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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph Ref. 79180

Partially verified

This Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph, reference 79180, is an automatic-winding wristwatch dating to circa 1994. Known by collectors as a 'Big Block' for its substantial steel case, this example features a matte black dial with three contrasting silver subsidiary registers and fully intact Tritium plots. The watch is equipped with a fixed solid steel bezel with a tachymeter scale, and it includes screw-down pushers and a screw-down winding crown. It is presented on an Oyster bracelet fitted with a blade clasp. The dial displays the date at the 3 o'clock position under a cyclops lens. This model served as a successor to the Tudor Monte Carlo chronographs and introduced an automatic-winding movement to the line. The timepiece is offered as having a thick and symmetrical case.

Front view of the Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph showing the matte black dial, silver registers, and tachymeter bezel.
Front view of the Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph showing the matte black dial, silver registers, and tachymeter bezel. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Tudor
Reference
79180
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1994
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a stainless steel Oyster case, identified by the source as thick and symmetrical. It features a fixed steel bezel engraved with a tachymeter scale.

The matte black dial contains three silver-toned subsidiary registers featuring concentric finishing. The date is visible through an aperture at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by a cyclops lens integrated into the crystal. The luminous indices are identified as fully-intact Tritium plots, paired with a matching handset.

Evidence for this section
  • “thick and symmetrical Oyster case”
  • “matte black dial is immaculate — beautifully preserved with contrasting silver subsidiary registers with crisp 'concentric' finishing”
  • “fully-intact Tritium plots”

Movement and Functionality

This reference 79180 belongs to the 'Big Block' series, which represented a shift in the evolution of the Tudor chronograph line. The primary technical advancement noted in this series compared to the preceding Monte Carlo models is the transition to an automatic-winding movement.

The watch functions as a chronograph and features a date display. The screw-down configuration of the crown and pushers is a standard design choice within this product family, maintaining the functional intent of the Oyster case architecture.

Evidence for this section
  • “big difference between these and their predecessors is the introduction of the automatic-winding movement”
  • “features screw-down pushers and a screw-down crown”

Bracelet and Condition

The watch is accompanied by an Oyster-style bracelet. The auction description reports that this bracelet is correct for the model but describes it as slightly later than the watch head itself. The bracelet utilizes a blade clasp for securing the watch to the wrist.

The overall condition of the example is described as strong. The dial is reported as immaculate, and the luminous plots are noted as fully intact, reflecting the preservation of the piece as offered.

Evidence for this section
  • “correct albeit slightly later Oyster bracelet with a blade clasp”
  • “offered in strong overall condition”
  • “matte black dial is immaculate”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber installed in this Ref. 79180?
  • To which specific year range does the 'slightly later' bracelet belong?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph Ref. 79180
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference79180“Ref. 79180”
Datecirca 1994“dates to circa 1994”
Case typeOyster“thick and symmetrical Oyster case”
FeaturesScrew-down crown and pushers“features screw-down pushers and a screw-down crown”
DialMatte black with silver registers“matte black dial is immaculate — beautifully preserved with contrasting silver subsidiary registers”
Movement typeAutomatic-winding“introduction of the automatic-winding movement”
Luminous materialTritium“fully-intact Tritium plots”

Visible details

  • Fixed steel tachymeter bezel
  • Three-register dial with date aperture
  • Screw-down crown and pushers
  • Matte black dial finish

Research qualifications

  • The exact production date is approximate
  • The bracelet is identified as 'slightly later' than the watch head

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کرنوگراف Tudor Oysterdate مدل Big Block رفرنس 79180

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5ba6dcda08

Terms in this record

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

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