsewhere.

Only you can decide if the non original bracelet is a deal breaker. The early 792xx's came with Oysterdate dials with Rolex crown & case backs. When those parts were used up they transitioned to Prince Date dials with Tudor crowns & case backs. Some have replaced Tudor branded parts with Rolex to increase the collectors value. Most collectors prefer original vs replaced parts.

I've owned a mid 70's vintage 9411 blue Tudor snowflake sub that had an updated Rolex bracelet vs the original With folded links. In that case the Rolex bracelet was seen as an upgrade which translated into higher value.
dP

[996marty]

IMG_20May2020at65433pm.jpg
I’m loving this thread and looking at all the replies these watches are loved by many,pictured is a new addition for me and a watch I had wanted for years

[ness038]

I'm having a hard time finding a panda 79260 below 7K, have the prices on these really risen that much?

[996marty]

Originally Posted by ness038

I'm having a hard time finding a panda 79260 below 7K, have the prices on these really risen that much?

Check out the ocwatchguy.com they usually have some in stock for way less than you stated

[Watchdaytona]

Originally Posted by ness038

I'm having a hard time finding a panda 79260 below 7K, have the prices on these really risen that much?

The have risen a lot in the last two years, the good colour combinations, panda, reverse panda sell for premiums, especially. You may find a numeric dial panda for less as the numeric dials aren't as desirable compared to baton dials.
The 79260 with the oyster bracelet 78400 are preferable to the jubilee bracelet. Good luck they are out there and pop up.

[Watchdaytona]

Best watch IMO for value, Rolex build with a Valjoux 7750 engine. Much better than any Tudor in the current line up.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by ness038

I'm having a hard time finding a panda 79260 below 7K, have the prices on these really risen that much?

They vary a lot too. You have oysterdate vs prince date dials, oyster vs jubilee bracelets, rolex bits vs tudor bits, tiger vs non tiger.

[Watchdaytona]

I think if Tudor released a watch like these, it would be a massive hit. Yes, plenty of variations available including colour dials. I tend to prefer the panda an reverse panda, these watches are so similar to vintage Daytona 6263 but more of an updated watch with sapphire crystal and a date. Most underrated watch IMO.

[Enrico66]

Hello, just bought this one with a warranty dated 1997. Someone here said that the Prince Dates are all post Tiger. Now I am confused! Did I buy a good one????

[Sacha82]

Originally Posted by Enrico66

Hello, just bought this one with a warranty dated 1997. Someone here said that the Prince Dates are all post Tiger. Now I am confused! Did I buy a good one????

Sure you did, it's just that with the introduction of the Tiger and 792XX, the use of Rolex-signed bits and trademarks (such as Oyster) were curtailed.

Since yours is not a Tiger, it's one of the last Big Blocks. When against a Tiger, yours is the better collector piece.

S82

[holdingon]

its a nice watch, but their chrono with B01 movement is a game changer.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Enrico66

Hello, just bought this one with a warranty dated 1997. Someone here said that the Prince Dates are all post Tiger. Now I am confused! Did I buy a good one????

From the pic you posted it looks like a solid example and the "all Prince Dates being post Tigers" is just wrong. Yours is perfectly normal in regards to the Prince Date dial. The earliest 792x0s were Oysterdate with Rolex signed crown and caseback. Oysterdate -> Prince Date was the first change they made as they slowly progressed to more Tudor DNA. Tudor has a decent resource on the history of the chronos up to 2000 https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/inside...s-1995-to-2000

Originally Posted by Sacha82

it's one of the last Big Blocks.

It's not a Big Block. Big Blocks were all 791x0 references with acrylic crystals and fat, slab side cases.

[Sacha82]

Originally Posted by sillo

It's not a Big Block. Big Blocks were all 791x0 references with acrylic crystals and fat, slab side cases.

Interesting. The case is pretty much the same size as the 791xx but the Tigers that came out around the same time have the smaller case. I've seen the 792xx series watches also referred to as BBs, presumably because the case sizes are nearly the same. Anyway. Nicknames and all that. It's all good.

S82

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Sacha82

Interesting. The case is pretty much the same size as the 791xx but the Tigers that came out around the same time have the smaller case.

