Overview
The "Big Block" was produced in many different variations throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s and marked the Rolex family's first automatic chronograph and Tudor's first three-register chronograph. The "Big Block" nickname was given to the watch because of the thicker case required to house the automatic chronograph movement. Meanwhile, the new three-register design shared a striking resemblance to the Rolex Daytona, usually coming in either a silver panda or matte black reverse-panda dial.
Specifications
Brand:
Tudor
Model:
'Big Block'
Reference:
79180
Year:
1993
Case Number:
B538575
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
40 mm
Lug Width:
20 mm
Thickness:
14.5 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
47.8 mm
Dial:
Silver
Lume:
Tritium
Crystal:
Acrylic
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
Valjoux 7750
Bracelet/Strap:
Tudor 78360 stainless steel bracelet with 589 end links and R2 clasp code
Max Wrist Size:
7.25in (12 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
UNWORN: Case is pristine with no signs of use. Original stickers may still be present. Dial, hands, and lume have no imperfections and may show natural, even aging.
MINT: Case has only a few superficial hairlines. Lugs are thick, full, and sharp with superb finishing. Dial, hands, and lume may have micro imperfections visible only with a loupe.
EXCELLENT: Case has very light scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick, full, and well-defined. Dial and hands may have imperfections visible upon close inspection. Lume is fully intact and may show slight discoloration.
VERY GOOD: Case may have a few moderate scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick and full but may have softened edges. Dial and hands may have light stains or marks. Lume may have cracks or discoloration.
GOOD: Case has many scratches and nicks. Lugs may show signs of moderate polishing with worn edges. Dial and hands may have noticeable stains or marks. Lume may be damaged or show significant discoloration.
Case: The case is strong and thick and shows minimal signs of wear with a few hairlines here and there, most of which are on the polish-finished bezel.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The silver dial is clean and the crystal is in excellent condition. The lume dot at the 7 o'clock position is slightly larger and lighter than the rest. The UV response of that dot is also a little stronger, but fades away like normal tritium after a 30-60 seconds. The steel of the hands shows some discoloration from aging that is visible when hit by the light at certain angles.
Bracelet/Strap: The bracelet is in excellent condition with little to no stretch and a few small hairlines throughout. The clasp code is R2, which dates the bracelet to 1993 (and matches the date of the watch case).
Movement
Functions: All functions including the crown-winding, time-setting, date-setting, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
