European Gruen / Alpina Quadron, Rare Stateside Find. Art Dec 15J Caliber 157

Buckle up, this this the first time I have offered this model of Gruen. I have never offered an “European” Gruen Quadron. I am a Gruen Quadron “Fanatic” as reflected in my listings. I probably have 7-10 Gruen Quadron’s. To me they stand for an engineering victory in the mid 1920’s. Remember wrist watches were really an unknown fashion accessory back then, especially for men. While this caliber movement was born in 1935 in Europe, it is pure European. I sourced this watch from Germany. I love the interconnected history, it’s not often when you can trace a watch back to its origins. In the US, this is a real treasure to own. Thus is a watch that a serious collector would most likely know its history, to a casual observer, it would not get a mention. Gruen had a early collaboration with Hans Wildorf, one of the founders of Rolex. Their factories in Switzerland were across the street from one another. You see, it’s the history particularly early on that intrigues me. Here is your history lesson. The insider case back reads Gilde. These two companies in Europe collaborated on many projects including in infamous “Doctors Watch. This caliber 485 has the same shape ( barrel) as the Quadron collection. Now compare the picture that shows the caliber 484 with the caliber 157, almost identical. This model is in fact a German Gruen Quadron. The caliber 485 was first introduced in 1935 in Europe. Movement Maker was Gruen/Alpina (Straub) What a treasure. If you are a serious collector, especially from the Gruen side, this is a must have. This watch case has fixed wire lugs. Yes, not spring bars. That is why I had to source open ended watch bands. see the picture. The first set of calibers that you have listed are examples of what I consider the "classic" Quadron movements. These are all 8 3/4"' x 12"' movements, and all have the barrel shape. You should add the later calibers 485, 487, 679, 680, 681 and 682. See below for the well known Quadron caliber movements. Completed NOS Crystal Professionally refinished dial Professionally refinished case Comprehensive mechanical service (May of 24) New custom made open ended black watch band Buttero leather Look at the pictures. The watch is in sublime condition. The case was refinished by a European Watch Maker, he did a magnificent job! Look how clean this movement is, no pitting or etching anywhere, a testament to its historical care I have one in my personal collection, it has never been offered for sale. No is your chance. Talk about the epitome of Art Deco. This is the personification of a “Happy” time for the US. This is are and very hard to source. Don’t wait too long. It took me almost a year to source all correct replacement parts This is a conversation starter. This is a jealously watch. Think about this, this is close to 100 years young, look at the condition; it is superb for its age I acquired this timepiece from Germany, the DNA from Gruen of Europe, this is not a stateside import. This was born and sold in Germany or Europe Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was focusing on the British and Commonwealth countries. In 1925, Gruen introduced the men's Quadron. Similar in concept to the women's Cartouche models, these were rectangular watches containing very high-quality 15-j or 17-j tonneau-shaped movements. A larger movement is generally more reliable and accurate, and is generally more rugged, than a smaller one of the same quality, so the Gruen Cartouche and Quadron, with their case-filling, purpose-built movements performed much better than the small, round movements used by most of their competitors at the time. Round movements were still used in the less expensive rectangular Gruen wristwatches...

