Tudor Big Block Chronograph (Ref. 79170) Silver Dial, 1991

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Tudor "Big Block" chronographs were introduced in 1976 and replaced the 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. The black sub-dials create an awesome contrast with the silver sunburst dial that makes for the eye-catching design collectors love. Stock # TBBC79170 Brand Tudor Style Big Block Chronograph Model 79170 Serial B3XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver W/ Black Sub-Dials Millimeters 40 Bracelet Tudor 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 589 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The excellent case appears to have been gently polished once in the past and it retains super thick and even lugs that still retain a subtle chamfer. The original rotating bezel is in perfect condition, showing no signs of use or fading to the black color. The case retains its original screw-down pushers and Rolex-signed trip-lock crown. The case back retains all of its factory markings in crisp and legible condition. The original Tudor 78360 Oyster bracelet with 589 end pieces retains 13 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The silver sunburst dial with glossy black sub-dials is in excellent overall condition, the dial does show some light spots and marks from age on the dial and sub-dials, however, they are nominal and not visible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots all remain partially present the degradation is present throughout. All of the hands remain original to the watch and the hour and minute hands retain original tritium lume, under U.V. light inspection the minute hand displays subtle cracking and remains stable while the hour hand remains fully intact. ACCESSORIES