Tudor Big Block vs Heritage Chrono

[uwphysmed]

Hey all,

Been lurking a while but am in need of some other, extremely-biased, opinions. I'm looking to pick up a Tudor chrono of some sort and have narrowed it down to either:

Pre-Tiger 79280

or

New Heritage Chrono

I've been looking for a couple months now for a 'project' quality big block as I'd like to see it restored myself, and am perpetually skeptical of the "99% new" ones available everyday on eBay. But after waiting this long and coming up dry, the idea of just walking into an AD and picking up a new THC is beginning to grow on me. So I ask you:

What Would RolexForum Do (WWRFD)?

[Dan Pierce]

I own both and find them different animals. First the pre-tiger 79280 is not a Big Block. The 79180, the prior series, was the last of the Big Blocks.

Here's a 79280:


Comparison shots of the 79280 and 79170:



A Big Block will always be in demand from collector's. It's the last of the plex crystal chronos and the largest Rolex Oyster case ever made till the DSSD.
Here's a 79170:

The THC is a feature packed watch that will be massed produced and not gain in value, imho. The 12 hour bezel, great lume, chrono functions, and solid bracelet construction, make it a perfect modern reference for daily wear.
THC w/ added cyclops:

dP

[slcbbrown]

Dan-- great response. I find your pictures make me want the non-big block. I remember someone posting a picture of the Heritage movement, and it looked pretty unattractive. As I remember, it looked like a tiny movement stuck in a huge case. Do you know if that was accurate? And, how does it compare to your 79280?

[Chris B]

Beautiful shots Dan

[uwphysmed]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I own both and find them different animals. First the pre-tiger 79280 is not a Big Block. The 79180, the prior series, was the last of the Big Blocks.
dP

You are, of course, quite correct - specifically I'm looking at a (non big block) 79280, and yours is a perfect example of why I find it so appealing.

Goregeous shots, much appreciated. Though the solution of just getting both isn't going to help me much...

[PhilM]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Dan-- great response. I find your pictures make me want the non-big block. I remember someone posting a picture of the Heritage movement, and it looked pretty unattractive. As I remember, it looked like a tiny movement stuck in a huge case. Do you know if that was accurate? And, how does it compare to your 79280?

Pretty sure its an ETA2894 movement that is then modified, so yes there is a bit of room as the movement is held in with a spacer - still one hell of a watch though

[uwphysmed]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Dan-- great response. I find your pictures make me want the non-big block. I remember someone posting a picture of the Heritage movement, and it looked pretty unattractive. As I remember, it looked like a tiny movement stuck in a huge case. Do you know if that was accurate? And, how does it compare to your 79280?

I think you're referring to this:

[Dan2000]

That thing is tiny alright!

[adam78]

Well, it's really the watch that is huge!

[Dan Pierce]

The THC movement is an ETA W/ an added chrono module. The problem with the early use of these in the past was they were not up to the task. However, the Tudor modified movements are over engineered w/ 55 jewels. These are the same movements found in other highend brands like AP.
Mine has run like a top and I have no worries. Very happy with my purchase.
dP

[dsio]

That small modification to the THC, adding a cyclops makes a huge difference, I totally think that should be how it came by default. Looks awesome!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Dan-- great response. I find your pictures make me want the non-big block. I remember someone posting a picture of the Heritage movement, and it looked pretty unattractive. As I remember, it looked like a tiny movement stuck in a huge case. Do you know if that was accurate? And, how does it compare to your 79280?

The 79280 [sold to help fund the THC] wears much more like a modern Daytona. The THC looks more like a Big Block but wears differently, more snug to the wrist, because of the flat case back and 22mm bracelet. The THC had the 12 hour rotating bezel which is much more useful for me.

Originally Posted by Chris B

Beautiful shots Dan

Thanks, mate!

Originally Posted by uwphysmed

You are, of course, quite correct - specifically I'm looking at a (non big block) 79280, and yours is a perfect example of why I find it so appealing.

Goregeous shots, much appreciated. Though the solution of just getting both isn't going to help me much...

My pleasure.

Originally Posted by adam78

Well, it's really the watch that is huge!

Yes, very commanding.

Originally Posted by dsio

That small modification to the THC, adding a cyclops makes a huge difference, I totally think that should be how it came by default. Looks awesome!

Thanks! A small detail that really does make a big difference.
dP

[mailman]

I don't have another Tudor to compare it to, but I love my THC

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by mailman

I don't have another Tudor to compare it to, but I love my THC

Yeah, your lucky you got that one, Paulie!
dP

[HL65]

Love that THC Paulie and Dan!!

[Dan Pierce]

Thanks, Ken!
dP

[lhanddds]

Great thread and great pics Dan, you should be receiving a commission from Tudor, no doubt.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Yeah, your lucky you got that one, Paulie!
dP

I sure am buddy I wore it Sunday, last night and tonight

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Love that THC Paulie and Dan!!

Thanks Ken

[king arthur]

Tudor Chrono all the way baby! I've had mine(79280P)for just a few weeks and I'm about 90% in my decision of getting another one...a 79260P...and pretty soon!

I've tried the THC on an AD and it looks impressive as well but if this will be your only watch, I'd suggest aTudor Chrono. The Heritage is nice to have on a rotation with other watches, IMHO.

Good luck!

Oh and by the way, listen to Dan, he's the tudor expert!

[uwphysmed]

Originally Posted by king arthur

I've tried the THC on an AD and it looks impressive as well but if this will be your only watch, I'd suggest aTudor Chrono. The Heritage is nice to have on a rotation with other watches, IMHO.

This won't be my only watch, but I'm starting to lean towards the 79280 myself having gone back and looked at how big the THC looks on my wee girly arms. Anyone have a shot of a 79280 sitting beside a Daytona for reference on size? Can't seem to find anyone with one in stock anywhere here in TO to eyeball...

[GlennW]

I prefer the Big Block, but here is a 79280 that I used to own next to my T/T Daytona.

Glenn

[Michael M.]

I'd go for the big block, looks kind of like a classic 6263!