I'd say this was a worthwhile repair and will probably last an owner's lifetime. The strap sits nice and square on the lugs now! I might put a coat of brown polish on the white threads, but I will leave it for now and think it over.
]]>Gary2023-08-19T23:04:39-00:00Leather Strap Restoration
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18560&th=2539#msg_18560
Then it occurred to me: why not restore the old one? What Gary? Why go to all the work when you can just get a new one and be done with it? Well...Give it a try and see what it looks like.
Here was the issue with the old band, the hole side strap had lost it's stitching and separated in several spots.
The other issue was the worn loops for both sides. This was actually bending the lugs out of shape.
I removed the old stitching, cleaned it, and put a coat of saddle soap and brown polish on it. I repaired the loop ends by splicing in a couple pieces of thin, soft brown leather on both sides. E6000 glue is your friend. I thought about sewing in the patches but went the easy route instead.
I started sewing the hole end strap back together and got partway to find the ends are not matching up. One end is longer than the other. Okay take out the thread and think about how to go about it.
Whew... I found that by simulating the strap (curving it to the wrist), both sides lined up, and I could see light through the buckle holes. After 100 years on the wrist, it tells me that leather will stretch and wrinkle. I took a couple pieces of blue painters tape and taped the strap in its curved position. There are gaps, but it all lined up when I started sewing.
]]>Gary2023-08-19T22:55:21-00:00Re: How a watch works
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18550&th=2535#msg_18550
JackW2023-08-14T16:36:08-00:00Re: Buffing hands
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18546&th=2536#msg_18546
That is a good idea. The flex-shaft with buffing spindles I have too.]]>JackW2023-08-14T16:23:33-00:00Re: Buffing hands
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18542&th=2536#msg_18542
Stick a bolt to the back with superglue. Turn it with a wrench. After success, remove the bolt with acetone.]]>Jenneke2023-08-13T16:46:51-00:00Buffing hands
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18541&th=2536#msg_18541
]]>Gary2023-08-13T14:20:47-00:00Re: Falcon Hands
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18540&th=2533#msg_18540
The rest of the watch including the 440 movement is nice. ]]>Falcon2023-08-11T17:23:11-00:00Re: Falcon Hands
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18539&th=2533#msg_18539
Falcon wrote on Fri, 11 August 2023 15:22
Here's a picture of one from the internet.
Also that picture from the internet look to be a Fraternity not a Falcon by looking at the dial, I could be wrong but hard to tell between the two.
]]>Gary2023-08-11T16:06:06-00:00Re: Falcon Hands
https://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.phpindex.php?t=rview&goto=18538&th=2533#msg_18538
The Gruen advertisements from the 40's show baton style hands for the Falcon. Which do you choose is up to you.
Your minute hand hitting the number 3 is most likely the hand itself needing adjustment. You'll need a set of watchmaker's tweezers to make that adjustment. If you intend to replace the hands, it's probably best to get them to a watchmaker to do it safely. To me, your watch was hastily put together just to make it somewhat presentable to sell. If done correctly, the seller could have gotten a better price, and you'd have a worry-free timepiece to show off.]]>Gary2023-08-11T15:47:14-00:00