Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1978 Reference No: 9420/0, inside caseback stamped 9421 Case No: 880’178 Model Name: Big Block Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 7750, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “589”, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “B” Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Further accompanied by original caseback sticker, Tudor outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
In the early 1970’s, Tudor released their first chronograph wristwatch, the Oysterdate powered by a manual Valjoux cal. 7734. Having already established a status with the successful launch of the “Monte Carlo”, the firm launched the ref. 9240/0 as being the first self-winding chronograph wristwatch by Tudor in 1976. Dubbed by collectors as the “Big Block”, the case is rather thick providing a nice hefty presence on the wrist.
The present example “Big Block” preserved in attractive overall condition with a refreshing grey dial with blue and orange accents is without a doubt a desirable tool watch. It is further accompanied by the original presentation box as well as the original caseback sticker.
Almost twenty years after Rolex was founded, Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the intention of making more affordable watches without compromising the quality for which Rolex was renowned. Tudor was named after the British Dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, and their symbol came from the "War of Roses." After interchanging Rose and Shield symbols for a number of years, the firm replaced the Rose with the Shield logo from the 1960s until today.
Some of the most recognized vintage models made by Tudor include the Submariner, a waterproof model first introduced in 1954, the Oysterdate, the earliest versions of which were nicknamed the "Monte-Carlo," the Heritage, which included the date at 6 o'clock, as well as the Pelagos, which translates to "deep sea" in Greek.