Caliber 96 (United Watch Co + Gruen Guarantee) [message #11784] |
Tue, 03 December 2019 23:47  |
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Case
Messages: 1178 Registered: May 2019 Location: Cincinnati
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Gruen Authority |
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Maker: Marc Favre
Size: 10 ligne
Config: Open Face
Dial feet: 10.5 & 4.5 positions
Dial release mech: side screws
Example date: ca. 1912
Variants: sister Caliber 97 (possibly hunter config?)
The Caliber date table I've seen lists the introduction date for Caliber 96 as 1917. That is not the case. Here is an early version, made 1912-1913, marked "United W. Co" & "Guarantee Gruen" (transitional, pre-"Gruen Guarantee"). Back plate stamped "Fifteen 15 Jewels", not marked for adjustments. Front plate stamped with lot code "24". Ceramic dial, back marked only "Suisse".

I've noted later examples, with cases stamped "96", and here is the image from the 1939 parts catalog:

My two caveats:
1) I'm wrong many times a day --just ask my wife!
2) Always seeking to learn more
[Updated on: Tue, 10 December 2019 03:56] Report message to a moderator
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