Tag Archives: Tudor by Rolex

tomvox1’s Watches for Sale – 1990s Tudor ref. 79170 “Big Block” Inverse Panda Automatic Chronograph

Contact me here to make this cool Tudor Big Block yours today!

On offer is this super cool circa mid-1990s Tudor ref. 79170 Oysterdate Chrono Time chronograph with gorgeous Near Mint glossy black Inverse Panda dial, massive “Big Block” Oyster case and rotating dual-time bezel. This classic plexi-crystal Tudor chrono, one of the last before the introduction of the sapphire crystal models, is powered by a Tudor-modified Valjoux caliber 7750, and the ref. 79170 with rotating bezel is the most uncommon version of this era. The high gloss dial is very attractive and, having owned both a matte dial version previously and now this one, the wow factor is frankly far superior on these, with not only the attractiveness of the shimmering black gloss dial but also the very nicely delineated engined-turned high gloss white sub-registers. 

In my opinion, these non-exotic, acrylic crystal Tudor Big Blocks are still some of the best values in the vintage watch world. With their screw down Rolex crown & pushers and tank-like Oyster case, they have all the build quality of a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona at a fraction of the price and make a great daily driver if you’ve got the wrist for it. While this example shows previous polish and some wear, this Tudor Chrono Time is still in Excellent overall original vintage condition, featuring an absolutely Near Mint gloss black Inverse Panda dial with all the original tritium lume plots intact.

The key difference with this model and the others in the Chrono Time line of the era is the chunky, Sea-Dweller-like rotating steel bezel. It features a black anodized aluminum dual-time  insert that has aged to a lovely charcoal-blue color and, with this “1-to-12” bezel calibration, more uncommon than the usual fixed Tachymeter versions, one can tell secondary time similar to a GMT-Master, but in 12-hour increments and in relation to the hour hand. Obviously, it can also be used for elapsed time in 5-minute units.

All in all, a great looking Inverse Panda dial and a highly legible chronograph layout on this classic Tudor Big Block that makes a great everyday watch and a true vintage statement on the wrist!

Contact me here to make this cool Tudor Big Block yours today!

tomvox1’s Watches for Sale — April selection, Pt. II

Making good on my promise that there will be a passel of special watches appearing in the coming  weeks here is another vintage beauty as we get ready to exit April — a stunning Jumbo Tudor Prince Oysterdate from the early 1970s.

With the same 38mm case as Rolex’s iconic 1019 Milgauss this model 9018/4 Oysterdate wears like a delightfully beefed up Datejust. Its silver dial is just as classic and the oversized white gold bezel gives it the same sort of elegant punch, albeit with a bit of a sportier feel due to the overall increased size of the watch

Powered by a robust ETA 2784 movement with quickest date this classic Tudor deserves props in its own right and not just as a junior member of Team Rolex. With the same build quality and design aesthetics — only supersized! — this is definitely another instance where the Shield gives the Coronet a run for its money. Strap it on for yourself and you’ll see just what I mean.

Check out the complete ad with many more pictures and complete condition report over at the newly revamped but still awesome Vintage Rolex Forum’s Market section.  SOLD