Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1980s Reference No: 94210, caseback stamped 9420 Case No: 109’252 Model Name: Big Block Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 7750, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78360, endlinks stamped 589, max. length 190 mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 78360 Dimensions: 40 mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
In 1970, Tudor released its first chronograph - the Oysterdate - with a manual Valjoux movement 7734. The third series, reference 94210, was introduced in 1976 and was the brand’s first automatic chronograph wristwatch. The 94210 model is dubbed by watch collectors as "Big Block" due to the shape of the case. The present watch features a black dial and bezel, posing a distinctive color contrast with the orange chronograph hand and indexes. Adding an element of intrigue, this model features screw-down pushers similar to the Rolex 6263 and 6265 Daytona models.
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.