Launched in the 1976, the Tudor Big Block was the third series of chronographs that the Swiss brand had introduced to their catalog. Surviving for two generations with the 9400 series and the 79100 series and produced from 1976 until its discontinuation in 1996, it was a large step away from the chronographs that preceded it. Evolving from Tudor’s second series of chronographs, the Big Block featured a host of innovations that modernized the watch. To begin, the Big Block featured a new movement the Valjoux cal. 7750. Not only did this change the dial design from the twin-register designs of the two previous chronograph series to a triple-register design to accommodate a new hours subdial, it also allowed for the introduction of a quick-set date feature at 3 o’clock too. However, it didn’t stop there, the Valjoux cal. 7750 also provided a rather practical benefit over the two previous chronograph generations, it is automatic rather than manual-wind like what came before it. However, to accommodate for the presence of the self-winding rotor and complicated date function, the watch case had to be made a little deeper, which resulted in the collectors’ term “Big Block”, which this third chronograph series is still affectionately known by. With several dial variants like silver panda and black reverse panda along with different bezel materials such as steel or black acrylic, like on the ref. 79160 that we have here, the Big Block Chrono-Time, as it was named by Tudor, has plenty of options to choose from.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case has been previously polished, as the original chamfered edge is no longer visible but the lugs remain thick and full. The black acrylic bezel has a cracked and damaged area visible around 9 o'clock, and dent on the edge between 5 and 6 o'clock. There are also minor signs of delamination on the surface. The dial is excellent, with only minor aging evident. Watch comes on an oyster bracelet with 12 links total, 2 of which are removable. There is an additional link included on the side. Bracelet currently fits a 7 1/2" wrist and shows minor stretch. Watch comes with original guarantee paper dated 1990.

Retaining vintage elements like its acrylic bezel insert and plexi-crystal, the ref. 79160 and its fellow third-generation chronograph references acted as transitional models in sorts as they combined these features with modern Valjoux movements and modern robust constructions.