Vintage Gruen: 1930's » 14K Caliber 355 Stuanton

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14K Caliber 355 Stuanton [message #3287]

Sun, 16 March 2014 17:12

slinfiniti
Messages: 27
Registered: May 2013
Location: Raleigh NC

Gruen Apprentice

Model name : Stuanton
Type : Type of Quadron
Period/date : 1936-1940
Gender : Male

Case Maker : Katz & Oguish
Case Material : 14 karat yellow gold
Case Serial : 78892
Case Style no : 240

Caliber : 355
Movement Maker : Gruen Watch Company
Movement Serial: 718617

Bracelet : Lizard

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I have posted pictures on "another" location. I am discovering that this watch may or perhaps not, be a difficult watch to find. I have tried to find as much information about this model (240) that I can. I have read that the 240 was only made in 14 karat gold. I do not know whether that is accurate. I do know that I have not seen many of this particular model. I have read that it is called a Quadron 139?

I would love to have the experts weigh in on this a peel back the fuzzy layers as to the "know facts' of this model. It is a model that I do not wear much at all. I was thinking of selling it as it sits in my watch box. I am discovering that maybe it is a better idea to hold on to the watch as it might be a limited production model from approximately the late 30's despite the presentation of 1940.

I do appreciate all your help, some on you have been instrumental in building my "Quadron" collection to 15, within that 15 are 5 solid gold Quadron's! I have obtained parts from some of you, I have received valuable information in the restoration process and most of all, to be a part of something that can not be measured. It is common thread of sharing a passion of a sliver of the universe. That sliver is collecting Vintage Gruen Watches from the 1920's to 1930's! Thank all of you for your encouragement, my wife does not share that view, but she likes to wear my pieces occasionally.

How about a little intrigue. According to Mike Barnett and Barry Cooper's Gruen dating chart (an amazing resource for information) the caliber 355 was used for eight different models, yet I have read model 240 was only produced in solid gold. 8 models with the same caliber of movement, in 4 years of production. I am more confused now?

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[Updated on: Sat, 22 March 2014 21:45] by Moderator

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Re: 14K Caliber 355 [message #3288 is a reply to message #3287]

Sun, 16 March 2014 18:43

Bazzab
Messages: 181
Registered: May 2013
Location: Tampa Bay Fl

Gruen Guildsman

According to Bruce Shawkeys Collectors Guide, Gruen produced 23 models, in a 6 year period,1935-1940, using the 355,or its variance, of which, 13 were cased in 14 karat gold.

B

http://www.watchesoftheguild.com/

[Updated on: Mon, 17 March 2014 19:46]

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Re: 14K Caliber 355 [message #3296 is a reply to message #3288]

Mon, 17 March 2014 03:08

MikeTheWatchGuy
Messages: 319
Registered: May 2013
Location: North Carolina

Gruen Guildsman

One thing that could be happening in terms of seeing the caliber used with only a handful style numbers is the Style Number Reuse situation. This is where multiple models use the same style numbers. It happens, but it's not extremely common either.

Is 2 models a year for a movement perhaps not that unsual. If you sell a lot of the models then it would make up for the design effort, etc. I still don't have my arms around the entire lifespan and number of units shipped, although I do recall working out how many watches were sold in a year not long ago and already forgot it Sad