{"product_id":"tudor-big-block-chronograph-as01336","title":"Tudor 'Big Block' Chronograph","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe at analog\/shift are huge vintage Tudor fans, and often find ourselves preferring the Tudor version of a watch compared to the Rolex. It seems like everyone and their mother is wearing a vintage Rollie these days, making Tudor a great way to enjoy everything that made the brand the icon it is, while managing to stick out from the crowd.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference 79170 is no exception.  In fact, it could be said to have a leg up on it's Rolex equivalents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no mystery that the Rolex Daytona commands a great deal of respect these days, and despite the growing dialogue surrounding the popular models' value and future appreciation, it remains one of the most well-known and sought-after Rolex lines.  But while Rolex was still filling their watches with hand-cranked units, Tudor was rolling out chronographs driven by automatic Valjoux drivetrains, a fact that is often overlooked when the conversation veers toward collectible vintage chronos. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'Big Block', which was released in 1974 succeeding the much-loved Monte Carlo, marked an impressive leap for Tudor, largely due to the introduction of the Valjoux 7750 Automatic movement.  In addition to bringing the perk of self-winding technology to Tudor's popular line, the new drivetrain included an hour register and a quick-set date, features that made the watch more functional and more enjoyable to wear. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big Block collection had three main references; The Reference 79160, which featured a fixed tachymetre bezel, the Reference 79170 with a bi-directional hour bezel, and the 79180, which was fitted with a steel tachymetre bezel.  This particular watch is an early Reference 79170, hallmarked by three traits: applied trapezoidal indices (replaced in later editions with simple stick markers), a T SWISS T marking at 6:00 (again, replaced by T SWISS MADE T in later versions) and a contrasting frame around the date aperture which was later removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn excellent overall condition, this well-preserved example is our favorite expression of the Big Block as it offers a classic sporty look at a tremendous value.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tudor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11251918017,"sku":null,"price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Tudor_BigBlock_Chronograph_AS01336_2.jpg?v=1452897058","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/tudor-big-block-chronograph-as01336","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}