*Unpolished* 1977 Tudor Big Block Chronograph (Ref. 9430/0) Silver "Solo" 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.

"Solo Dial" is in reference to the dial text, or lack thereof. Underneath "Tudor", where you would normally find the text "OYSTERDATE" there is simply nothing. This dial characteristic, recognized as the first dial execution of the 9430/0 is extremely rare. Uncommonly seen, but known, Rolex "Solo Dial" chronographs are often only seen and sold at premier auctions. Being that there are only a few known Tudor 9430/0 Big Block "solo dials" that exist, makes this specific piece a highly coveted example within the collector community.