Tudor Oysterdate Big Block 79170

Tudor Chrono-Time Chronograph 79170 Big Block Silver Dial

Launched in the 1976, the Tudor Big Block was the third series of chronographs that the Swiss brand had introduced to their catalog. Surviving for two generations with the 9400 series that was launched in 1976 and the 79100 series that debuted in 1989 and produced until the Big Block’s discontinuation in 1996, it was a large step away from the chronographs that preceded it. Evolving from Tudor’s second series of chronographs, the Big Block featured a host of innovations that modernized the watch. To begin, the Big Block featured a new movement the Valjoux cal. 7750. Not only did this change the dial design from the twin-register designs of the two previous chronograph series to a triple-register design to accommodate a new hours subdial, it also allowed for the introduction of a quick-set date feature at 3 o’clock too. However, it didn’t stop there, the Valjoux cal. 7750 also provided a rather practical benefit over the two previous chronograph generations, it is automatic rather than manual-wind like what came before it. However, to accommodate for the presence of the self-winding rotor and complicated date function, the watch case had to be made a little deeper, which resulted in the collectors’ term “Big Block”, which this third chronograph series is still affectionately known by. With several dial variants like silver panda and black reverse panda along with different bezel materials such as steel, black acrylic tachymeter, or the black acrylic graduated 12-hour bi-directional bezel like on the ref. 79170 that we have here, the Big Block Chrono-Time, as it was named by Tudor, has plenty of options to choose from. Brand : Tudor Dimensions : 40mm x 14.5mm Model : Chrono-Time "Big Block Movement : Automatic Valjoux cal. 7750 Reference : 79170 Bracelet : Stainless steel bracelet Year : Circa 1990s Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Silver THE DIAL Featuring a silver panda dial with three black subdials and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, the Big Block was immediately recognizable when compared to the chronographs it replaced, as they only had two subdials and a date aperture at 6 o'clock. THE CONSTRUCTION Built to accommodate its Valjoux cal. 7750 movement with an automatic winding rotor and quick-set date, the ref. 79170 earned its Big Block nickname on account of its robust 14.5mm tall case that gives it an imposing profile on the wrist. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.