Ladies Antique 1910s Gruen CONVERTIBLE 14K Gold Filled Original Vintage Watch For Sale
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Ladies Antique 1910s Gruen CONVERTIBLE 14K Gold Filled Original Vintage Watch:
$186
holben Store
In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1950s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler movement duo-dial doctor’s watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdorf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression (and more urgent matters) prevented this.
I am very pleased to offer for sale the following late 1910s timepiece from the Gruen firm, a “Watch Specialties Company” model set within a 14kt Yellow Gold filled “Convertible” case. Watch Specialties Co. was a division of Gruen, most prominent in the years between 1900 and 1920. As with most Watch Specialties models it is signed “DG&S” on the mechanism as well, short for Dietrich Gruen & Son. It is called a Convertible watch as it was designed so that it could be worn as a wrist watch (as shown) or by removing the band and adding a chain to make it a pendant watch.
This original timepiece dates to the end of WWI and measures 33mm from bottom hoop to tip of the fancy trefoil bow and 26mm in width. This works out to be 1-1/4 inches long by 1 inch wide. It is powered by its original 15 jewel, 3 adjustment mechanism that has been fully serviced by my trusted watchmaker David prior to sale to ensure it winds and set smoothly while keeping accurate time.
The original gold, guilloche textured dial is in great original condition – a touch of patina but great vintage character as you can (hopefully) see. It features a checkered 60 minute outer chapter, “exploding” (angled) black Breguet-style enamel numerals and original blue steel Breguet-style “Moon Tip” hands. Signed GRUEN below the 12 and SWITZERLAND at the base of the dial, hidden under the bezel.
The solid glass crystal is in excellent, clear condition, a new old stock addition. The three-piece case is 14 Karat Yellow Gold filled and in excellent condition. The original antique gold crown and gold Bow are both in excellent order as well, operating as they should (the bow swivels and the crown is wound when the watch is not on the wrist).
Turning the watch over I see that the back lid features a tasteful, artistic engraved monogram and is in excellent shape. Inside I find a fully serviced mechanism that is signed Watch Specialties Co., – 15 Jewels, 3 Adjts. – Suisse, DG&S. The DG&S stands for Dietrich Gruen & Son.
The inside of the case back is signed “G” for Gruen and “25 Year” – the former standing for Gruen and the latter denoting a 14kt Yellow Gold Filled case. This was what Gruen called “PILOT QUALITY” in later models.
This fine old watch has disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. You wind it by rotating the bow down first, with the watch off your wrist, and in a clockwise direction. It comes fitted on its original (as I received it) black grosgrain strap with gold filled filigree engraved clasp. These bands and clasps accommodate most wrists as you can adjust the size by sliding the bottom section of the clasp across the ribbon – I had my wife try it on and it fits her fine, with a bit of room to spare (she has a 6-3/4 inch wrist). The ribbon is in great shape – not fragile like most original bands of this type. So there you have it – a seldom seen First World War era ladies transitional “convertible” Gruen timepiece that’s set to be worn and enjoyed…what’s not to like I say.
- Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I’m especially proud of my excellent response and high number of repeat clients. I’m a long-standing member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), and have collected watches since I was a kid.
- Watch sizes: I provide exact measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in photos as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s watches from the 1910s - 1960s were smaller than considered normal today.
- Buyers outside the United States with less than five response: Please introduce yourself via email PRIOR to offerding. Otherwise, your offer may be retracted.
- U.S. winners pay $6.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) add 8.6% sales tax.
- Canadian ($16) and most international buyers ($18) receive safely boxed USPS International REGISTERED shipping. I also ship via EMS Express Mail International for $35 (plus insurance cost) and this shipping method is REQUIRED for shipments to countries that do not upload delivery status top the USPS website. If you are an international buyer please wait until I invoice you with your shipping option(s).
- International Buyers – Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding. While I ship within 24 hours of receiving payment but your local custom authorities can delay the delivery of your package. As such, it can take anywhere from 7 days to 30 days before final delivery is made.
- Payment is due within three days of sale end, unless you’ve contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.
- In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you.
- If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add holbensfinewatches to your Favorite Sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s – 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies’ cocktail watches.
Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of straps including Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; German military Bunds; UTC ballistic nylon G10; open-ended; James Bond striped, leather and woven NATOs; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich-, shark- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant and woven/braided.
As my pal Cautious Carl says, "Buy a Nice Watch from Mike"….keep in mind he gets more dog treats when you do (and he’s getting fat!)
