| Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20308] |
Wed, 25 March 2026 05:01  |
ytony2876
Messages: 1
Registered: March 2026
|
Gruen Apprentice |
|
|
Model name: 'Master'
Type: Veri-Thin
Period/date: 1940s
Case Maker: Wadsworth
Case Material: 10K goldfill sterling silver back
Case Serial:G386170
Case Style no: 405-495
Caliber: 405
Movement Maker: Gruen
Movement Serial: 720275
Hello everyone,
I’ve been a long-time admirer of the craftsmanship and history behind Gruen timepieces, and I’m thrilled to finally join this community. As a newcomer to the world of vintage Gruen collecting, I’ve spent a lot of time reading through the wealth of knowledge here, and I’m eager to learn more from such an experienced group.
I recently acquired a Veri-Thin (likely a 405 495 case) on eBay, but I’ve run into a bit of a mystery. Upon inspection, I noticed the case back is marked as Sterling Silver. However, in the original sales posters and advertisements I’ve managed to find for this specific model, the descriptions usually list guildite back options.
Has anyone encountered a Sterling Silver variation for this model before? I’m curious if this was a specific regional release, a wartime material substitution, or perhaps something else entirely. I would love to hear any insights you might have on why this differs from the standard marketing materials of the era.
Additionally, the watch is currently missing its crystal. Does anyone happen to know the correct Watch-Craft brand number or a compatible G-S Flexo (or other brand) crystal model that would fit this specific case?
Thank you all in advance for your time and for welcoming me into the forum. I’m looking forward to being part of the conversation!
Best regards,
ytony2876
|
|
|
|
| Re: Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20310 is a reply to message #20308] |
Thu, 26 March 2026 23:12  |
 |
JackW
Messages: 2167
Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver
|
Gruen Authority
Head Janitor
Site Admin |
|
|
hello ytony2876!
Great first post. I did delete the other post as it appeared to be a duplicate of this one. Forgive if that was not the case.
You noted, "a wartime material substitution" and that is exactly what is going on here. The G3xxxxx case serial is right in the middle of WWII.
As to the crystal... some good news/bad news: I have the same watch and in a crystal lot that I recently acquired I pulled out the correct one for the watch. The bad... none of the crystals have their labels; it is the mineral glass. The only thing know about the lot was they were for Gruen. I can poke around in the container and try to find one for you. I've pulled out ones for the VT Nomad/Viceroy, VT Adams/Nimrod and the VT Alan, to name a few. most are unknown to me. I'm sure there is another for a VT Master.
I'll let you know. Will ask for shipping cost, if you find that agreeable.
All I know is based on hard work & writing by others. I can only aspire to augment this body of knowledge. If I am wrong it is because of my own failings. -me
"If I have seen farther it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." - Newton
|
|
|
|
Vintage Gruen
Blog
Pages
Search
Help
Members
Register
Login
Home
