Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1993 Reference No: 79170 Case No: B551’531 Model Name: Oysterdate Chronograph, “Big Block” Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 7750, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Tudor Oyster bracelet stamped "78400", endlinks stamped "508", max length 170 mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Tudor Oyster deployant clasp stamped "U11" Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1974, the “Big Block” marked an impressive milestone in the history of Tudor as the brand presented its first chronographs equipped with an automatic mechanical movement. The new model incorporates an hour register and a quick-set date — features which further enhance the collectability of the watch. The Big Block oeuvre has three major references, which can run the gamut of: The reference 79160, which featured a fixed tachymetre bezel, the reference 79170, such as the present example, with a bi-directional hour bezel, and the 79180, which was fitted with a steel tachymetre bezel.
The present watch is an excellent example of Tudor “Big Block” chronograph, further enhanced by its rarity and superb condition. This watch is believed to be a rare example of a model that only has a limited production run and is sure to make a great addition to any collection of fine timepieces.
Almost twenty years after Rolex was founded, Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the intention of making more affordable watches without compromising the quality for which Rolex was renowned. Tudor was named after the British Dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, and their symbol came from the "War of Roses." After interchanging Rose and Shield symbols for a number of years, the firm replaced the Rose with the Shield logo from the 1960s until today.
Some of the most recognized vintage models made by Tudor include the Submariner, a waterproof model first introduced in 1954, the Oysterdate, the earliest versions of which were nicknamed the "Monte-Carlo," the Heritage, which included the date at 6 o'clock, as well as the Pelagos, which translates to "deep sea" in Greek.