A stainless steel and eighteen carat yellow gold Tudor Oysterdate model. This automatic Tudor reference 7968 has all of the best features of classic Rolex and Tudor from this time, along with a few beautiful nuances particular to this model. The slabbed exterior edge to the case follows to the foot of the lugs, with a large chamfered edge to the top. This is contrasted by the turned lugs mirrored to the inside. The origins from this case come from the 1940's 5018 and 6593 Rolex Oyster case. Being from the patriarchal member of the family, this case is more well known, and obtained the moniker "bombé". This originates from the French word translating to"rounded" or "convex", again relating to these distinctive shaped lugs.
This case, although similar to that of its cousin, is in fact slightly different. The exterior and interior bevels do not run as long as on the Rolex case. However, there is no denying where this influence derived. Another beautiful element to the watch's overall look are the applied gold hour markers. The markers, aside from twelve, six and nine, are faceted coffin shapes. The aforementioned three are all a stunning multi-faceted lozenge shape. All of which really catch the light in a beautiful way.
The dial itself is a metallic, light silver with concentric circular light brushing. This also catches the light in a very pleasing way, really highlighting the beauty of the watch overall. The dial is correctly marked "Swiss" at the base of the dial. The small rose logo sits beautifully atop the iconic Tudor script logo which sits above the serif Prince Oysterdate name. The other font present on the dial is the "Rotor Self Winding" serif font. It is an appealing detail to the graphic design that the "Self - Winding" part is set on a circle to represent the movement and shape of the rotor.
The luminous material applied to the watch is still Radium at this point. The watch dates to 1960, and the introduction of Tritium into the Rolex group was not until around 1963. The luminous plots are all present and correct and are in excellent overall condition, as is the material in the Dauphine gold hands. All of which match and glow brightly ultraviolet light, and have turned a warm and satisfying café latte colour. What appears to be discolouration in one of the pictures is in fact a reflection from the camera equipment.
As is the case with Tudor watches, the case and crown are signed Rolex, and made by Rolex. In this instance the case is in superb, original and completely unpolished condition. This watch was a barn find and was very dirty when acquired, which added a protective layer to the metal, and explains its current condition. The original Tudor signed case back has the date code of "II. 60" also stamped into the back. This is consistent with the serial number engraved in between the lugs 314,XXX.
The original automatic caliber 2452 that Tudor modified from the ETA ébauche is in superb condition, with the handsome engraved "Tudor Auto Prince" logo rotor. The watch is keeping perfect time, and date changes without issue.
The watch is fantastic throughout. It will also be sold with what appears to be the original bill of sale from a Canadian jeweler from Calgary by the name of "Mackenzie's", that was established in 1928. It is signed 25th December 1962, and comes with two complimentary service vouchers; one for June '63, and then the annual service to be redeemed in November. It is likely that this watch was bought on Christmas Eve as a gift, which rounds off the charm of this beautiful and rare watch. Swiss made, circa second quarter of 1960.
