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Tudor Prince Date "Small block" Chronograph Black Dial ref. 79260, 2002 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Tudor Prince Date "Small block" Chronograph Black Dial ref. 79260, 2002

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Tudor (maker)
Date
2002
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 40 mm
Stock no.
w-3434
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (w-3434)
Catalogue title (original)
Tudor Prince Date "Small block" Chronograph Black Dial ref. 79260 (English)

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

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number w-3434), this is a wristwatch by Tudor, made in Switzerland, dated 2002. 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 — Bulang & Sons

In 1995, Tudor introduced the Prince Chronograph, marking a significant shift in the design of its chronograph line. Prior models, including the well-known Big Block series, were characterized by their chunky cases, flat sides, and bold wrist presence. With the launch of the Prince Chronograph, Tudor moved in a new direction — the case was completely reworked with softer contours and a more refined silhouette, closely echoing the design language of the Rolex Daytona. This updated look was complemented by the addition of a sapphire crystal, which gave the watch a sleeker profile and a more modern feel on the wrist. This Ref. 79260 features a lovely case, an unmolested black "Units per Hour" fixed tachymeter bezel, and a stunning gloss black dial with three silver gloss sub-dials. The “Jubilee”-style five-row link bracelet is a Ref. 62490, with solid end links and a clasp marked “AB4.” This cool Small Block has been fully checked by our watchmaker, and its Tudor-modified Valjoux 7750 automatic movement has been regulated. Often considered something of a ‘sleeping giant’, these fourth-series chronographs are finally gaining traction as collectors begin to appreciate their modern aesthetics and exceptional build quality. Get in touch! Specifications: Tudor Chronograph Prince Date reference 79260 “Small block “black dial 40mm steel case Serial h35xxxx dating to 2002 Black tachymeter bezel Black gloss dial with applied hours and silver sub dials Steel Tudor “jubilee “ style bracelet ref 62490 with solid end links Fully checked by our watchmaker

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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