Has the price of Big Block Tudor Chronos Drop?

[Poohsan]

Has the price of Big Block Tudor Chronos Drop?

1 year ago a 79170 with B+P was pulling $4,500.00 USD

I just left London Watch in TST (Hong Kong) and the manager told me that he was selling them with for $22,000 HKD ($2820.00 USD) He offered to buy the one on my wrist for $20,000 HKD ($2666.00USD)

I thought he was Full of it.

So this got me wondering..... and I checked on line. I'm seeing some 791xx going for +/- $3,500 USD.

Is this a fluke?

- Arron

[Poohsan]

Bump....
Now that TRF is back online I thought I would see if anyone has info on this?

[psv]

Seems to me that they've settled back down to around $2,700 - $3,300. Sounds about right to me.

[bewithabob]

the dollar has come up in value vs the euro...that could be it...

[Dan Pierce]

I've seen a few on ebay and other watch "for sale" forums go in $4K range. Also found many of the newer references, 792X0's and 792X0P's with higher asking prices than just a few months ago. Whether they sell for the asking price is another question.
If you can find a Big Block for the $3K to $3.5K or less, I'd be all over it like a cheap suit [assuming it's in suitable condition, of course].
Any Tudor chrono from the Big Blocks to the 792X0P series will do well with future value, IMHO.
Never buy a watch as an investment. However, if you buy the watch you love and it holds or increases in value over time, that's a win/ win.
dP

[TurboWatch]

Originally Posted by Poohsan

Has the price of Big Block Tudor Chronos Drop?

1 year ago a 79170 with B+P was pulling $4,500.00 USD

I just left London Watch in TST (Hong Kong) and the manager told me that he was selling them with for $22,000 HKD ($2820.00 USD) He offered to buy the one on my wrist for $20,000 HKD ($2666.00USD)

I thought he was Full of it.

So this got me wondering..... and I checked on line. I'm seeing some 791xx going for +/- $3,500 USD.

Is this a fluke?

- Arron

for the prices of these to come down so I can get a few .

[jnmarshall]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I've seen a few on ebay and other watch "for sale" forums go in $4K range. Also found many of the newer references, 792X0's and 792X0P's with higher asking prices than just a few months ago. Whether they sell for the asking price is another question.
If you can find a Big Block for the $3K to $3.5K or less, I'd be all over it like a cheap suit [assuming it's in suitable condition, of course].
Any Tudor chrono from the Big Blocks to the 792X0P series will do well with future value, IMHO.
Never buy a watch as an investment. However, if you buy the watch you love and it holds or increases in value over time, that's a win/ win.
dP

There's one of fleabay for $3.2K right now. He listed it as a 79280 but the case and dial look like the 79180. They should probably remove the bracelet and confirm.
http://cgi.ebay.com/400125279038

[franksremote]

Originally Posted by jnmarshall

There's one of fleabay for $3.2K right now. He listed it as a 79280 but the case and dial look like the 79180. They should probably remove the bracelet and confirm.
http://cgi.ebay.com/400125279038

It's not a Big Block

[Poohsan]

I originally picked up my Tudor chrono because I think it is a fantastic watch. But after I got it I realized it was in too good of condition and I did not want to wear it. I wear all my other watches with no problems. So I was looking at flipping it to put the money towards another watch. But I think I should hold onto it now until prices go back up. Tough call.

-Arron

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by franksremote

It's not a Big Block

Frank is correct. In fact, there's another Tudor chrono on ebay labeled as "last of the Big Blocks" and it ain't either!

Originally Posted by Poohsan

I originally picked up my Tudor chrono because I think it is a fantastic watch. But after I got it I realized it was in too good of condition and I did not want to wear it. I wear all my other watches with no problems. So I was looking at flipping it to put the money towards another watch. But I think I should hold onto it now until prices go back up. Tough call.

-Arron

Aaron, I understand where you're coming from. My Big Block is in great shape too and it's tough to see any vintage watch with good value, and possible real good future value, get any wear and tear. I still wear and enjoy it when I'm working from home but would never take it on the road.
So I bought a newer, and slightly less valuable "Tiger" to fit that bill.
dP

[jnmarshall]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Frank is correct. In fact, there's another Tudor chrono on ebay labeled as "last of the Big Blocks" and it ain't either!


Aaron, I understand where you're coming from. My Big Block is in great shape too and it's tough to see any vintage watch with good value, and possible real good future value, get any wear and tear. I still wear and enjoy it when I'm working from home but would never take it on the road.
So I bought a newer, and slightly less valuable "Tiger" to fit that bill.
dP

What is required to be a big block? I thought the 791xx models and earlier were big blocks?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by jnmarshall

What is required to be a big block? I thought the 791xx models and earlier were big blocks?

Yes, the 791X0 are the Big Blocks. The ebay auction listed is a 79280 which has the rounded, more modern Daytona styled case.
dP

[psv]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Yes, the 791X0 are the Big Blocks. The ebay auction listed is a 79280 which has the rounded, more modern Daytona styled case.
dP

Great to know. Thanks!

