Tudor Big Blocks v vintage Rolex Daytonas

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pomelowatches

·Oct 14, 2019

Hey guys,

Hope you're good. I always loved the look of the vintage Rolex Daytonas, but knew I'll never be able to afford one - so a while ago I went with the Tudor Big Block 79160! I love this watch. A lot of people hate on the thickness, but for me, the size is perfect.



I've written a short article about the Tudor Big Blocks, which draws out some of the comparisons between them and the vintage Rolex Daytonas here if anyone is keen to read more. Or just wants to have a look at more gratuitous watch shots of my 79160!

Enjoy!
Daniel

 

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jaguar11

·Oct 14, 2019

I like these and use to have one. I moved it on because I simply had a preference for my Speedy and tended to wear my 16800 a lot. I do however sometimes think I sold have held on to it......Wear yours is good health!!!

 

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deki1908

·Oct 14, 2019

I missed a chance on a Big Block, same reference as yours 3-4 years ago.
I regret not buying it, I think they are very cool!

Enjoy wearing it!!

 

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khanmu

·Oct 14, 2019

I have the 79180, it’s like yours but with a stainless steel bezel. I was lucky enough to pick up a flail set on eBay for £3k a few years ago. It’s a great watch and good value.

I had planned on keeping it until I had enough funds to p/x it for a Rolex Zenith Daytona 16520, but I’ve grown attached to it. So I might now keep it even if I get the Daytona..

 

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blufinz52

·Oct 14, 2019·Hears dead people, not watch rotors.

@pomelowatches...I'm curious about your take on a comparison with the 79100 series vs. the later 79200 series. I have been looking for a nice 79280, as it is significantly less expensive than a Big Block, but the only ones I've come across have the red TIGER on the dial. I'm a huge fan of Tiger Woods, but don't want his name on the dial. I've never handled either model, and they appear very similar in photos. Do you think I should pony up for a Big Block, or hold out for a 79280 sans TIGER dial?

 

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pomelowatches

·Oct 14, 2019

blufinz52

@pomelowatches...I'm curious about your take on a comparison with the 79100 series vs. the later 79200 series. I have been looking for a nice 79280, as it is significantly less expensive than a Big Block, but the only ones I've come across have the red TIGER on the dial. I'm a huge fan of Tiger Woods, but don't want his name on the dial. I've never handled either model, and they appear very similar in photos. Do you think I should pony up for a Big Block, or hold out for a 79280 sans TIGER dial?

Interesting question. I asked myself the same when I was looking into the 79100 range originally. I went with the 79100s because I loved the look of these. They felt inspired by the look and feel of those original vintage Daytonas - see the side by side picture I posted in the article of my 79160 as compared to the Rolex Daytona 6240. I also liked the 79100 range over the 79200 because the cases on the 79100s are sharper and more defined, compared the 79200s softer and more curved edges - but you may like this! I also quite like the fact that the 79100s still have that Rolex connection (which you can find printed on the caseback and crowns), whereas this started to disappear on the 79200s after 1996 or so. Personally, I also prefer the dials without the red TIGER lettering on them. It really depends on what your preference is from a design point of view here. Do you like a softer edged case?

 

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pomelowatches

·Oct 14, 2019

khanmu

I have the 79180, it’s like yours but with a stainless steel bezel. I was lucky enough to pick up a flail set on eBay for £3k a few years ago. It’s a great watch and good value.

I had planned on keeping it until I had enough funds to p/x it for a Rolex Zenith Daytona 16520, but I’ve grown attached to it. So I might now keep it even if I get the Daytona..

Compared to modern Dayonta's, the Big Blocks are something else! Definitely a separate chapter and story with these which makes them special in their own right I think.

 

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IanES

·Oct 14, 2019

Sorry - really not a very good picture. Must get a better picture.

 

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blufinz52

·Oct 14, 2019·Hears dead people, not watch rotors.

pomelowatches

Interesting question. I asked myself the same when I was looking into the 79100 range originally. I went with the 79100s because I loved the look of these. They felt inspired by the look and feel of those original vintage Daytonas - see the side by side picture I posted in the article of my 79160 as compared to the Rolex Daytona 6240. I also liked the 79100 range over the 79200 because the cases on the 79100s are sharper and more defined, compared the 79200s softer and more curved edges - but you may like this! I also quite like the fact that the 79100s still have that Rolex connection (which you can find printed on the caseback and crowns), whereas this started to disappear on the 79200s after 1996 or so. Personally, I also prefer the dials without the red TIGER lettering on them. It really depends on what your preference is from a design point of view here. Do you like a softer edged case?

Thanks for the reply. I have to say that I do prefer the softer edged case of the 792XX, but certainly think the case on the 791XX look great.

I enjoyed your article on the comparison between the Big Block and vintage Daytona. 👍

 

P

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penninn

·Oct 14, 2019

I do agree with the size, Ive had the great feeling of owning one some time ago and always missed it.

 

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pomelowatches

·Oct 14, 2019

Be interested if anyone has any of the other models (and accompanying photos of them!)? Like the 79170 (with a black 12-hour bi-directional bezel) or 79180 (with a steel bezel)?

 

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Sherbie

·Oct 14, 2019

Love my 79160 from 1993

they do wear large - but not quite Omega Mark 4.5 large or the square cased 176.005 large, but you do notice it on the wrist

 

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pomelowatches

·Oct 15, 2019

Ah, that one is lovely. The same version as mine in fact! I originally was looking for a trapezoidal style hour markers, but I now love this version.

 

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khanmu

·Oct 15, 2019

pomelowatches

Compared to modern Dayonta's, the Big Blocks are something else! Definitely a separate chapter and story with these which makes them special in their own right I think.

Here’s mine - I do love it. I also had a beautiful 79280 full set which I sold last year for £4K, and now regret selling. The 79280 was a sleeker better fit, but these Big blocks have more wrist presence...

 

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chows99

·Oct 28, 2019

Tudor Big Block are incredible value against Daytona.

Both are classic in their own right!

 

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FREDMAYCOIN

·Oct 28, 2019

Here is my big block:

 

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Canuck

·Oct 29, 2019

Was mine. Now someone else’s.