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The Caliber 250 Dietrich Gruen [message #16515]

Mon, 25 April 2022 01:18

thesnark17
Messages: 654
Registered: January 2017

Gruen Master

About 1,000 early UltraThins were made, between SN 41,000 and 42,500. They are impressively thin, and impeccably finished throughout. Some (though not this one) are graded Extra Precision. It is unknown whether the later UltraThins in SN 148-150k and 185k are the same in all respects.

Of interest, the dial is marked with the movement serial number, and also has a manufacturer's mark. It is a sterile dial on the front.

EDIT -- this is not an UltraThin, it is a caliber 250 without wind indicator.

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[Updated on: Mon, 25 April 2022 21:32]

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Re: The Caliber UltraThin [message #16516 is a reply to message #16515]

Mon, 25 April 2022 13:04

Case
Messages: 1178
Registered: May 2019
Location: Cincinnati

Gruen Authority

Thank you for posting this—it is a remarkable movement. But I will say, it is not an Ultrathin. It is an even rarer caliber: the time-only variant of the Caliber 250 (aka the Dietrich Gruen), which is always shown & seen in the 23j up-down version. However, it was originally advertised as available without the up-down complication. Compare the middle bridge and center jewel—you’ll see what I mean.

This is the only one I’ve ever seen, perhaps only a handful ever made. I’ve scoured the forums for years for a live example! Congratulations!

To prove it, here is a true UT, sn 41138 (earlier than yours), already with the distinctive upturned middle bridge.