1994 Tudor Oysterdate ‘Big Block’ Chronograph Ref. 79180 with ‘Panda’ dial

$7,700.00

Introduced in the late 1970s and produced through the mid-1990s, the Tudor “Big Block” chronographs—including reference 79170—marked a major turning point in the brand’s tool-watch lineage. They were the first self-winding chronographs ever offered by either Tudor or Rolex, predating Rolex’s automatic Daytona by nearly a decade. To accommodate the Valjoux 7750 inside, Tudor engineered a dramatically thicker mid-case—hence the collector nickname “Big Block.” The result was a bold, muscular chronograph that blended Rolex case philosophy with Tudor’s more experimental dial aesthetics. Among the series, the 79170 stands apart for its rotating tachymeter bezel and its now-iconic reverse panda dial, a configuration that has become one of the most collectible executions of the reference.

The example offered here, from 1994, sits in a league of its own — a survivor preserved with extraordinary care. The panda dial is flawless, its surface crisp, its subregisters clean and perfectly defined, with tritium plots still full and evenly aged to a very light patina. The case is great, boasting thick lugs, sharp bevels, and light visible wear only. It is fitted on its original Tudor 78360 solid-links bracelet with 589 end links and clasp code R11, exhibiting minimal wear and effectively no stretch, a near-miracle for a mid-90s sports bracelet.

A collectors’-grade Big Block with presence, and superb preservation— a time capsule from the final chapter of Tudor’s most charismatic chronograph era.

Brand: Tudor

Model: Chronograph ‘Big Block’

Reference: 79180

Serial: B574xxx

Year: 1994

Case material: All stainless steel

Case dimensions: 40mm excluding crown

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph

Caliber: Valjoux cal. 7750 Manual Wind

Bracelet: Tudor Oyster 78360 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 589 end links and clasp code R11

Crystal: Acrylic

Accessories: None