Vintage Gruen: 1940's » Veri-Thin 'Master'

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Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20308]

Wed, 25 March 2026 05:01

ytony2876
Messages: 2
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
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Re: Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20310 is a reply to message #20308]

Thu, 26 March 2026 23:12

JackW
Messages: 2169
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

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Re: Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20311 is a reply to message #20310]

Fri, 27 March 2026 08:55

ytony2876
Messages: 2
Registered: March 2026

Gruen Apprentice

Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for helping me clean up the duplicate posts. I realized right after posting the first one that I had forgotten to attach the photos, and since I couldn’t find the "Edit" button, I figured a fresh start was the best way to go. Sorry for the confusion!

I really appreciate the information you shared. Confirming the G3 serial number is incredibly helpful—it adds so much historical context to the piece.

The watch is currently on its way to me. Once it arrives, I plan to perform some basic mechanical maintenance to get it running smoothly. I’m also seriously considering a dial refinish to bring it back to its original glory.

Regarding the crystal—that is such a generous offer! If you do happen to find a spare mineral glass crystal for the VT Master while poking around your lot, I would be extremely grateful. Please don't hesitate to let me know the total cost; I’m more than happy to pay for the part itself in addition to the shipping.

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Re: Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20312 is a reply to message #20311]

Fri, 27 March 2026 19:41

Gary
Messages: 2463
Registered: May 2013
Location: Seattle

Gruen Authority
Cheerleader

The dial looks good IMO. I like a little patina that shows the watch's age. Your call though, it's a personal choice.

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Re: Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20318 is a reply to message #20312]

Mon, 30 March 2026 16:14

Jenneke
Messages: 2107
Registered: May 2013
Location: Netherlands

Gruen Authority

Congrats on your acquisition. Are you going to add a period correct strap like the one in the advertisement?
About the dial, I wish I would look that good when I have that age. 🤣 maybe a little clean from the subseconds (spit on a cotton bud and gently roll/rub) would be possible.
If you are planning to redial anyway, you could always try the silverdip option first.

Do you have vintage watches from other brands?

You can only waste time if you forget to enjoy it - Loesje

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