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 that was launched in 1976 and the 79100 series that debuted in 1989 and produced until the Big Block’s 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, black acrylic tachymeter, or the black acrylic fixed ‘Units Per Hour’ bezel like on the ref. 94200 from the 1970s 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 excellent ovearll condition. Case shows light signs of surface wear, with some sheen that has developed on the brushed lugs. Minor scratches and marks are also visible. The original dial is in excellent condition. Subdials show some minor but even coloration, and the luminous dots remain fully intact. The original black bezel shows minor delamination, visible most prominently along the lower right quarter. Bracelet has 12 links total, 2 of which are removable. It fits an approx 7 1/2" wrist and shows minor stretch.

Retaining vintage elements like its acrylic bezel insert and hollow center links, the ref. 94200 and its fellow third-generation chronograph references acted as transitional models in sorts as they combined these features with modern Valjoux movements and robust dimensions.