[jnmarshall]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Yes, the 791X0 are the Big Blocks. The ebay auction listed is a 79280 which has the rounded, more modern Daytona styled case.
dP

That is what I thought. That is why I thought the one in the link I posted was a 791xx even though the seller says it's a 792xx. It also has the dial that says "Oysterdate"(791xx) and not "Princedate"(792xx). Guess that auction must be for a mixed and matched parts?

[franksremote]

Originally Posted by jnmarshall

That is what I thought. That is why I thought the one in the link I posted was a 791xx even though the seller says it's a 792xx. It also has the dial that says "Oysterdate"(791xx) and not "Princedate"(792xx). Guess that auction must be for a mixed and matched parts?

There are some of the pre-Tiger ones that have the Oysterdate dials even though they aren't Big Blocks, depending on the year of manufacture, they might still have a Rolex crown, but all of my post-BBs/Tigers have Tudor casebacks and not the signed Rolex ones. As the same movement is used, the dials are interchangeable and even though they're the same case thickness, the curved cases make the post-BBs/Tigers look thinner even though they aren't. The best is to confirm the case shape with the model numbers as that seems to separate the two properly. YMMV

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by franksremote

There are some of the pre-Tiger ones that have the Oysterdate dials even though they aren't Big Blocks, depending on the year of manufacture, they might still have a Rolex crown, but all of my post-BBs/Tigers have Tudor casebacks and not the signed Rolex ones. As the same movement is used, the dials are interchangeable and even though they're the same case thickness, the curved cases make the post-BBs/Tigers look thinner even though they aren't. The best is to confirm the case shape with the model numbers as that seems to separate the two properly. YMMV

True again, Frank.
However, not sure if the plex crystal and sapphire crystal dials are interchangeable or not. Might be though.
I have a 79280 with Oysterdate dial, Rolex crown and caseback.
dP

[franksremote]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

True again, Frank.
However, not sure if the plex crystal and sapphire crystal dials are interchangeable or not. Might be though.
I have a 79280 with Oysterdate dial, Rolex crown and caseback.
dP

I've been thinking about that as well, I'm most worried about scratching up the plexi on my BBs when I wear 'em; I'm kinda rough with my watches ;) If they're interchangeable as well, I may have one put onto my 79180 as it's become my favorite and gets more wrist time than any of the others and the saphire cyrstal would save me from the continuous polishing on the plexi :p

I too have an Oysterdate dial and Rolex crown on my 79280 but its got the Tudor caseback; maybe you got the last Rolex one :p

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by franksremote

I've been thinking about that as well, I'm most worried about scratching up the plexi on my BBs when I wear 'em; I'm kinda rough with my watches ;) If they're interchangeable as well, I may have one put onto my 79180 as it's become my favorite and gets more wrist time than any of the others and the saphire cyrstal would save me from the continuous polishing on the plexi :p

Well, actually I meant the dials not the crystals, Frank. So another good question. I'll ask my watchmaker tomorrow to see if he knows if they're interchangeable.
I love the rich luster of plex crystals but nothing beats sapphire for daily use.
dP

[jnmarshall]

Definitely ALL great information here. Especially on the dial and caseback. I personally like the plexi over the sapphire on mine. It's cheap($50) and easy to replace as needed:)

[franksremote]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Well, actually I meant the dials not the crystals, Frank. So another good question. I'll ask my watchmaker tomorrow to see if he knows if they're interchangeable.
I love the rich luster of plex crystals but nothing beats sapphire for daily use.
dP

Ahh gotcha, I thought you were having the same compulsion as I :p I know for a fact that the dials are interchangeable as they're tied to the movement and not the case per se. Logic would dictate that the crystals are interchangeable as well, but logic's not always present now is it? :p

BTW- the polish I got from Upper-Bound was extremely generous in volume at 1 ounce compared to other "scratch removers", easy to use (rub on and wipe off like car wax) and cheap ($6.75 w/ free shipping). There's enough for me to never have to buy another jug unless I spill it or use it on something other than watches. Not sure what everyone else is using, but I would definately recommend the product and the seller: they're on Ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=310162292974 . I guess I'll just quite my whining about a polish now and again and leave the plexi alone I'd still like to know if they're interchangeable though ;)

Back to the OPs question though, I'm noticing that post-BB examples are definately going up in price with not many being found for less than $2k complete or not and most BIN sellers asking for at least $2.5k. BBs seem to have stabilized a bit at $3.5 or so incomplete and $4k-$5k for complete examples. There do seem to be more 79180s than either of the other models.

TGIF folks

[Poohsan]

Well I might as well keep it.... For now. ;-)

I almost have a complete set minus the manual. Does anyone know which manual goes with this 79170? The sale date was 1992.

Thanks,
Arron

[Dan Pierce]

This one.
dP

[greekbum]

Most all common vintage is down 20-50% from the highs. In the last 6 months at least 15-20% in most common vintage models is what I have seen.

[Poohsan]

Now I just need to find the same one.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

This one.
dP

Thanks!

[jets]

I wouldn't pay more than 3500 for a big block.

[Poohsan]

Dan
Can you tell me the reference number on the back of the Tudor book?

Thanks,
Arron

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

This one.
dP

[Dan Pierce]

Aaron,
Here's what I found. Hope this helps.
dP

[Poohsan]

Great Thanks!