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Gruen V1 Precision

Pocket Watch Movement; Thu, 23 July 2015 22:31

We have been working on identifying this one for a while - Gruen verithin pentagonal pocketwatch - for another watchmaker. It needs a staff (both pivots are broken) that I am trying to find a staff for, specs for a staff, or someone to repivot it for me. Attaching pictures to show watch, any help would be appreciated.

We have managed to track down that it is a Swiss chronometer extra precision and know that none of the book info for a V1 is correct for this watch. The balance has the roller jewel mounted in the arm of the balance itself. The guard for the roller is a separate unit at the very base of the staff. Would like to know more about the watch, it's specs, and origin. The watch identifies as a V1 via labeling and fingerprinting but is a 21 jewel chronometer version instead of a 17 or 19 jewel.

We have tried both staffs that are for a V1 and they do not fit
index.php?t=getfile&id=2385&private=0

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The caliber database | 7 comments

Veri-Thin Time Hill

Gruen 335; Thu, 09 July 2015 17:20

Model name : Time Hill
Type : Veri-Thin
Period/date : 1949
Gender : male

Case Maker : Gruen
Case Material : 10K gold fill
Case Serial :
Case Style no : 651

Caliber : 335
Movement Maker : Gruen Norwood, OH
Movement Serial:

Bracelet : Metal

Other info : Identified by Mike and his Gruen Identification Guide. Thanks Mike!

This one was brought in last night to look at and the dial was quite interesting. I've seen only one other example here or on ebay. Under the loupe the lettering is enamel not print, I'm almost certain the dial is original.

This also got me thinking that this was leftover inventory from the demise of the company?

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1940's | 2 comments

The Caliber 181/183

Mon, 06 July 2015 17:22

The 181 and 183 are practically identical in size and interchangeability at 4 3/4'''. The 181 is a 15 jewel and the 183 is a 7 jewel movement.

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181 (left) 183 (right)

The caliber database | 0 comments

Moisture Proof Military Model

Thu, 02 July 2015 21:51

Model name :
Type : Military
Period/date :1918
Gender :Gents

Case Maker :Gruen
Case Material:Sterling
Case Serial :568590
Case Style no :

Caliber :807
Movement Maker :Gruen Watch Specialties
Movement Serial:

Bracelet :

After many years I finally was able to add the 1918 Moisture Proof Military Model to my collection. It is in the mail, but from the pictures it looks to be in pretty good condition.

The only thing that is broken is the connecting link between the inner watch case and outer protection case. I will have a look at that when it arrives. It is fitted with a caliber 807 and the most incredible thing is that the original printed piece of protective cloth is still there.

The watch makers that worked on it have taken the warning seriously Laughing

Pictures are taken from the seller. I due time I will post better ones.

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1910's and prior | 5 comments

Strap 1

Wed, 27 May 2015 19:32

Model name : Strap 1
Type : "Military Wrist Watch" per Gruen advertising
Period/date : 1918-1920
Gender : Men's

Case Maker : Watch Specialties Company
Case Material : Sterling Silver

Caliber : 870
Movement Maker : Rebberg/Aegler

Thanks to JackW, I'm now able to keep track of time with a nearly 100 year old watch.

1910's and prior | 3 comments

Ladies 885 10 1/2'" octagon wristlet

Wed, 13 May 2015 02:39

Model name : Unknown
Type : Octagon wristlet
Period/date : c1925
Gender : ladies

Case Maker : -
Case Material : Ultra Quality. Unmarked, but presumably white gold filled
Case Serial : 5011448
Case Style no : -

Caliber : 885
Movement Maker : 15J Gruen Guild, 3 Adj
Movement Serial: 102703

Bracelet : Appears to be original and the design matches that of the case

Other info : (Thanks to timeliz for her input). Recently acquired from ebay, I bid on this because it appeared to be a match set of watch, band, and case. Now that I have it in my possession nothing suggests that it isn't all original. This has the odd looking 885 that timeliz posted about in http://vintagegruen.org/vgforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=286 1&#msg_2861, and our SNs are very similar.

Notice that the case material matches the material for the similar era parts cases. The booklet was included and it folds up and fits nicely but there is nothing that identifies the date or printer.

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1920's | 1 comment

Gruen Verithin V4

Pocket Watch; Mon, 20 April 2015 21:52

Model name : Unknown
Type :Verithin
Period/date : 1917-1918
Gender :Gents

Case Maker :
Case Material :
Case Serial :
Case Style no :

Caliber :V4
Movement Maker :
Movement Serial:

Bracelet :

Hello, everyone!

I'm seeking help from a higher authority (you guys Very Happy ) on dating and identifying a pocket watch I found in a client's home today. The face of the watch has Roman numerals for the numbers and 'Gruen Precision' at the top. Opening the first flap on the case reveals 'Gruen 14K Cincinnati' with the number 221651. Opening the second part of the case reveals the same except there is an 'S' beneath the number. The movement has the number 477054 on it, 17 Jewels, Verithin, and, oddly enough, the number '51' stamped into the outer casing that the movement sits in. I have pored over everything I can find and am taking a wild guess that the watch was made around 1910-1912. Outside of that (and I'm obviously not positive about that), I'm coming up with nothing. Can you folks shed some insight on this? Thanks!

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1910's and prior | 6 comments

Curvex Majesty

Sun, 19 April 2015 22:39

Model name :Majesty
Type :Curvex
Period/date :1937
Gender :

Case Maker :
Case Material :
Case Serial :
Case Style no :

Caliber :330
Movement Maker :Gruen
Movement Serial:317366

Bracelet :

Bought this one today on flea market what is it?
Haven't seem Gruen like this before.
Anyone can tell me if I should have it serviced and keep or sell as is?
Size is about 51mm lug to lug.
I mostly collect Benrus and Bulova so this out of my comfort zone.

index.php?t=getfile&id=2255&private=0

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1930's | 5 comments

Orla

Wed, 15 April 2015 15:26

Just saw this Alpina Gruen with a dial marked Orla. Custom for somebody named Orla? Or yet another Guild affiliate? Anybody familiar with the name? A quick google search doesn't turn up any Orla watch company.

Watches from the Guild | 4 comments

Hexagons in the Master Book

Plate 24C?; Thu, 09 April 2015 13:27

Not sure if I put this here or more in the 20s section...

Model name : Plate 24C in a higher grade version
Type : Solid Gold Wristlet
Period/date : ca. 1919
Gender : Ladies

Case Maker : unknown, may be Gruen or Wadsworth
Case Material : 18K white gold
Case Serial : 1022246
Case Style no : 137 1/2

Caliber : 1396 /16 jewels 3 adjusts
Movement Maker : Gruen Watch Specialties Co
Movement Serial: n.A.

Bracelet : none, should be silk ribbon but the watch is prepared for a different band

Other info : Plate 24C from the 1918 "A worthy company of watchmakers" in 18K with rich engravements and lug covering flaps

[Picture Front]
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[Picture caseback inside]
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[Picture movement]
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[Picture sideview]
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[Picture ad]
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The ad is the closest equivalent I could find. There is the hint that prices did vary according to case and movement so I am assuming that this is one of the varieties the 24C could come in.
Apologies because of the dial, I have not yet worked on the watch. It definitely is one of the most interesting in my collection, once I get her a band I will also try to restore the dial.
I am wondering why I can't find a single Hexagon in the Master Book is there anyone here who knows a good reason? Was that watch too early to be included in the MB?
Also the movement gave me a hard time to identify it. Does the "W" after 18K stand for white gold or for Wadsworth, any opinion or insights?