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Looking for crystals [message #5456] Sun, 19 April 2015 13:05 Go to next message
Thojil is currently offline  Thojil
Messages: 650
Registered: May 2013
Location: Concorès, France
Gruen Master
Looking for two crystals. I haven't taken the old ones out, so I have no measurements. I'm going with the case style numbers only to start with.

* 885/8 Model: Tank "Imperial 16"

* 370-821 Model: Curvex Evens or Model 801

I prefer the original glass crystals.

The Curvex has a good crystal now, but this is one of those extremely thick high crystals which I don't like and doubt was originally fitted to this model.
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5458 is a reply to message #5456] Sun, 19 April 2015 13:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C. Hurt is currently offline  C. Hurt
Messages: 243
Registered: May 2013
Gruen Guildsman
I will look to see what I have in the Curvex, but I can tell you that the Imperial Tank crystals are surprisingly difficult to find. I ended up ordering my last ones from W. S. McCaw, and they are a cylinder style, with slightly raised edges. The originals are flush fit, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.

[Updated on: Sun, 19 April 2015 13:54]

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Re: Looking for crystals [message #5474 is a reply to message #5458] Sat, 25 April 2015 00:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
veritas123 is currently offline  veritas123
Messages: 19
Registered: February 2015
Location: Raleigh,NC
Gruen Apprentice
Thojil
I have several different styles of crystals for the 370-821 but I will need some measurements on the other . I understand you not wanting to remove the old ones yet, so even rough numbers would help me focus.
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5476 is a reply to message #5474] Sat, 25 April 2015 21:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thojil is currently offline  Thojil
Messages: 650
Registered: May 2013
Location: Concorès, France
Gruen Master
Thanks veritas123. Without removing the original crystal from the bezel of my Tank 885/8, I measured 25.2 x 20.0 mm. As Cary was mentioning the case has a flat bezel and the crystal is flush fit.

Appreciate if you can help me out.
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5483 is a reply to message #5476] Mon, 27 April 2015 11:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
veritas123 is currently offline  veritas123
Messages: 19
Registered: February 2015
Location: Raleigh,NC
Gruen Apprentice
Thojil
Those helped. I think what you are looking for is a B&B X2495/200 or a Perfit C247/2-199. Neither of which I have. When you remove the crystal , let me know what the actual measurements are and I can look again.
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5484 is a reply to message #5483] Mon, 27 April 2015 21:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeTheWatchGuy
Messages: 319
Registered: May 2013
Location: North Carolina
Gruen Guildsman

Would you mind posting a picture of your Curvex Evans? I have a different style number down for that one. My notes show 370 662. If there is a second style number variant, I would sure like a picture.
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5485 is a reply to message #5484] Tue, 28 April 2015 12:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thojil is currently offline  Thojil
Messages: 650
Registered: May 2013
Location: Concorès, France
Gruen Master
I think I id'ed it correctly, but then again I may have been totally wrong... Rolling Eyes
This is the only picture I have made. Hope it's clear enough

index.php?t=getfile&id=2262&private=0
  • Attachment: Img_0437b.jpg
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Re: Looking for crystals [message #5487 is a reply to message #5485] Tue, 28 April 2015 21:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeTheWatchGuy
Messages: 319
Registered: May 2013
Location: North Carolina
Gruen Guildsman

I don't believe you watch is a Curvex Evans. I don't know what it is despite spending some time on it. HolbensFineWatches was nice enough to donate the photos for this post. The illustration is from "The 1950s" page 165. Is is the peaks on the sides of the case that was the tip off for me.

index.php?t=getfile&id=2263&private=0
index.php?t=getfile&id=2264&private=0
index.php?t=getfile&id=2265&private=0
index.php?t=getfile&id=2267&private=0
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5488 is a reply to message #5487] Tue, 28 April 2015 21:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thojil is currently offline  Thojil
Messages: 650
Registered: May 2013
Location: Concorès, France
Gruen Master
Thanks, you're 100% right Embarrassed

I checked Bruce Shawkey's Guide again and at least "Curvex 801" is right (page 105)
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5490 is a reply to message #5488] Thu, 30 April 2015 12:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Barney Green
Messages: 1725
Registered: February 2014
Location: Wolfsburg, Germany
Gruen Authority
Thomas,

thanks to the forum you now know what you don't have: a Curvex Evans.
If you'd like to know the name of your fine watch: it is a Curvex Marcus.
It can be found on page 245 of Mikes 50s book and was advertised at least three times in May and December 1954.



Gruen, Gruen, Gruen ist alles was ich habe... Gruen, Gruen, Gruen is all I have...(German folklore song)
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5491 is a reply to message #5490] Thu, 30 April 2015 18:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thojil is currently offline  Thojil
Messages: 650
Registered: May 2013
Location: Concorès, France
Gruen Master
Thanks Barney for checking!

Another one of my "mysteries" solved Smile
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5492 is a reply to message #5491] Fri, 01 May 2015 14:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
veritas123 is currently offline  veritas123
Messages: 19
Registered: February 2015
Location: Raleigh,NC
Gruen Apprentice
I have a nice double facet crystal for that one. Matches the case style lines perfect.
Re: Looking for crystals [message #5494 is a reply to message #5490] Fri, 01 May 2015 22:29 Go to previous message
MikeTheWatchGuy
Messages: 319
Registered: May 2013
Location: North Carolina
Gruen Guildsman

Awesome job, as usual Barney! Thanks for finding this one.

To summarize the style information learned in this thread:

370-821 Model: Curvex Marcus
Found on page 245 of "The 1950s"

370-662 Model: Curvex Evans
Found on page 165 of "The 1950s"

[Updated on: Fri, 08 May 2015 04:44]

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