| Why Gruen ? [message #20659] |
Sun, 04 October 2026 17:27  |
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Passion
Messages: 141
Registered: July 2025
Location: France
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Gruen Guildsman |
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Hi,
I’ve been wanting to launch this post for a while, I have some time left, let’s go!
A Japanese friend left me a photograph of one of his trips to the United States (San Francisco): A Gruen Autowind placed on a bedside table, in a large house from the 70s, by an American-Russian designer.
Having not worn a watch since the age of 23 (I think), here I am looking for information about this watch and the Gruen brand.
One thing led to another: I arrived on your forum, I started collecting 1, 2, 3, then several Gruen, and I don’t know why, I’m "stuck" on the Gruen !
And you, why Gruen? (even if some of you like other brands)
Take turns, when the mood comes to you ;-)
-
Attachment: 01.jpeg
(Size: 557.95KB, Downloaded 280 times)
A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for...
[Updated on: Sun, 04 October 2026 17:28] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Why Gruen ? [message #20664 is a reply to message #20663] |
Tue, 06 October 2026 05:21  |
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Passion
Messages: 141
Registered: July 2025
Location: France
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Gruen Guildsman |
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This is getting interesting.
Three different entry points: The weariness of the Swiss for Ytony2876, a family legacy for Afire and a photograph for me.
In all three cases, a specific model triggered the collection (Curvex, Quadron, Autowind)
I can’t wait to watch the other answers ;-)
A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for...
[Updated on: Tue, 06 October 2026 05:22] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Why Gruen ? [message #20667 is a reply to message #20666] |
Tue, 13 October 2026 02:33 |
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JackW
Messages: 2242
Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver
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Gruen Authority
Head Janitor
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Jenneke wrote on Wed, 07 October 2026 12:52I only collect Gruen.
...and random Hamilton watches foisted upon you.
Collecting for me started in steps... I worked in the jewelry trade while I was earning my college degree. A pawn shop I worked for had me run the watch repairs to the watchmaker in downtown Chicago. It was from that watchmaker, an elderly gentleman and holocaust survivor that I bought my first collectible watch, about 2001: A 14K Longines from the early 1950s. I had bought vintage watches before this, but this one was a real keeper. I was also on the hunt for finding a replacement to the watch my grandfather had given me, and thought lost in my youth*. Later jobs deepened the interest and then I graduated. I would travel for work post graduation and one location in Ohio that I went often, there was an old family run jewelry store. They had bought estates and also defunct jewelers and watchmakers from around the area. I bought a group of watches and partials; one of which was a Gruen VT Nomad. I then became interested in learning repair; and Gruen watches and their movements were inexpensive. I did not want pocket watches, which are commonly recommended for learning repair work. That Nomad was an early success. I also sold it. But it was that watch and others that connected me to a couple well known Gruen collectors, and I went from there. The mechanics were first and then the styles captured my interest. I collect beyond Gruen.... Hamilton, Longines, Omega and others, also early men's wrist watches from the 1910 to 1920 era, with a range of Swiss and US makes. I've met some nice people in this hobby and like the intellectual and international aspects of it.
*Nearly 40 years after having thought I lost the watch it turned up in a box of stuff from my grandmother; my sister had lived at my grandparents for a while and a box she packed in 1991 on moving out and then never unpacked until 5 years ago had that long missing watch, and several others that belonged to my grandparents.
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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