Tudor OysterDate Chronograph "Small Block" 79270 automatic Full Set 1997

The basics

In the wake of ROLEX and born of the same father, Hans Wilsdorf, on March 6, 1946, the Tudor brand. It was created in order to be able to offer more affordable watches, but without any concessions to ROLEX quality standards. For a long time, Tudor watches were equipped with the same Oyster cases (with crowns and case backs signed ROLEX) and the same Oyster bracelets manufactured by the parent company.

The little story

For nearly fifty years, TUDOR has marked the history of the chronograph with models of strong identity, unique style and uncompromising quality. By celebrating feats, inspiring passion and relentlessly pursuing product improvement, TUDOR has established itself as an essential benchmark in the field of sports chronographs. This recognition has materialized through the development of four successive generations of iconic products.

In 1976, TUDOR unveiled its third generation of chronographs, with the 9400 series, affectionately nicknamed "Big Block" by watch enthusiasts. This new product family represented a minor revolution for the brand. Indeed, these new Prince Oysterdates are the first chronographs in TUDOR's history to be equipped with automatic movements, 12 years before its predecessor Rolex equipped its Daytona with a self-winding movement! TUDOR chronographs were then distinguished by their recognizable design, as the case thickened to make room for the rotor of the automatic movement, which earned it the nickname "Big Block" in collectors' circles. In 1989, the 9400 series was replaced by the 79100 series, although the changes introduced were minimal. Both series use a large number of Rolex components, such as the winding crown, chronograph pushers, bezel, case back, glasses and bracelets, the latter being replaced by Tudor shield clasps at the end of production of the 79100 series.

In 1995, with the introduction of the 79200 reference series, the appearance of the Prince Oysterdate automatic chronograph was revised in subtle but nonetheless important ways. The case, for a start, which through three generations of chronographs had essentially retained its famous imposing, honed presence, became slimmer and softer. Keeping its highly recognizable silhouette, it now offers the eye softer lines, made of curves and roundness. Notable changes also mark the design of this fourth generation: a new dial is introduced, a black anodized aluminum disc with decal replaces the traditional Plexiglas tachometric bezel disc, and a sapphire crystal with magnifier replaces the Plexiglas. Its movement remains the Valjoux 7750 automatic caliber, but also in a substantially improved version. Its finish is characteristic and benefits from a particular aesthetic effort. Entirely bush-hammered, its decoration is said to be "TUDOR special". The rotor is engraved and gilded, rather than decorated with an offset marking. The screws are now polished instead of matt. In 1996, Montres TUDOR S.A. celebrated its 50th anniversary. Having reached maturity, the brand is now known in all markets. As a result, direct references to Rolex are gradually disappearing from TUDOR watch cases, crowns and bracelets.

The model

The model we have the honor of presenting to you today is a fourth-generation TUDOR chronograph reference 79270! This model is surely the ultimate incarnation of the TUDOR Oysterdate chronograph in terms of performance and quality! Its movement is used in its most advanced version, and its sapphire crystal is particularly resistant. But this model is exceptional in more ways than one: it's a chronograph from the B series! This series ran from late 1997 to early 1998, and was still fitted with the ROLEX crown and caseback! Indeed, it's a true rarity, as the series before and after this one used parts with the TUDOR logo and not ROLEX!

This watch is in excellent condition! We particularly appreciate its "neo-vintage" design, which combines a 40 mm-diameter steel case that's thinner than the "Big Block" models that collectors like to nickname "Small Block", its bidirectional aluminum bezel and its "Panda" dial with tritium "lumes plots"!

You'll notice that its dial still features "Oysterdate", a signature that will disappear in 1997 for the inscription "Prince Date"! Its "Oyster" bracelet is also in excellent condition, with no trigger.

The package

This Tudor is in very nice condition! This watch was sold in 1997 and will be delivered to you Full Set, with its original case and warranty. This model has been authenticated and inspected by our Rolex watchmaker and has received some light avivage. As such, it benefits from our Lepage Vintage one-year warranty.