Tudor Oyster Prince 34 with Sector Dial
Case: Three-body, polished and brushed, screw-down case back and crown, Bombay lugs.
Dial: silvered guilloche ridged outer insert with black center divided into 4 sectors, applied Arabic and baton numerals, center seconds
Movement: Cal. 390, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed.
Case No. 21xxxx
Ref: 7950
34mm diam. Thickness: 12mm
Circa 1956
More about Tudor:
In 1952, Tudor launched the Oyster Prince line, which shares the same waterproof Oyster case and original self-winding rotor mechanism as Rolex watches. It was, according to Hans Wildorf, “for its price, the most outstanding value I have ever seen.”
The Oyster Prince 34 featured a silver outer dial with guilloché ridges that was filled with a clear lacquer to achieve a glass-like appearance, which sharply contrasted with the black enameled paint sector center. Examples which featured the contrasting silver and black dial were nicknamed “Tuxedo” by collectors for resembling the characteristic colors of a tuxedo. This model is recognizable today for its appearance in the popular TV series Mad Men, worn by Roger Sterling (played by John Slattery) in the show’s fifth season.
With its striking dial, presence of the early “Tudor Rose” logo, and overall excellent original condition including crisp numbers on the case back, the present watch is a wonderful example of a classic 1950s wristwatch.