tudor 79270 chronograph | Tudor Prince Date Tiger 79270P

The Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 79270, often affectionately referred to as the "Big Block" Tudor, occupies a unique and compelling position in the world of vintage and modern-classic timepieces. Bridging the gap between Tudor's historical reliance on Rolex components and its burgeoning independence as a brand, the 79270 represents a sweet spot of robust reliability, distinctive aesthetics, and burgeoning collectibility. This article will delve deep into the world of the Tudor 79270, exploring its specifications, historical context, price trends, and variations, including the coveted Tudor Prince Date Tiger 79270P.

Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 79270: A Brief Overview

The Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 79270 was produced during the 1990s, a period of significant evolution for Tudor. Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, the 79270 maintained the robust construction and Rolex-derived components that characterized earlier Tudor chronographs, while introducing a more contemporary design language. Its most defining feature is the "Big Block" case, a moniker derived from its thicker profile compared to earlier models, accommodating the automatic Valjoux 7750 movement. This thicker case provided a more substantial wrist presence and a more modern aesthetic that resonated with collectors then and continues to do so today.

Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph 79270 Specs: A Deep Dive

Understanding the specifications of the Tudor 79270 is crucial for appreciating its design and functionality. Here's a detailed breakdown:

* Case:

* Material: Stainless Steel (316L)

* Diameter: 40mm (excluding crown)

* Thickness: Approximately 14.5mm (due to the automatic movement)

* Lug Width: 20mm

* Lug to Lug: Approximately 47mm

* Case Back: Stainless Steel, screw-down

* Crown: Screw-down, Rolex-signed

* Pushers: Screw-down, for water resistance

* Water Resistance: Officially rated to 100 meters (10 ATM), although this should be verified by a watchmaker for vintage models.

* Bezel: Stainless Steel, fixed. Available with different inserts:tudor 79270 chronograph

* Tachymeter Scale: For measuring speed over a known distance.

* Rotating Bezel with 12-hour or 60-minute markers: For tracking elapsed time.

* Movement:

* Caliber: Valjoux 7750

* Type: Automatic, self-winding chronograph

* Jewels: 17 jewels

* Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)

* Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

* Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph (center seconds, 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock), date at 3 o'clock with quickset function.

* Dial:

* Layout: Typically features a tri-compax chronograph layout.

* Colors: Available in various colors, including black, white, silver, and occasionally blue.

* Markers: Applied baton or luminous markers.

* Hands: Luminous baton hands.

* Date Window: Located at 3 o'clock, often with a cyclops magnifier on the crystal (though some models lack the cyclops).

* Crystal:

* Material: Acrylic (Plexiglass) or Sapphire (depending on the specific reference and year). Sapphire crystals are generally found on later production models.

* Bracelet/Strap:

* Bracelet: Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, often Rolex-signed.

* Straps: Leather straps are also commonly used, often aftermarket replacements.

Tudor Prince Date Tiger 79270P: A Sporting Collaboration

The Tudor Prince Date Tiger 79270P represents a special collaboration between Tudor and golfing legend Tiger Woods. These models, easily identifiable by the "Tiger" inscription on the dial, were produced during a period when Tiger Woods was at the peak of his career, further boosting their desirability among collectors.

Key characteristics of the Tudor Prince Date Tiger 79270P include:

* "Tiger" Script: The most distinguishing feature is the "Tiger" inscription on the dial, typically located above the 6 o'clock subdial. The font and style of the "Tiger" script can vary slightly depending on the specific model year.

* Dial Colors: Tiger models were available in a range of dial colors, including black, white, and silver, often with contrasting subdials.

* Red Accents: Some Tiger models feature subtle red accents on the dial, such as the chronograph hands or the subdial markers, adding a sporty touch.

* Rarity: The Tiger models are generally considered rarer than the standard 79270 models, contributing to their higher value.