The Tigers are 792x0 watches and have the same case as all the other watches bearing that reference. You can see here the Big Blocks have a much more distinct case while the small blocks are more rounded similar to a Daytona.

Originally Posted by Sacha82

I've seen the 792xx series watches also referred to as BBs, presumably because the case sizes are nearly the same.

You'll see it in ads a lot to try and charge a higher price for a watch since the Big Blocks tend to be more collectable than the "small blocks" that came after.

Originally Posted by sillo

Big Blocks were all 791x0 references with acrylic crystals and fat, slab side cases.

I should also correct myself here, the previous generations of were also Big Blocks, the 791x0 was the just the last generation.

[Sacha82]

Originally Posted by sillo

The Tigers are 792x0 watches and have the same case as all the other watches bearing that reference. You can see here the Big Blocks have a much more distinct case while the small blocks are more rounded similar to a Daytona.





You'll see it in ads a lot to try and charge a higher price for a watch since the Big Blocks tend to be more collectable than the "small blocks" that came after.



I should also correct myself here, the previous generations of were also Big Blocks, the 791x0 was the just the last generation.

Thank you for the correction - the photo definitely shows the curvature and difference in size when compared. I guess most shots showing the 792xx's I've seen have not shown the side well enough for me to notice.

Just curious, since I'm not too well-versed from the collecting angle: are the 792xx's more sought after than the Tigers? I know the 791xx's are.

S82

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Sacha82

Just curious, since I'm not too well-versed from the collecting angle: are the 792xx's more sought after than the Tigers? I know the 791xx's are.

Ignoring anything of the older four digit references it would probably be the 791x0s on top. Then the earliest 792x0s with Oysterdate Dial. Then the Prince Date 792x0s with Rolex crown/caseback. Finally the Prince Date with Tudor bits. I would also say the 78400 Oyster bracelet is more desirable than the Jubilee too.

After that stuff starts to get muddy because you had the Tigers come along which offered all sorts of dial combinations, different bracelet options and then sometime after that the 792x0p models came out which also had tons of options.

[Enrico66]

Many thanks all. Just to clarify my question, I was wondering whether it is plausible to have a 79260 pre-Tiger with Rolex crown and bottom produced in 1997. Thanks!

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Enrico66

I was wondering whether it is plausible to have a 79260 pre-Tiger with Rolex crown and bottom produced in 1997. Thanks!

Absolutely. Could have either the Oysterdate or Prince Date dial.

Straight from Tudor -

"As of 1998, the TUDOR Prince Oysterdate chronographs appeared in the catalogue on steel bracelets with five links referenced 62490 and signed TUDOR. The Oyster bracelet was thus progressively abandoned. Reference 79260 illustrated here and produced in 2000 bore only TUDOR markings and had, logically, abandoned the Oyster name; its dial now bore the signature “PRINCE DATE”. This name change was noted as of 1997, the year during which the Prince Date chronographs would become available for the first time on leather straps with a steel folding clasp marked TUDOR."

[Enrico66]

Thanks!

[DJ2020]

My co worker has this one. Purchased 1994. Has dated receipt, box and papers. Tudor on crown and tudor prince on case back.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

My co worker has this one. Purchased 1994. Has dated receipt, box and papers. Tudor on crown and tudor prince on case back.

Cool watch, but your coworker is probably misremembering the dates. The 79260s weren't even in production until 1995, and Tiger didn't ink his deal with Tudor until 1997.

[red1108nyc]

79170 big block cases are definitely more pronounced.

[TVal07]

This may be my favorite thread on TRF - I’ve probably revisited this thread more than any other on the forum. Excellent source of information on the Tudor chronos - which have a very unique history and place within the Rolex/Tudor stable.

The Big Blocks, in particular, are just fantastic watches - robust, great movement, wearable, acrylic crystal, and lots of great details and variations - the pandas with the silver dial and black registers are really well done - always liked them better than the Daytonas, to be honest.

[JPMickB83]

The ultimate tool watch: 12 hr bezel for a second time zone, chronograph, date with cyclops, screw down everything for water resistance, sapphire crystal. and darkened hands to improve legibility. This really is a well thought-out watch. It’s a small block pre-Tiger, so it has the Rolex Crown and Caseback on an Oyster bracelet.




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