Tudor
1990 Tudor Chronograph Big Block (Ref. 79160) Silver Dial
The Tudor "Big Block" chronographs were introduced in 1976 and replaced the aforementioned Montecarlo series of chronographs that were originally released in 1970. Both the Tudor Montecarlo, 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 Montecarlo 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.
The silver dial chronographs, whether it be the Big Block or Daytona, have always been a fan favorite among collectors, especially when paired with a black acrylic bezel. The black sub-dials and black bezel create an awesome contrast with the silver sunburst dial that makes for the eye-catching design collectors love.
| Stock # | TBBC7916090 | |
| Brand | Tudor | |
| Style | Big Block Chronograph | |
| Model | 79160 | |
| Serial | B34XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Silver, Black Sub-Dials | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Tudor 78360 Oyster W/ 589 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case has been light polished and retains very full, even lugs with light signs of use. The acrylic bezel insert is in superb condition with almost no signs of use. The screw-down pushers and Rolex signed trip-lock crown remain original to the watch. The case back retains all of its original factory engravings. The original Tudor 78360 Oyster bracelet with 589 end pieces is in wonderful condition and retains 12 links with almost no stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The silver sunburst dial with black sub-dials is in stunning original condition, the dial and sub-dials show no imperfections themselves. The tritium lume plots have taken on a nice ivory patina, under U.V. light inspection the 9 o'clock lume plot remains intact but shows some light degradation, the rest of the lume plots remain full and round without degradation. The original hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. Watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.