Tudor Big Block vs Tudor Prince

[mr500cm]

It's pretty simple I love the Daytona but right now it's out of my league. I'm leaning towards a Big Block but my questions:

Repairing are parts an issue to either one?
Accuracy, is one move to better than another?
Anything I should know about either watch, pro or con.

Right now I own 1967 5512 sub that I've had for 30 years. I love it, the only thing was when I bought it I didn't like the original band and updated it to a flip lock. I know I can get this serviced and when done properly it will be spot on.

Thanks,

Lance

[enginerd]

Hard to beat the Daytona look, with a DATE!

To my knowledge, parts aren't that difficult to come by. BB has the Valjoux 7750, easily serviceable by just about anyone.

I'm also biased because I've owned EIGHT of them.

[mr500cm]

Very nice....I was leaning towards this image.jpeg

[Gina Marie]

Bb!

[Franks07]

Tudor Big Blocks are awesome! Great looking with lots of dial / bezel options and excellent functioning chronograph with a date function.
IMO it is a very prudent "investment piece" (Rolex DNA) so long as you get a properly vetted example that is original and in above average to excellent condition. Boxes and warranty papers are always a plus. Good examples are increasingly difficult to source and prices are on the rise.
Good luck.

[NKflyer]

They both use the same Valjoux 7750 movement so your questions 1 & 2 are moot. Many of the 792xx's have the "tiger" dials (from the brand's then-relationship with Tiger Woods) which some folks don't care for.

[rootbeer7]

Big Block more desirable as more Rolex DNA. Later 792xx models slimmer cases. Great watches with a multitude of dials.

[MorningTundra]

I acquired a lovely 94300 from @enginerd. I had it serviced and runs great. Love mine


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by mr500cm

Very nice....I was leaning towards this Attachment 916836

Excellent choice. The chamfered hour markers on the earlier dials have a bit more character IMO. However, I don't think any Big Block is a bad choice. They wear a bit larger than most other 40mm watches due to the thickness and have great wrist presence.

[rootbeer7]

obligatory shot!! Big Block on Nato (I prefer it on a strap) and much earlier Monte Carlo 7169 model

[dafuture]

The Big Block is a great watch. As mentioned above the Valjoux 7750 is easily serviceable, so that shouldn't be an issue. I'd say go with that, the Prince is a nice piece but nowhere near as cool.

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

I acquired a lovely 94300 from @enginerd. I had it serviced and runs great. Love mine


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

I think I remember that one...1984? I'm about ready to service my 79160. In fact, wore it to work today and instantly fell in love again. Prices really are starting to rise on these. I used to be able to pick them up in the high 2s/low-mid 3s, but no longer. I think I saw one listed at $9k the other day. Insanity!

[CPRWATCH]

Just Love the Tudor Chronos , to me they beat most Daytonas hands down & have the bonus of a date . Couple of Panda dials I picked up a few years ago

[Dan Pierce]

Love these Tudor chronographs. I've owned both Big Blocks and Princes. Lots of bezel, dial, and bracelet [strap] choices. And since they ain't making anymore these should do well in the future.
dP

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Love these Tudor chronographs. I've owned both Big Blocks and Princes. Lots of bezel, dial, and bracelet [strap] choices. And since they ain't making anymore these should do well in the future.
dP

Lovely examples & couldn't agree more

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Lovely examples & couldn't agree more

Thanks, mate!
dP

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by enginerd

I think I remember that one...1984? I'm about ready to service my 79160. In fact, wore it to work today and instantly fell in love again. Prices really are starting to rise on these. I used to be able to pick them up in the high 2s/low-mid 3s, but no longer. I think I saw one listed at $9k the other day. Insanity!

Prices in Europe seem much stronger than in the US. Wonder what that’s all about?!


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[clock]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Love these Tudor chronographs. I've owned both Big Blocks and Princes. Lots of bezel, dial, and bracelet [strap] choices. And since they ain't making anymore these should do well in the future.
dP

Beautiful piece!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by clock

Beautiful piece!

Thanks!
dP

[snowflake]

I have these and enjoy all much. They are all driven by Valjoux 7750 and can be timed within 5 sec a day if maintained properly. Tow of these were running like 10 to 15 sec a day and I managed to time within 2-3 sec a day.



>Repairing are parts an issue to either one?

The V7750 in 79180 is an older 17j version while those other 792X0 is driven by more modern 25j. Parts are easy to obtain for both. Rolex doesn't have the T dial/hands but, anyway there is no point with replacing T dial.

>Accuracy, is one move to better than another?

At lest my 79180 and 79260 are running within 2 to 3 sec a day and they are similar IMO.

>Anything I should know about either watch, pro or con.

79160/79180 (big block) models
Pro: collectible, plexi crystal, Rolex case/crown, flatter bezel resembling the vintage daytonas
Con: expensive, too bulky and thick for a homage of vintage daytonas, top heavy

79260 models
Pro: more collectible than 79280, narrower bezel resembling the vintage daytonas with black bezel, the case profile closer to that of the vintage daytonas
Con: some come with non-Rolex case/crown

79280 models
Pro: most economical, easy to find
Con: least collectible, too close to the modern daytonas and far from vintage daytonas (this maybe just me)


I bought these Tudors because (i) the vintage daytonas (6239, 6263 etc) are far away from my range and (ii) I am not good for modern Daytonas (too new for me). Hence, my initial pick was 79180. But, I realize that the case profile too thick for a vintage chronograph and so got a 79260 with a panda dial which to me really resembles 6263. My keeper is this 79260.

[TVal07]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

Prices in Europe seem much stronger than in the US. Wonder what that’s all about?!


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

Yes, the prices in Europe have exceeded those in the US - at least for the 791xx models. I’m not quite sure why, but I believe it was - and still is - a more popular watch in the EU with better condition examples for sale in those markets. In the US,they seem harder to find, especially in decent condition. As others have said, the Tudor Big Block is an on the rise vintage model because the Daytona has become so unattainable for most, and the Big Block is a logical option for those looking for a vintage chronograph with Rolex heritage.

After months of due diligence and contact with sellers in the US and EU, I landed a 1992 79180 T SWISS T with chamfered hour markers, black outline around the date window dial with box/papers for $4600 here in the US from Crown & Caliber. I’d rate the condition a 9/10. The watch was a one owner, bought from an authorized dealer. Almost identical in condition, EU prices were $5700-6800 USD.

[Hoangoneone7]

The 792xx is pretty similar to the 16520. Case for 792xx is a bit thicker


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[twitch54]

handsome looking..... all of them !

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by TVal07

Yes, the prices in Europe have exceeded those in the US - at least for the 791xx models. I’m not quite sure why, but I believe it was - and still is - a more popular watch in the EU with better condition examples for sale in those markets. In the US,they seem harder to find, especially in decent condition. As others have said, the Tudor Big Block is an on the rise vintage model because the Daytona has become so unattainable for most, and the Big Block is a logical option for those looking for a vintage chronograph with Rolex heritage.



After months of due diligence and contact with sellers in the US and EU, I landed a 1992 79180 T SWISS T with chamfered hour markers, black outline around the date window dial with box/papers for $4600 here in the US from Crown & Caliber. I’d rate the condition a 9/10. The watch was a one owner, bought from an authorized dealer. Almost identical in condition, EU prices were $5700-6800 USD.

Can we see your 79180?



Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[TVal07]

Absolutely:

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by TVal07

Absolutely:

Very nice


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