Vintage Gruen: 1930's » Cal 311

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Cal 311 - Curvex Royal [message #20495]

Tue, 14 July 2026 03:42

JackW
Messages: 2210
Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver

Gruen Authority
Head Janitor
Site Admin

There is another thread featuring the ID for the Curvex Royal. However, based on Kyle Roger's book, think that other watch is the Curvex Duke. This I believe is the better match to the Curvex Royal.

Model name: Gruen Curvex Royal
Type:
Period/date: 1936 or 1938
Gender: M

Case Maker: Wadsworth
Case Material: 14k Gold Fill
Case Serial: G 003773
Case Style no: 311 228

Caliber: 311
Movement Maker: Gruen
Movement Serial: 414564

Bracelet/Band: Recent replacement

This recent acquisition would be the Curvex Royal. Per discussion with Kyle it came with white and black dial. This is the black dial variant in a 14k gold fill case. While the ID on the black dial rests on Kyle's research in his book, the case style is still shown in print ads from the period.
/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12359&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12359&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12360&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12361&private=0

Disassembled for cleaning and re-staffing:
/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12363&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12362&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=12364&private=0

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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: Cal 311 - Curvex Royal [message #20497 is a reply to message #20495]

Tue, 14 July 2026 13:52

ytony2876
Messages: 21
Registered: March 2026

Gruen Apprentice

Wow, this is actually the first time I've seen the black dial variant for this model, and the condition is absolutely amazing Laughing

Also, comparing the pictures from that previous thread with this one, you can definitely tell at a glance that they're not the same model.
I especially love the dial with the stick markers shown in the ad poster. It's such a pity they are so rare, I've been looking for one for a while now but haven't been able to find or buy it yet.

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Re: Cal 311 - Curvex Royal [message #20499 is a reply to message #20497]

Tue, 14 July 2026 14:12

afire
Messages: 1431
Registered: May 2013
Location: Wisconsin

Gruen Authority

Yep, subtle difference, but clearly different.

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