TUDOR Chronograph Reference 79280 Unpolished

Let’s talk about that sweet spot in TUDOR’s chronograph history between the Big Block and the Prince Date (+/-Tiger) - from 1995 to 1997 there was this - the Oysterdate “Small Block”. It retained all of the Rolex markings - case and crown - packaged in a smaller, Daytona-sized stainless case. The dial at 3 o’clock still read “Oysterdate” just like the Big Block. We have seen several examples of 1995 Big Blocks and of 1997 Prince Dates. So we know there was a very short run of this model - the best of both chronographs sandwiched in a brief window.

The tachometer bezel is clearer, more modern than that of the Big Block. And the hour markers are no longer trapezoidal in shape. So it takes specific transitional design cues from the chronos that bookend it. To me, it’s the most like a Daytona that TUDOR ever made. I don’t know how many were made in this form, but I know that 1996 is the most consistent year I see on their birth certificates. This example has a B631xxx serial so we believe it is a 1995 watch.

The watch is super mint with very little signs of wear. The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch has outstanding provenance.

SOLD ( ITEM SBUXYT2214)

SOLD