Tudor Prince Date Chronograph 'Small Block' Ref. 79280 - With Papers - 1999

This Tudor Prince Date Chronograph Ref. 79280 is a superb example of the late 1990s Small Block chronograph, dating to 1999.

The 79280 is an important reference within the Tudor chronograph family. It followed the earlier Big Block models, offering a slimmer and more refined case profile while retaining the strong, practical chronograph layout that makes these watches so appealing. It has the charm of a neo-vintage Tudor, but with the wearability and robustness of a more modern sports chronograph.

The watch features a striking black dial with contrasting silver chronograph sub-dials, giving it the classic reverse panda look. The dial is clean, balanced and easy to read, with baton hour markers, a date window at 3 o’clock and the Tudor shield positioned proudly beneath 12. The “Automatic Chrono Time” text across the lower dial adds to the character of this era.

The 40mm stainless steel case is paired with a fixed steel tachymeter bezel, giving the watch a purposeful sports watch feel without becoming oversized. It wears with real presence but remains practical on the wrist, helped by the slimmer Small Block case design.

Inside is an automatic chronograph movement based on the Valjoux 7750, a well-regarded and reliable chronograph calibre. The watch is fitted to its original Tudor 78400 Oyster bracelet with 605 end links, completing the correct period look.

This example is made even more attractive by the presence of its original Tudor warranty papers, showing the watch was sold in 1999.

Key Features

Tudor Prince Date Chronograph Ref. 79280
Year 1999
Small Block case
Automatic chronograph movement based on the Valjoux 7750
40mm stainless steel case
Fixed steel tachymeter bezel
Original black dial
Contrasting silver chronograph sub-dials
Reverse panda dial configuration
Date window at 3 o’clock
Cyclops magnifier
Sapphire crystal
Original Tudor 78400 Oyster bracelet
605 end links
Original Tudor warranty papers

A Word on Condition

This Tudor Prince Date Chronograph presents extremely well and has the sharp, purposeful appearance that makes the Small Block chronographs so desirable.

The black dial is the standout feature, with crisp contrast from the silver sub-dials and a clean overall layout. The hands, hour markers and dial text remain very attractive, while the fixed steel tachymeter bezel gives the watch a strong sports chronograph identity.

The stainless steel case retains strong definition and the watch has a very clean overall look. The Tudor 78400 Oyster bracelet suits the watch perfectly and completes the correct late 1990s configuration.

Overall, this is a very strong example of a neo-vintage Tudor chronograph, with the right dial, correct bracelet and original papers.

Accessories / The Set

This watch is sold with its original Tudor warranty papers.

All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

Why Buy This Watch

The Tudor Prince Date Chronograph Ref. 79280 is one of the most attractive neo-vintage Tudor chronographs. It offers the visual appeal of a classic sports chronograph, the practicality of an automatic movement and the more wearable proportions of the Small Block case.

The black reverse panda dial gives this example real presence. It is sporty, balanced and instantly recognisable, without feeling too modern or too vintage. For many collectors, this is exactly where the appeal lies.

The original Tudor papers add another important layer, especially with neo-vintage watches where originality and accompanying documentation are becoming increasingly valued.

For someone looking for a wearable Tudor chronograph with strong Rolex-era character, a great dial configuration and proper 1990s charm, this Ref. 79280 is a very compelling choice.

Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12 month warranty as standard.