Manufactured in the 1940s, this Tudor Oyster "EXETER" Ref. 4453 in stainless steel features a rare original black dial.
Powered by the Fontainemelon-based Cal. 65 manual-winding movement, this exceptional timepiece showcases the distinctive character of early Tudor watches through its first-generation Oyster case with a mid-size crown and its black dial bearing the shield-and-rose Tudor emblem.
Although measuring a modest 31 mm in diameter, the robust Oyster case gives the watch a substantial presence on the wrist. The beautifully aged luminous material has developed a rich patina over the decades, complementing the black dial and lending the watch a striking military-inspired aesthetic that is one of its greatest charms.
The name "EXETER" printed on the dial refers to the ancient city of Exeter in Devon, southwest England. Like the brand name "TUDOR" itself, it reflects the company's practice of using names that evoke Britain's rich history and heritage.