A Very Beautiful and Rather Rare Tudor Oyster Royal (Model Ref: 7804) with a Stunning Ecru Dial and Military Style Arabic Numerals, c.1940s

The Tudor Oyster Royal 7804 watch is a fascinating chapter in horological history, reflecting the elegance and craftsmanship of the mid-20th century. Tudor, a subsidiary of Rolex, was established in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf to offer the precision and reliability associated with Rolex, but at a more accessible price point. The Oyster Royal 7804 emerged as a testament to this mission.

Launched in the 1940s, the 7804 featured a robust stainless steel case, adhering to the renowned Oyster case design which had set a new standard for water resistance in wristwatches.

The watch was powered by a hand-wound movement, showcasing Tudor’s commitment to precision. Its dial was understated yet sophisticated, often adorned with indices and slim hands, highlighting mid-century minimalist design principles. The Tudor Oyster Royal 7804 remained popular among discerning watch enthusiasts who appreciated quality and design without flamboyance. Today, the 7804 is coveted by collectors, symbolizing Tudor’s enduring legacy in the luxury watch market.

What’s on Offer

This is a beautiful vintage Tudor, very military in style and in wonderful condition given its age! The dial is an attractive ecru colour lending some nice warmth and the Arabic numerals are still crisp and boast some of their original lume. The slim sward hands also have their original luminous inserts and there is a blued steel central seconds hand. The dial is completed by the Tudor rose signature and encapsulated underneath a shatterproof Plexiglas crystal which is encased in robust stainless steel. The case and lugs have remained in nice shape and the crown is signed with the Oyster Patent. This is a beautiful piece and although it was not an issued watch, it will almost certainly pique the interest of military and vintage enthusiasts alike. Very wearable to this day and perfectly appropriate for all occasions, we have paired the watch with a military style strap but you could always choose something a little more formal – a leather strap in tan would look fabulous!