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Tudor Prince Chronograph Reverse Panda - Box and Tag (Ref. 79280), 2000 — view 1 of 6
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Tudor Prince Chronograph Reverse Panda - Box and Tag (Ref. 79280), 2000

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Tudor (maker)
Date
2000
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 40 mm
Stock no.
Product 8653372391607
Credit line
Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8653372391607)
Catalogue title (original)
2000 Tudor Prince Chronograph Reverse Panda - Box and Tag (Ref. 79280) (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8653372391607), this is a wristwatch by Tudor, made in Switzerland, dated 2000. 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 — Huntington Company

History and Significance The Tudor Prince Date Chronograph has become one of the defining modern Tudor collectibles. Introduced during the 1990s, these chronographs combined Rolex Oyster construction with a reliable automatic chronograph movement, creating one of the best values in vintage sports watches. Reference 79280 is particularly well known for its association with Tiger Woods, whose sponsorship with Tudor earned these watches the collector nickname "Tiger Chronograph." While several dial configurations were produced, the reverse panda remains one of the most desirable. The black dial contrasted against bright silver registers delivers outstanding legibility while giving the watch a distinctly motorsport-inspired aesthetic. The fixed tachymeter bezel further reinforces its sporting purpose. Unlike many examples that have seen heavy polishing over the years, sharp case geometry dramatically changes the appearance of these references, allowing the muscular Oyster case to retain its original character. As Tudor's popularity has grown, the Tiger Chronograph has steadily moved from overlooked bargain to highly respected collector's piece. Well-preserved examples complete with accessories continue to become more difficult to source. Writer’s Thoughts The reverse panda dial gives this chronograph an unmistakable presence. Strong proportions, sharp Oyster case architecture, and a purposeful dial layout make the 79280 one of Tudor's most balanced modern designs. Few watches offer this combination of everyday wearability and collector appeal while remaining distinctly Tudor. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Tudor Model: Prince Date Chronograph "Tiger" (Ref. 79280) Year: 2000 Case Material: Stainless steel Case Size: 40mm Dial: Black reverse panda Movement: Automatic Strap/Bracelet: Tudor Oyster bracelet Buckle/Clasp: Tudor folding clasp Contents: Original box, booklets, and hangtag Condition Case: Unpolished with very sharp lugs and honest signs of wear. Dial: Perfect condition. Hands: Excellent condition. Crystal: Clean overall. Strap/Bracelet: Tight bracelet with minimal stretch. Buckle/Clasp: Functions properly with normal signs of wear.

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 timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: 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.

Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph

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