THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: TUDOR
MODEL: 79170
YEAR: 1994
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 79100 series was introduced in 1989 as the successor to the 94000 series. By that time, Tudor had already been producing automatic chronographs for twelve years, and the new line was all about refinement — much like a Porsche 911, with small, thoughtful updates over time to perfect the design.

The 79100 models retained the same case, movement, and bracelet as their predecessors. Updates were subtle: the rotor design changed slightly, and the dial saw minor tweaks. Early examples featured trapezoidal hour markers, whereas later ones, like this example, moved to baton markers.

Like Rolex did with the four-digit Daytonas, Tudor used one digit in the reference number to indicate the bezel variation within the 79100 line-up: the 79160 features a fixed acrylic tachymeter bezel, the 79170, like the present example, features a rotating bezel, and the 79180 a steel bezel.

This example, made at roughly the same time as Tommy, has survived in much better condition. The case has only been lightly polished before and remains extremely strong. The original full-link 78360 bracelet with R-stamped clasp has minimal stretch. The dial is flawless, with all of the lume plots on both the dial and hands intact and aged to a lovely creamy hue. The 12-hour rotating bezel is near perfect too.

The movement was freshly serviced by us and is running excellently at +3 s/d, with 300° amplitude and a 0.2 ms beat error.

This is a standout example of a handsome neo-vintage Tudor chronograph: an amazing watch.