Why This Watch Matters

A 90s Daytona, Tudor style.

The Full Story

Tudor chronographs have always been more daring than their Rolex siblings, both in size and appearance. In particular, Tudor's three-register chronographs are often overlooked in its catalog despite being some of the brand's most innovative models. The "Small Block" was Tudor's fourth family of chronographs, first launched in 1995, just one year before the brand was "pulled" from the American market.

The Tudor Oysterdate chronograph ref. 79260 is often considered one of the last of the famed watchmaker's classic vintage-styles before the start of the modern era for the brand. With a downsized 40mm by 14mm "Big Block" case drawing its style from chronographs from Tudor in years prior, the look is more in line with the Daytona than previous generations, especially in the case dimensions.

Among the expansive 79200 generation, the ref. 79260 is really the one to have for us. Decoding that reference number, the watch we have here is the only Tudor chronograph of the group to feature a black aluminum bezel tachymeter scale whereas others had a stainless steel tachy or a rotating aluminum 12-hour bezel. Along with the brushed lugs (some 79200 Tudors have polished lugs), the particular watch has all the right small details to please a vintage-focused collector to go along with some 1990s watchmaking creature comforts.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- "Small block" Tudor chrono case
- "Daytona-esque" overall look
- Valjoux caliber 7750 inside

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case and bracelet

This Tudor is in overall excellent condition. The case and bracelet have some light scratches. The brushed finish is present on the lugs and they are strong. The aluminum bezel insert is nice with little to no wear.

The dial is in great condition with a light throughout patina and a strong metallic silver look. The hour markers have developed some patina. The lume plots on the dial are all intact. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and are close to matching in color.

The case and crown are signed by Rolex. The dial, movement, and bracelet are signed by Tudor. The bracelet has some stretch but is in overall good condition. The clasp is marked with "W5" corresponding to May of 1998. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.