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Sunster · 26 March 2012, 12:33 AM

Anyone care to explain why the big block 79170 is so special? Looks like your everyday chrono but there's obviously great history with it

Dan Pierce · 26 March 2012, 12:49 AM

Many collectors think of the Big Block as the last of the vintage Tudor chronographs because it was the last reference w/ plex crystal, Rolex crown, case back, and Oysterdate dial as well as the old style, flat walled cases, like those found on the Sub and SD. A few very early examples of the next reference released, the 792XX, can also be found w/ Rolex attributes but also the more modern Daytona style case.
The pics below show the difference in profile between the two [Big Block, top in both pics].
dP

Sunster · 26 March 2012, 12:56 AM

So all big blocks come with plexi crystal and not sapphire.
Are they rare? Are they valued because they still have rolex components as compared to the newer chronos with just tudor markings

Dan Pierce · 26 March 2012, 01:13 AM

Yes, all Big Blocks have plex crystals.
Rare? In relative terms but not impossible to find.
They are highly valued because all the reasons given above.
dP

TheChimp · 26 March 2012, 01:24 AM

Great explanation!
Thanks Dan!
Ken

skprd13 · 9 May 2013, 05:11 PM

Great pics Dan!

drainaps · 9 May 2013, 05:30 PM

And why are the 94,2xx models more desirable / expensive than the 79,1xx models? :-)

stiusa · 17 May 2013, 03:30 AM

The 94,2xx are the earlier 1980s models of the Big Block, and most likely less of them around compared to the 79,1xx. I really like my 94,200 Panda dial because of the Rolex bracelet with the Rolex clasp, and the Rolex case back. It's like having a classic Rolex Daytona incognito. It's getting more wrist time than my Zenith Daytona.

dkchan88 · 20 May 2013, 10:20 AM

I just saw at a shop a 79180 "white porcelain dial" alongside a 79170 silver dial Big Block, both from 1993. The owner said the white dial is more rare and it has a similar look as the R-series porcelain Zenith Daytonas. Is it true that this white dial is more collectible (vs. the silver dial) and commands a premium (in this case 15% over the silver one)?

lhanddds · 21 May 2013, 10:32 AM

I would hope so but I don't think current prices back that up. Name: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369096322.452166.jpg
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nycturbovr6 · 21 May 2013, 12:25 PM

Very informative

aharcar · 21 May 2013, 02:00 PM

I love this watch and I hope to get one in the future.

Great ing=fo by the way!

26 March 2012, 12:33 AM	#1
Sunster "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 169	Tudor Big Block tutorial please Anyone care to explain why the big block 79170 is so special? Looks like your everyday chrono but there's obviously great history with it

26 March 2012, 12:49 AM	#2
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,217	Many collectors think of the Big Block as the last of the vintage Tudor chronographs because it was the last reference w/ plex crystal, Rolex crown, case back, and Oysterdate dial as well as the old style, flat walled cases, like those found on the Sub and SD. A few very early examples of the next reference released, the 792XX, can also be found w/ Rolex attributes but also the more modern Daytona style case. The pics below show the difference in profile between the two [Big Block, top in both pics]. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

26 March 2012, 01:13 AM	#4
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,217	Yes, all Big Blocks have plex crystals. Rare? In relative terms but not impossible to find. They are highly valued because all the reasons given above. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

26 March 2012, 01:24 AM	#5
TheChimp "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Ken Location: PA Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 207	Great explanation! Thanks Dan! Ken __________________ Sea-Dweller 16760 Fat Lady G-SAR 9411/0

21 May 2013, 10:32 AM	#10
lhanddds Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Watch: of course Posts: 8,429	I would hope so but I don't think current prices back that up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

26 March 2012, 12:56 AM	#3
Sunster "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 169	So all big blocks come with plexi crystal and not sapphire. Are they rare? Are they valued because they still have rolex components as compared to the newer chronos with just tudor markings

9 May 2013, 05:11 PM	#6
skprd13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Tom Location: Kauai Watch: 1675-1680-16750 Posts: 3,346	Great pics Dan!

9 May 2013, 05:30 PM	#7
drainaps "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Shanghai Watch: Too many to tell Posts: 522	And why are the 94,2xx models more desirable / expensive than the 79,1xx models? :-)

17 May 2013, 03:30 AM	#8
stiusa "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Bill Location: California Watch: 16520, 16610LV Posts: 55	The 94,2xx are the earlier 1980s models of the Big Block, and most likely less of them around compared to the 79,1xx. I really like my 94,200 Panda dial because of the Rolex bracelet with the Rolex clasp, and the Rolex case back. It's like having a classic Rolex Daytona incognito. It's getting more wrist time than my Zenith Daytona.

20 May 2013, 10:20 AM	#9
dkchan88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Dennis Location: Hong Kong Watch: GMT II 16710,16750 Posts: 25	I just saw at a shop a 79180 "white porcelain dial" alongside a 79170 silver dial Big Block, both from 1993. The owner said the white dial is more rare and it has a similar look as the R-series porcelain Zenith Daytonas. Is it true that this white dial is more collectible (vs. the silver dial) and commands a premium (in this case 15% over the silver one)?

21 May 2013, 12:25 PM	#11
Nycturbovr6 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York Posts: 7,630	Very informative

21 May 2013, 02:00 PM	#12
aharcar "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: canada Posts: 14	I love this watch and I hope to get one in the future. Great ing=fo by the way!

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