| Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20308] |
Wed, 25 March 2026 05:01  |
 |
ytony2876
Messages: 4
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 #20325 is a reply to message #20318] |
Fri, 03 April 2026 12:22  |
 |
Passion
Messages: 85
Registered: July 2025
Location: France
|
Gruen Apprentice |
|
|
Bonjour Ytony2876,
Belle montre, bel achat.
Bonjour Jenneke,
Si je comprends bien ton message, tu nettoies au silverdip directement le cadran (flèche rouge) ?
Hello Ytony2876,
Beautiful watch, beautiful purchase.
Hello Jenneke,
If I understand your message correctly, do you clean the dial directly with silverdip (red arrow)?
A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for...
|
|
|
|
| Re: Veri-Thin 'Master' [message #20328 is a reply to message #20318] |
Sat, 04 April 2026 07:05 |
|
ytony2876
Messages: 4
Registered: March 2026
|
Gruen Apprentice |
|
|
Hi Jenneke,
Thanks for the suggestions! Regarding the strap, I’m planning to have a custom pigskin strap made. My wrist is quite thin, and standard straps are usually much too long for me. I’m still on the hunt for an original buckle to complete the look, but they are proving hard to find。
As for the dial, I’m hesitant to clean it myself as I’m afraid of causing irreversible damage. I’ll likely either leave it in its original state or send it to a professional for restoration later on.
To answer your question about other brands—yes, I have quite a collection! I own several vintage Walthams, Hamiltons, and Bulova. As for Gruen, I have two or three more that I’ll be sharing on the forum soon, though I’m still trying to identify the specific model names for a few of them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vintage Gruen
Blog
Pages
Search
Help
Members
Register
Login
Home
