Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1992 Reference No: 79180, inside caseback stamped 79160 Case No: B446’602 Model Name: Oysterdate, “Big Block” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 7750, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Tudor Oyster bracelet stamped 78360, endlinks stamped “589”, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Tudor Oyster deployant clasp stamped “P6” Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Further accompanied by blank punched Tudor guarantee, hang tag and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Nicknamed the “Big Block”, the Tudor ref. 79100’s were initially introduced in 1989. The present example ref. 79180 belongs to the 2nd generation of these hefty chronograph wristwatches with date manufactured by Tudor. When flipped to the caseback, one can immediately notice the Rolex inscription, as well as a Rolex Triplock crown which is correct as Rolex were the manufacturers for the case.
Presented in excellent overall condition and accompanied by the original guarantee and box, the present example boasts a nicely preserved case with thick lugs and nice bevels. A perfect alternative of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.
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.