Tudor
1992 Tudor Big Block Chronograph (Ref. 79180) Silver Dial W/ Semi-Tropical Sub-Dials
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 # | TBBC79180-2 | |
| Brand | Tudor | |
| Style | Big Block Chronograph | |
| Model | 79180 | |
| Serial | B4XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver W/ Black "Tropical" Sub-Dials | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Tudor 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 589 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The large and well-preserved case features thick and even lugs that retain defined chamfers, while showing honest wear and light evidence of being previously polished. The fixed stainless steel “Units Per Hour” bezel is also in excellent condition, with almost no loss to the original black enamel, with minimal 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 original Tudor 78360 Oyster bracelet with correct 589 end pieces retains 13 links that show nominal stretch and will fit up to a 7.75-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original matte black dial with silver sub-dials is in virtually perfect vintage condition, showing no damage, and have acheived a subtle tropical brown patina in the sub-dials, which is noticeable in direct sunlight. The tritium lume plots are a bright ivory color and display no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.