Vintage Gruen: The caliber database » Cal 146/147/148/149 (not 142/143) - 9 3/4’”

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Cal 146/147/148/149 (not 142/143) - 9 3/4’” - 15J/17J [message #13478]

Thu, 27 August 2020 03:16

Case
Messages: 1178
Registered: May 2019
Location: Cincinnati

Gruen Authority

Here’s one where setting bits are so similar that later Gruen documents seem to have flipped them, similar to the cals 849 & 861.

The layout, markings, and dial side serial number placement/format are identical to the 10.5L Guild movement stamped “Factory T.” This one was always marked “Gruen W. Co” during the same time, judging by serial numbers.

Example 1: 15J (146/147?)
/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6925&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6925&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6926&private=0

Example 2: 15J (146/147?)
/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6928&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6927&private=0

Example 3: 17J (148/149?)
/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6930&private=0

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[Updated on: Thu, 27 August 2020 03:42]

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Re: Cal 146/147/148/149 (not 142/143) - 9 3/4’” - 15J/17J [message #13479 is a reply to message #13478]

Thu, 27 August 2020 03:33

Case
Messages: 1178
Registered: May 2019
Location: Cincinnati

Gruen Authority

So why do I say Gruen mixed them up later?

In my ‘53 parts book, the setting bits on two 9.75L contenders look nearly identical at first glance, but there are differences. These above line up with what’s shown as the “142/143.” The setting bridge has some differences (note the straight edge vs slight rounding). The real differentiator is the elongated setting piece shown at top of the catalog pic for 142/143—it’s about 50% longer than the matching piece on the other movement, so it’s pictured by Gruen as a differentiator. Here’s a view of a live one.

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6931&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6931&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6932&private=0

The 142/143 only came in 15J—but there’s a 17J above. And I found “146” stamped on the dial back of one 15J example above. I’m thinking these are the real 146-149 calibers. I suppose it’s possible there is a lost caliber 144-145 that’s the 17J variant of 142-143–it is Gruen after all—but I've not heard of it. They’re all FHF ebauches & could share dials.

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6933&private=0

/vgforum/index.php?t=getfile&id=6933&private=0

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My two caveats:
1) I'm wrong many times a day --just ask my wife!
2) Always seeking to learn more

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