| not a curvex [message #4658] |
Sat, 29 November 2014 05:22  |
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JackW
Messages: 1932
Registered: May 2013
Location: Denver
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Gruen Authority
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Went to the museum today to see the Cartier exhibit. Lots of impressive jewelry but I was also pleasantly surprised to see featured a number of the clocks and watches Cartier produced. There was a strong focus on the 1920-1940s; seemingly this was the hey-day of beyond opulent jewelry.
There was a number of pocket watches but also some wrist watches. At one point in the audio tour I had, it flatly declared that Cartier invented the wrist watch in 1914. Anyone that follows the vintage section of WUS may raise an eyebrow at that.
Of the handfull of wrist watches were some of the "tanks" that Cartier produced in the 1920s. Very nice and they look identical to some of the "Tanks" Gruen once advertised. Then I saw this....
Quite the curvey shape to it. I couldn't help but to think of this discussion from some time ago at the NAWCC forums LINK. The label in the case called it a tank and is from 1936. I'm curious on the construction within; is it a full size movement or as early Curvex ads show a tiny movement to accomodate the curves of the case. I've seen the Curvex Majesty and this one would match the long arcs of the case. Anyway, food for thought and discussion.
Pending contact from the lawyers, in 3....2....1.....
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
[Updated on: Sat, 29 November 2014 05:25] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: not a curvex [message #4662 is a reply to message #4658] |
Sun, 30 November 2014 20:42  |
C. Hurt
Messages: 243
Registered: May 2013
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Gruen Guildsman |
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That's a Tank Americaine, and it should have a small round movement, probably 8 1/2 or 9 3/4 lignes. These are still in production today, in essentially the same form, using both quartz and automatic movements. I like them, and they have a more substantial feel than a contemporary Curvex. Quite a bit more expensive though.
[Updated on: Sun, 30 November 2014 20:42] Report message to a moderator |
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