Vintage Gruen: 1940's » Gruen "Chrono-Timer"

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20635 is a reply to message #20633]

Mon, 28 September 2026 17:40

JackW
Messages: 2238
Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver

Gruen Authority
Head Janitor
Site Admin

OMG what a score for you. There is no faking that so, that should not be even a thought. What does the movement look like inside?

You do have the original sweep chrono seconds hand. Those are rare. Not sure why but I see replacement hands on a lot of these. FYI for anyone else, the cal 460SS sweep second hand has the longer post that will also fit onto the cal 450.

What is curious, I do not see a serial number on the outside of the case back. Do I see that correctly?

And do fess up on the cost. I've about $1000 into the two that I have. Maybe a bit more, and I thought those were bargains. Mine though are assembled from loose parts, so there is that.

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: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20637 is a reply to message #20635]

Tue, 29 September 2026 05:44

Passion
Messages: 138
Registered: July 2025
Location: France

Gruen Guildsman

Hello Jack,

Thank you for reassuring me about the authenticity of this beautiful Gruen.
As for the movement, I won't open it until this winter. I don't have any tools yet, but that will come this winter: I've booked a short 5-hour introductory course with my watchmaker, so he can show me the "very broad basics" of watchmaking, as well as the list of tools I'll need to start opening and servicing my Gruens ;-)
Yes, you're seeing correctly: the case back simply reads "Gruen", with no serial number. There are no scratch marks suggesting the number was erased. Over the past 6 months, I've examined a lot of Chrono-Timers online, and they all have the serial number on the case back, except this one!
Jack, $1,000 for your two Chrono-Timers is a very good price, even though they were assembled from loose parts.
In Europe, I've been scrutinizing the market for a year (I built myself an automated search tool): Chrono-Timers are very, very rare, and you won't find a single one, not one, for less than €2,500 ($2,800).
In France, we really don't like talking about price, it's in our genes. It's not like where you are in the United States, where price isn't a taboo, quite the opposite I think. Since I'm starting to get to know you all a bit better (except the anonymous members), and as my partner tells me, "you never do things like everyone else", I'll confess the price: all in (VAT, taxes and shipping from Paris), I paid €2,304 ($2,617).
Looking back now, given how rare they are in Europe and the condition of this Chrono-Timer, I can reassure myself that I got a fair deal.

I can't even imagine what Thomas's gold Chrono-Timer would fetch if he ever decided to sell it in Europe...

Laurent.

A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for...

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20640 is a reply to message #20633]

Tue, 29 September 2026 19:34

Gary
Messages: 2527
Registered: May 2013
Location: Seattle

Gruen Authority
Cheerleader

Passion wrote on Mon, 28 September 2026 17:06

PS 2 : Gary, if I may ask, how far along are you with assembling your Gruen Chrono-Timer ?

Hi Laurent,

I'm still after some parts. I've been lazy lately with my teachings and family taking over. I'm going to set aside a couple of weeks in November to take it on and get going again.

Thanks for asking! That put me into reminder mode.

Cheers,
Gary

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20641 is a reply to message #20640]

Wed, 30 September 2026 05:13

Passion
Messages: 138
Registered: July 2025
Location: France

Gruen Guildsman

Gary wrote on Tue, 29 September 2026 21:34

Thanks for asking! That put me into reminder mode.

;-)

A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for...

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20643 is a reply to message #20641]

Wed, 30 September 2026 16:44

Jenneke
Messages: 2146
Registered: May 2013
Location: Netherlands

Gruen Authority

Wow! That is a crisp looking watch. Congrats! Hope you will wear it with joy, such a good looking watch on the wrist. The value of a watch is what you want to pay for it. These are expensive watches and not available on every corner.

And good to hear you get some watchmaker lessons. Have to warn you, that is a rabbit hole on itself. 😅

You can only waste time if you forget to enjoy it - Loesje

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20646 is a reply to message #20643]

Wed, 30 September 2026 17:03

Passion
Messages: 138
Registered: July 2025
Location: France

Gruen Guildsman

Jenneke,
Between collecting Gruens and following your advice, I'm already deep down the rabbit hole.
The watchmaking lessons are just my way of reaching the bottom !
;-)

A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for...

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20648 is a reply to message #20646]

Wed, 30 September 2026 17:37

JackW
Messages: 2238
Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver

Gruen Authority
Head Janitor
Site Admin

Congrats again on such a fine acquisition. You are right, price is somewhat taboo. You should rest assured that you are getting a fine watch. I hope you will share more of it. The lack of the case serial number is rather unusual. Although it isn't unheard of. Enjoy the heck out of the watch. My Chrono-Timers (and my Curvex Royal) are the only watches that seem to garner compliments on a regular basis from random people.

Working on watches is a much deeper rabbit hole then it seems at first. I think I can say with confidence that I have spent far more on tooling and parts then I have on watches. Beware!

Also, welcome to the club.

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Re: Gruen "Chrono-Timer" [message #20653 is a reply to message #20633]

Thu, 01 October 2026 14:47

ytony2876
Messages: 32
Registered: March 2026

Gruen Apprentice

Hi Laurent,
Huge congratulations on this incredible piece. Looking at the condition, it really is top-notch—the sharp case edges and clear details are remarkable. Finding a Gruen Chronotimer in such flawless condition is truly rare. Enjoy it! Laughing

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