For sale we have a 1940s Gruen Curvex Precision reference 370-696. It has a less common black and silver dial, with a 10k white gold-filled case. It has the classic curving associated with the curvex name. The top of the case and the crystal are facetted, creating a unique design. Inside it has the curved, calibre 370 movement, which has been recently serviced. The watch comes within its original Curvex box.
The case measures 22mm x 26mm. It is a petite gents watch, with the focus placed on the stylistic design. It has a decent lug-to-lug presence, with a measurement of 35.5mm. This lug length is created via the curving nature of the watch. The watch creates intrigue on the wrist, with its facetted design to the top of the case, which is mirrored by the facetted crystal. In the name of design, it is somewhat harder to tell the time, with the hands or numerals distorting dependent on the angle. Despite this, it is such a unique and pleasing case design which is a joy to wear.
The black dial has silver signing and applied arabic and arrow alternating hour markers. The hour hand is empire state building-esque with its tri-tapered design.
To the rear, the case is brushed, with the Gruen signing and 10k Gold filled marking. Inside it is signed with the reference 370-696. The case was manufactured for Gruen, by Star Watch Case Co.
Inside is the manual wind Gruen cal 370. It is a manual wind movement, with a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. The Curvex is famous for its curved movement, which allows the case shape, a real genius piece of design.
The movement has been recently serviced by ourselves and is keeping time to within +30 seconds deviation a day.
The watch is sat within its original Bakelite box, which is in very good condition and complements it as intended.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in worn condition. It has scratches, marks and losses of paint associated with age.
Hands:
The hands are original. They have corrosion associated with ageing. They have some bending.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original and is in good condition with no obvious marking.
Crown:
The crown is a well-matched replacement. It is not signed Gruen.
Case:
The case is white gold filled. It is in good condition for the age, with no wear to the gold plate. It has only light surface scratching associated with age.
Caseback:
The case back is gold filled and is in decent condition, with clear engravings and light surface scratching. It has some dints and nicks as expected with age. It has a brushed finish.
Strap:
The watch comes on a new genuine leather strap.
Movement:
The movement is a Gruen cal 370. It is a manual wind movement, with a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. The Curvex is famous for its curved movement, which allows the case shape.
The movement has been recently serviced by ourselves. It’s keeping time to within +30 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 245 degrees and a beat error of 1.2m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 22mm
Case width with crown: 23.75mm
Case length: 25.75mm
Case length lug to lug: 35.5mm
Case Depth: 10mm
Lug width: 18mm