A fabulous Gruen 10 carat gold filled automatic watch dating to the early 1950's and in very nice original unrestored condition.  I have bought several knotted lug watches over many years but I have never before come across one with an automatic movement. So this is a rare model. The case presents very well on the wrist as does the dial.  The automatic movement is running strongly and keeping time.  Also just fitted with a new genuine lizard calf strap, this watch is ready for immediate use. The watch is quadruple signed on the case, dial, movement and crown.

Gruen was an American watchmaker established in the 19th century by a Swiss immigrant.  The company had a reputation for manufacturing watches of the highest quality and at one stage nearly merged with Rolex. This watch looks gorgeous, a  rare model which always attracts considerable interest when I manage to find one.  Please note that although this watch was originally manufactured for a gentleman at a time when ladies watches were tiny, contemporary gents watches are now produced in much larger sizes, often as large as pocket watches. Therefore this watch will also be of interest to a lady seeking a mid-size watch which oozes with retro appeal and elegance.

Please scroll right down to see more photographs and details and if you have any questions please send me a message. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case: 10 carat gold filled, presenting very well indeed on the wrist. The elegant and ornate lugs are a real feature of this watch. They are fashioned into a knot design and look stunning when the watch is worn. The outside of the rear cover is hallmarked as 10K gold filled and the inside is signed "Gruen".  The case measures approximately 29 mm across, excluding the signed crown and 36 mm from lug to lug. It shows the expected signs of use over the years with no obvious signs of brassing. All that I could see to draw to your attention is some tiny pit marks on the back of the case, most probably caused by placing the watch on hard surfaces.   

Dial: factory original, finished in satin silver with a decorative hour ring.   It is signed "Gruen Precision Auto Wind".  White gold coloured pyramid dots mark the hours other than three of the quarter hours which bear white gem stones housed in white gold coloured casings. The hands are in good shape and the crystal is clean and clear.  The dial is showing patina but I felt the condition is too good to spoil its originality by having the dial restored.

Movement:  Gruen cal.480 automatic movement with 17 jewels, running strongly and keeping time.  This movement was first introduced in 1951.

Strap: fitted with a new old stock "IW" genuine lizard calf strap, which fitted to the watch measures approximately 210 mm from buckle tip to last hole. 

This fabulous watch is some 70 years old,  in great original condition and highly collectible. This timepiece will make a very good investment but it is also a stunning watch for wear.  Do not miss the opportunity to buy this watch as these models do not come up for sale very often.

 

 

 

 

 

Gruen Watch Co. History

The Gruen Watch Company is a famous American watchmaker, founded in 1894 in Cincinnati. It constructed the Timehill Building, featured in much of its early advertising. The company later opened a factory in Biel Switzerland. The Gruen philosophy was to adhere to the spirit of the old guilds. Gruen made beautiful ladies and gent’s watches with very high quality movements, often using the same as those used by Rolex in the early part of the 20th century. In fact Gruen and Wilsdorf and Davis (the Rolex founders) were well known to each other. The company was successful for many years but got into difficulties in the 1950's. Along with a number of other watch companies. Gruen was broken up and sold off in pieces in 1958. The Time hill Building is now owned by Rolex. The Gruen name is still used today on quartz watches with Japanese and Swiss movements.

Terms of Sale

 

I pack my watches very well to avoid damage but very occasionally a problem may occur due to rough treatment in transit or the use of scanning equipment by Customs or the postal services which can magnetise the watch mechanism.  I warrant that the watch you purchase will, when you receive it, be as described in the listing.  If there is a problem when you receive your purchase I provide a no quibble full refund option. Alternatively I will undertake any repairs that are necessary if the watch is damaged or if in any other way differs significantly from the description.  If I have not stated that the watch has been serviced, you may wish to have this work done, particularly if you intend to wear the watch on a daily basis.  On request, I can provide you with details of independent watchmakers to whom you can send your watch for servicing.  

 

I provide comprehensive details of my watches, including very clear photographs taken with a high resolution macro lens which shows detail not visible to the naked eye.  I also invite you to ask questions if there is anything else you need to know.  Please take care to consider the dimensions of the watch case as if it is a gentlemans’ Art Deco rectangular vintage watch, they were made significantly smaller than contemporary watches. 

 

You are buying a used watch so there will be signs of use.  Please do not expect quartz accuracy from a vintage watch.  In the 1940’s/1950’s the accepted timekeeping tolerance for a new 17 jewel manual watch was within three minutes a day.  All of my watches are professionally inspected and tested before sale and if they are not running smoothly and keeping reasonable time I have them serviced and/ or have any other work undertaken that is needed to ensure the watch is in running condition.  However please bear in mind that a fault can develop unexpectedly at any time as with any used item so I am unable to provide any on-going warranty. Please also note that I provide no guarantee that my watches are waterproof. I would always strongly recommend keeping any vintage well away from moisture.