Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 'Small Block' Panda Dial, c. 1996 — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Analog/Shift · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Analog/Shift · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 'Small Block' Panda Dial, c. 1996

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Tudor (maker)
Date: c. 1996
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Case 40 mm
Dealer: Analog/Shift (dealer), New York
Stock no.: 40990546
Credit line: Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40990546)
Catalogue title (original): Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 'Small Block' Panda Dial (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40990546), this is a wristwatch by Tudor, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1996. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 40 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

When it comes to classifying a 'Neo-Vintage' wristwatch, we look for the following criteria: - Classic case proportions - Mechanical Movement - Tritium Luminous Material - Acrylic Crystal - Timeless Design The Tudor 'Small Block' checks all of those boxes with a full size 40mm Oyster Case design, a 'bombproof' Valjoux 7750 automatic-winding chronograph movement, magnified sapphire crystal, a glossy white triple register 'panda' dial with black subsidiary registers and Tritium luminous elements. This particular example, a Reference 79270, dates to circa 1996 and represents one of the last iterations of model with its more curved, rather than slab-sided case profiles. It also features a magnified sapphire crystal and a bi-directional 12-hr bezel. It remains in absolutely fantastic condition throughout and even comes with its complete kit! Gaining popularity in recent years in part due to the success of Tudor's Heritage Chronograph line, the Small Block is not only their predecessor, but also preceded its big brother - the Rolex Daytona - in having an automatic winding chronograph mechanism. How can you go wrong?

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Chronograph — Complication
Self-winding (automatic) mechanism — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Analog/Shift — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 'Small Block' Panda Dial, c. 1996." Analog/Shift (dealer), New York, 40990546. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/tudor-oysterdate-chronograph-small-block-panda-dial-57afbb.