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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Tudor Oyster Air-Lion Reference 7958

Partially verified

This Tudor Oyster Air-Lion, reference 7958, is a stainless steel manual wind wristwatch manufactured circa 1960 in Switzerland. It is powered by a caliber 1272 movement, which contains 17 jewels. The watch has a 32mm case diameter and includes signatures on the dial, case, and movement. The auction documentation indicates that the watch remains in well-preserved condition, with outer caseback markings described as clean and crisp, suggesting minimal polishing over time. The watch is presented on a strap and represents a specific iteration of the Oyster Air-Lion model family. The dial exhibits minor oxidation consistent with age, and the stainless steel case shows slight scratching.

Tudor Oyster Air-Lion Reference 7958 with black honeycomb gilt dial.
Tudor Oyster Air-Lion Reference 7958 with black honeycomb gilt dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Tudor
Reference
7958
Catalogue / lot identifier
663
Source-reported date
circa 1960
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
291882

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The timepiece is housed in a 32mm stainless steel case. The dial features a prominent honeycomb texture finished in black gilt, with applied luminous Arabic numerals at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 o'clock positions. The dial is also marked with the Oyster Air-Lion branding and a shock-resisting designation.

The auction description reports that the case remains in good condition with slight scratching. The outer caseback retains markings that are described as clean and crisp, which the documentation correlates to limited previous polishing.

Evidence for this section
  • “stainless steel, manual wind wristwatch with black gilt honeycomb dial”
  • “all markings on the outer caseback clean and crisp indicating little polish”

Movement and Technical Specifications

Inside the case, the watch is equipped with the manual wind caliber 1272 movement. This caliber is constructed with 17 jewels to aid in the reduction of friction. The movement is signed by the manufacturer, consistent with the signatures found on the dial and exterior case.

The dial features a sub-seconds register situated at the 6 o'clock position. The overall movement grading is provided as a 2 by the auction house, reflecting its current condition assessment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 1272, 17 jewels”
  • “Signature dial, case and movement”
  • “Movement: 2”

Condition and Provenance

The watch is listed as having been sourced from a Japanese collector. It has been evaluated by the auction house, which assigned a grading of AA to the overall object. The dial specifically is noted for showing slight oxidation.

The condition reporting system utilized for this lot assigns a 2-6-01 grade to the dial and a 2-8 grade to the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Property of a Japanese collector”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA”
  • “Dial: 2-6-01 Very good Slightly oxidized”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production range for the Tudor Oyster Air-Lion reference 7958?
  • Does the caliber 1272 utilize a proprietary shock protection system distinct from standard offerings of the period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tudor Oyster Air-Lion Reference 7958
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTudor“TUDOR, SWITZERLAND”
Reference7958“REF. 7958”
Case Number291882“Case No. 291882”
Caliber1272“Caliber 1272, 17 jewels”
Yearcirca 1960“Year circa 1960”
ProvenanceJapanese collection“Property of a Japanese collector”

Visible details

  • Black gilt dial with a raised, textured honeycomb pattern
  • Sub-seconds register located at the 6 o'clock position
  • Luminous applied arrow and Arabic hour markers
  • Stainless steel case with crown

Research qualifications

  • Specific maintenance history is not documented
  • The origin of the strap is not specified in the source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

TUDOR, SWITZERLAND, REF. 7958, OYSTER AIR-LION, GILT BLACK HONEYCOMB DIAL, STAINLESS STEEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3c4c848278

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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