| Wanted: Dial for “Varsity” Ristside/Driver [message #20574] |
Tue, 15 September 2026 00:01  |
QuietModernist
Messages: 2
Registered: September 2026
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Gruen Apprentice |
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Hello—I’m looking for a compatible dial or donor watch for what appears to be a circa-1938 Gruen Ristside/driver’s watch, likely the 401-352 “Varsity.”
The watch currently has an unusual personalized dial spelling “EARL LYBARGER” around the hour positions. I would like to preserve that dial intact, so ideally I would like to find a period-appropriate Gruen dial that can be installed reversibly for regular wear.
Known details:
• Dial dimensions: 23.94 mm high × 16.88 mm wide
• Shape: elongated shield/tonneau outline with clipped upper corners and a shaped or bowed lower edge
• Configuration: subsidiary seconds at 6
• Dial feet: approximately 10:30 and 4:30 when viewed from the back with 12 at the top
• Movement: 15 jewels; believed to be Gruen caliber 401, although I would appreciate confirmation
• Movement serial appears to read: 4-52669
• Probable case/model identification: Gruen 401-352 “Varsity,” circa 1938
I’m open to:
• A loose original Gruen dial
• A structurally sound donor dial that needs refinishing
• A dial-and-movement assembly
• A damaged or non-running donor watch
• An inexpensive complete watch with a compatible dial
The existing finish does not need to be perfect. I have access to a dial refinisher, so the correct dial blank, dimensions, contours, subsidiary-seconds placement and dial-foot compatibility are more important than cosmetic condition.
If you have something that might fit—or can confirm or correct the model and caliber identification—I would be very grateful for photographs of the front and back, exact measurements, movement caliber and asking price.
Thank you for any help or leads.
Dial design I am trying to find or replicate:
My current dial:
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