We have here a really interesting Tudor Oyster from the 1940s. The white dial has a good amount of age on it, giving no doubt to its originality, along with the aged lume in the Arabic numerals and dagger markers. Coupled with the outer minute tracking and blue steel, sword hour, minute and central seconds hands, the watch has a certain military style that we are head of heels with.
The stainless steel, screw back case measures 31mm. Whilst this was a typical size for a gent's watch in this period, the modern man might find it a little on the small side. The Oyster case has all the signature, signed, screw-down crown. Inside is the mechanical manual wind Tudor caliber 59SC, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a brown leather strap, but it looks great on anything!
Just after the Second World War, Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, knew that the time had come to expand and give the Tudor brand a true identity of its own. He created the “Montres TUDOR S.A.” company on the 6th March 1946, specializing in models for men and women. Rolex guaranteed the technical, aesthetic, and functional characteristics, along with the distribution and after-sales service.
In 1947 Tudor introduced the Oyster, their first waterproof watch, building on the success of the Rolex Oyster of the same period. In 1952, 26 Tudor Oyster Prince watches were included in the British scientific expedition to Greenland, organised by the Royal Navy and sponsored by The Queen. This showed the world how robust Tudor Oyster watches were.
Fully serviced by us in our on-site workshop and comes with our 12 months, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This watch is slightly smaller at 31mm and is the perfect size for a more petite frame, a lady or a young adult. About as good a vintage, preowned Tudor as you will find and a great option for anyone wanting to get into the vintage watch world or a seasoned collector. Tudors have such a visible connection to Rolex but still give off their own charm.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 3****
Reference : 4453
Movement : Manual Wind Tudor Cal 59SC (FHF 30-1), 17 Jewels Age :1940/1949 Specific Age :Circa 1940s Case Size : 31mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 39mm Lugs : 17mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof service cover
1940s Tudor Oyster Model 4453 All Orginal with Mixed Arabic Numerals in Stainless Steel 31mm
