Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph Ref. 79180 - 'Big Block'

Rolex is a serious brand. Its younger sibling, Tudor, is a fun brand.

Tudor long has been riffing on iconic designs from Brand with the Crown, beginning with the Monte Carlo chronographs of the 1970s and eventually evolving into Oysterdate Chronograph line that we see here. 

Known to collectors 'Big Blocks' for their substantial cases, these pieces showed up around the late 1970s as the replacement to the beloved Monte Carlo chronographs from the first half of the decade. Along with the change of name and the obvious dial layout, the big difference between these and their predecessors is the introduction of the automatic-winding movement — a features that its cousin, the Rolex Daytona, wouldn't have until the late 1980s. 

The example that we have here is a Ref. 79180 dates to circa 1994 and is offered in strong overall condition, with a thick and symmetrical Oyster case, a correct albeit slightly later Oyster bracelet with a blade clasp, and a solid steel bezel. Inside, the matte black dial is immaculate — beautifully preserved with contrasting silver subsidiary registers with crisp 'concentric' finishing, fully-intact Tritium plots, and a matching handset. Of course, as with all Rolex family products with "Oyster" in the name, it features screw-down pushers and a screw-down crown.

'Big Blocks' offer exceptional value, especially considering that in many ways, they offer pure vintage sport Rolex looks for a fraction of the price. For that reason alone they simply must be on the radar of someone looking for exceptional vintage sport watches.