Managed to get to a watch auction the other day and purchased this nice 1929 vintage Ladies Gruen model in 14ct white filled Gold.
True Art Deco example with excellent condition enamel and engraved case by Wadsworth (14ct with reinforced extra Gold). A signed 15 jewel movement with 4 adjustments with Gruen Guild Switzerland markings. The dial is in good condition and the movement keeps very good time indeed.
(Serial No. obscured for this image)
No signs of corrosion within the movement. The original ribbon strap and slide/clip clasp was too short for my Wife, so I replaced the strap with a high quality German leather 11 mm wide taper spring open/end strap which is ideal. I have of course kept the original fittings as I hope to obtain a ribbon replacement soon. However the practicality of the new replacement strap will probably suit my Wife’s needs better at this time.
I always get a real kick out of finding very old watches that are still in amazing condition, with movements working just as efficiently as they did when first manufactured. It is a true testament to the wonders of the clockwork watch movement, which will probably outlast any of the quartz or digital efforts around today.
This Gruen watch does keep amazing time and note the adjuster is still in it’s central position which is quite unusual I have to say after all this time.
I like the fact this watch was looked after properly and bears the signatures marks of quite a few Servicings – always a bonus when considering watches of this age. So there’s no reason to doubt that it will keep going long after we’ve gone ( morbid I know), but what can you get these days for such a small outlay that can give you such service?
Not a lot – I can tell you – not a lot.
Watch space 