1980 Tudor Big Block Chronograph (Ref. 94300) Black Dial

The Tudor "Big Block" chronographs were introduced in 1976 and replaced the Monte Carlo series of chronographs that were originally released in 1970. Both the Tudor Monte Carlo, along with Rolex's Daytona, were manual wind chronographs, whereas the "Big Blocks" were outfitted with an automatic movement. This was a big advancement for Tudor, as it wasn't until 1988 that Rolex offered an automatic version of the famous chronograph via the Zenith-based Rolex movements. Also, unlike the Rolex Daytona, Tudor chronographs, including the Monte Carlo, featured date complications. The "Big Block" nickname comes as a result of the mid-case size, which is thicker and heavier than the big brother Rolex Daytona references, which accommodated the automatic chronograph caliber Valjoux 7750, which also features a quickset date.

SPECS

Stock #		TBBC94300-4
Brand		Tudor
Style		Big Block Chronograph
Model		94300
Serial		94XXXX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black W/ Silver Sub-Dials
Millimeters		40
Bracelet		Tudor 9315 Folded-Link Oyster Bracelet W/ 589 End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The large and well-preserved case retains full and even lugs that show light evidence of being previously polished, with minimal signs of use present. The fixed stainless steel “Units Per Hour” bezel is also in excellent condition, showing minor loss to the original black enamel with no notable wear present. The case retains its original Rolex trip-lock crown and screw-down pushers. The case back retains all of its factory markings in crisp condition. The Tudor 9315 Oyster bracelet with correct 589 end pieces was sourced with the watch and is era-correct. The bracelet retains 12 links that show minor stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black dial with silver sub-dials is in excellent vintage condition, showing no damage, with the only element of age being a very subtle greying of the sub-dials. The tritium lume plots have taken on a deep golden patina, with degradation present in a few of the plots when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection.