The Tudor 79273, officially designated as the "Prince Date Automatic Chrono Time ref. 79273," represents a compelling intersection of robustness, functionality, and aesthetic appeal within the Tudor lineage. This stainless steel and gold automatic chronograph wristwatch, complete with a date display, offers a unique blend of sportiness and sophistication, making it a sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This article will delve into the intricacies of the Tudor 79273, exploring its design, history, mechanics, and its place within the broader Tudor narrative, particularly in relation to the iconic Submariner.
A Brief Overview of the Tudor 79273
The Tudor 79273 is a bi-metal chronograph, meaning it combines stainless steel and gold elements in its construction. This gives the watch a more luxurious feel compared to its purely stainless steel counterparts. The "Prince Date" designation signifies the presence of a date complication, a practical feature for everyday wear. "Automatic Chrono Time" highlights the self-winding movement and chronograph functionality, essential aspects of this particular model. The reference number 79273 is crucial for identifying this specific configuration within the vast Tudor catalog.
Design and Aesthetics:
The Tudor 79273 showcases a balanced design that blends functionality with elegance. The case, typically around 40mm in diameter, is crafted from stainless steel, providing durability and a classic aesthetic. The gold elements, usually found on the bezel, crown, and pushers, add a touch of refinement and visual interest.
* Case: The stainless steel case is robust and well-proportioned. Its size strikes a good balance, being substantial enough to have a presence on the wrist but not overly large. The finishing is typically a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal.
* Bezel: The gold bezel is a defining feature of the 79273. It can be smooth or feature a tachymeter scale, which allows the wearer to calculate speed over a known distance. The gold bezel adds a touch of luxury and visual contrast against the stainless steel case.
* Dial: The dial of the Tudor 79273 is typically available in various colors, including black, silver, and champagne. It features three sub-dials for the chronograph functions (seconds, minutes, and hours) and a date window, usually located at the 3 o'clock position. The hour markers and hands are often gold-toned to match the bezel, enhancing the overall cohesiveness of the design. Luminous material is applied to the hands and markers for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions.
* Bracelet: The bracelet of the Tudor 79273 is typically a bi-metal combination of stainless steel and gold. The central links are often gold, while the outer links are stainless steel. The bracelet design complements the case and bezel, contributing to the overall luxurious feel of the watch. A folding clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
Movement:
At the heart of the Tudor 79273 lies an automatic chronograph movement. While Tudor used various movements throughout its history, the 79273 commonly features a modified ETA caliber. These movements are known for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of servicing.
* ETA Caliber: The specific ETA caliber used in the 79273 is typically a variant of the Valjoux 7750, a widely respected and robust chronograph movement. Tudor modifies these movements to meet its own quality standards and specifications.
* Automatic Winding: The automatic winding mechanism ensures that the watch is continuously wound by the motion of the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for manual winding unless the watch has been unworn for an extended period.
* Chronograph Function: The chronograph function allows the wearer to measure elapsed time with precision. The central seconds hand, along with the sub-dials, enables the tracking of time intervals.
* Date Complication: The date complication provides a practical and convenient function for everyday use. The date is displayed in a window on the dial and advances automatically at midnight.
History and Context:
The Tudor 79273 was produced during a period when Tudor was establishing itself as a brand separate from its parent company, Rolex, while still maintaining a close relationship. Tudor watches were designed to offer similar quality and functionality as Rolex watches but at a more accessible price point.tudor 79273
* Tudor's Relationship with Rolex: Tudor was originally conceived as a more affordable alternative to Rolex. Tudor watches often used Rolex cases and bracelets but were equipped with movements from other manufacturers, such as ETA. This allowed Tudor to offer high-quality watches at a lower price.
* The Prince Line: The "Prince" line of Tudor watches was known for its elegance and versatility. The Prince Date models, including the 79273, combined sporty features with dressier aesthetics, making them suitable for a variety of occasions.
* Chronograph Heritage: Tudor has a long history of producing chronographs. The 79273 builds on this heritage, offering a reliable and functional chronograph with a distinctive design.