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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Tudor Oysterdate Automatic Chrono Time 'Big Block' wristwatch

Partially verified

A gentleman's 2002 stainless steel Tudor Oysterdate Automatic Chrono Time 'Big Block' panda dial wristwatch, reference 79280 on paperwork. The watch features a 40 mm stainless steel case, an engraved external tachymeter bezel calibrated to 500 units per hour, screw-down pushers, and a screw-down crown marked with the Rolex emblem. Its white dial includes baton numerals, a date aperture at 3 o'clock with a cyclops magnifier, and three black subsidiary dials. The source reports that the piece is mounted on a stainless steel Tudor bracelet and accompanied by its box, papers, and guarantee.

Front view of the Tudor Oysterdate chronograph showing dial, bezel, and bracelet
Front view of the Tudor Oysterdate chronograph showing dial, bezel, and bracelet — Gorringes. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
bid.gorringes.co.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Tudor
Reference
79280
Catalogue / lot identifier
140
Source-reported date
2002
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
B775923

Maker profile: Tudor — history, key models and current watchmaking.

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Description

This timepiece is identified as a 2002 Tudor Oysterdate Automatic Chrono Time, described as a 'Big Block' panda dial model. It features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40mm and is mounted on a stainless steel Tudor bracelet.

The white dial contains baton numerals and three black subsidiary dials. It includes a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position, with a magnifying cyclops lens over the date window. The case is equipped with a fixed external tachymeter bezel calibrated to 500 units per hour.

Evidence for this section
  • “A gentleman's 2002 stainless steel Tudor Oysterdate Automatic Chrono Time 'Big Block' panda dial wrist watch”
  • “the white dial with baton numerals and three black subsidiary dials”
  • “case diameter 40mm.”
  • “on a stainless steel Tudor bracelet”

Condition and Operation

The auctioneer reports that the watch is in relatively unused condition, noting surface scratches on the bracelet clasp. The hands, date, and chronograph functions are reported to be manually operational.

The winding crown unscrews and seals flush against the case, and the watch features screw-down chronograph pushers. The case back was not removed by the auctioneer; therefore, the movement was not observed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Relatively unused condition apart from some surface scratches to the bracelet clasp.”
  • “Watch running and the hands date and chronograph functions are all operational manually.”
  • “Winding crown unscrews and screws down flush with the case.”
  • “Have not been able to remove the case back to observe the movement.”

Documentation and Authentication

The watch is accompanied by its box, papers, and a guarantee on pale red and white paper. The model reference number recorded on the paperwork is 79280, and the serial number is B775923.

The winding crown bears a Rolex emblem. The crystal is identified as sapphire glass.

Evidence for this section
  • “with box and papers and guarantee”
  • “Model reference number on the paperwork is 79280.”
  • “serial no. B775923”
  • “Winding crown has Rolex crown only.”
  • “Crystal is sapphire glass.”
  • “The guarantee is on pale red and white paper.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber utilized in the Tudor reference 79280?
  • Do the serial number and reference number pairing correspond to the manufacturer's records for 2002 production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tudor Oysterdate Automatic Chrono Time 'Big Block' wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model Reference79280“Model reference number on the paperwork is 79280.”
Serial NumberB775923“serial no. B775923”
Case Diameter40mm“case diameter 40mm.”
Dial ConfigurationWhite dial with baton numerals and three black subsidiary dials“the white dial with baton numerals and three black subsidiary dials”
CrystalSapphire glass“Crystal is sapphire glass.”
CrownRolex crown only“Winding crown has Rolex crown only.”
Case BackUnopened“Have not been able to remove the case back to observe the movement.”
Crown MarkingsRolex“Winding crown has Rolex crown only.”
Crystal MaterialSapphire“Crystal is sapphire glass.”

Visible details

  • White dial with three contrasting black subsidiary dials and baton indices
  • External stainless steel tachymeter bezel calibrated to 500 units per hour
  • Magnifying cyclops lens positioned over the date window at 3 o'clock
  • Screw-down chronograph pushers and fluted crown protected by case guards

Research qualifications

  • Movement was not inspected as the auctioneer was unable to remove the case back
  • Paperwork reference is reported as 79280, though the title describes it as a 'Big Block'

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.