This the first time I have offered this model of Gruen. I have one in my personal collection, it has never been offered for sale. No is your chance. Talk about the epitome of Art Deco. This is the personification of a “Happy” time for the US. This model is very hard to source. Don’t wait too long. It took me almost a year to source all correct replacement parts This is a conversation starter. This is a jealously watch. Think about this, this is close to 100 years young, look at the condition; it is superb for its age I stumbled across this watch and had to have it. When was the last time you saw a Gruen Quadron with Gold Plated caliber 123 movement This watch is in amazing condition. I have several of these and I have had to have the lugs worked on as they had worn thin over the decades. There is some light scratching on the case, but you would be hard pressed to find wear through. Now think about this. This offering is almost 100 years old. It looks incredible, it has survived some wear through decades of wear. Please think that this is not in perfect shape. I must admit it is in amazing condition, but I have to remind myself it has a few miles on her. What you are looking at is a seldom seen Gruen Quadron caliber 123, 17 Jewel (the preferred Quadron movement as the Caliber 157 is only 15 jewels) in remarkable shape. This is pure Art Deco. I have two, so I am thinning the collection to obtain another historical marvel from the past. This is 14 karat yellow gold filled, or as Gruen calls Reinforced gold. Look at the pictures as they will fill in the blank spots of the condition of the watch. L In its grandeur years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company was one of the leaders in wristwatch innovation, quality, and design. Gruen even worked in partnership with Rolex earlier in the years. Original Dial and Hands were professionally refinished ( as I am aware of) Case was hand polished Comprehensive mechanical service Custom 16MM black band Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was focusing on the British and Commonwealth countries. In 1925, Gruen introduced the men's Quadron. Similar in concept to the women's Cartouche models, these were rectangular watches containing very high-quality 15-j or 17-j tonneau-shaped movements. A larger movement is generally more reliable and accurate, and is generally more rugged, than a smaller one of the same quality, so the Gruen Cartouche and Quadron, with their case-filling, purpose-built movements performed much better than the small, round movements used by most of their competitors at the time. Round movements were still used in the less expensive rectangular Gruen wristwatches...

In my watch restoration and personal collecting I have a soft spot for the Gruen Quadron series. Introduced in the mid 1920’s their engineering was revolutionary because their movements were rectangular flat and small. This allowed Gruen to introduce chronometer timing with their 15 and 17 and in later years 21 jeweled movements. Use thwe close up pictures to help you discern the collective quality. This is a real gem. Close 1to 100 years young. Perhaps the watch was worn by Benjamin Buttons. Hmm, what does that mean? What the movie. Did you know that prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries. Hans Wilsdorf ( Rolex founder)and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their manufacturing facilities were across the street from one another), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression prevented this. When one thinks of “Art Deco” one cannot ignore Gruen and its Quadron line. This collection that Gruen introduced in the mid 1920’s have instantly become a cult classic. I for one have over a dozen Quadrons models. They were at the time of their introduction and engineering masterpiece. Read on: This is the epitome of Art Deco, the Roaring 20’s. Gruen was considered revolutionary when it designed this movement, it went on to spawn a Quadron line that had multiple calibers associated with in. A little Gruen History: In years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even working together with Rolex. In 1925, Gruen introduced the men's Quadron. Similar in concept to the women's Cartouche models, these were rectangular watches containing very high-quality 15-Jewel or 17-Jewel tonneau-shaped movements. A larger movement is generally more reliable and accurate, and is generally more rugged, than a smaller one of the same quality, so the Gruen Cartouche and Quadron, with their case-filling, purpose-built movements performed much better than the small, round movements used by most of their competitors at the time. Round movements were still used in the less expensive rectangular Gruen wristwatches...

My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. I was selected because of my attention to detail and originality. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. This would of been a perfect watch style for the film. Gruen "Quadron Model 63" Men's Art Deco design wristwatch in 14K yellow gold fill, circa 1930. This Quadron model has a large stepped case with a recessed crown. It was priced at $52.50 in 1930. It is in excellent condition showing only a few tiny specks of brassing to the bezel corners and a little to the tips of the lugs. The case back is excellent and unengaged, it does have a tiny flea bite. Dial is very good. Case measures 38mm long and 24mm wide. The watch is powered by its correct 15-jewel Gruen grade 157 Quadron manual wind movement, just serviced and running strong. In years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even working together with Rolex. In 1925, Gruen introduced the men's Quadron. Similar in concept to the women's Cartouche models, these were rectangular watches containing very high-quality 15-j or 17-j tonneau-shaped movements. A larger movement is generally more reliable and accurate, and is generally more rugged, than a smaller one of the same quality, so the Gruen Cartouche and Quadron, with their case-filling, purpose-built movements performed much better than the small, round movements used by most of their competitors at the time. Round movements were still used in the less expensive rectangular Gruen wristwatches...

My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world-famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. I was selected because of my attention to detail and originality. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. What an honor for Vintage Watch Corner. I will share one Actor name, Robert Di Niro. This offering would of been perfect for the movie, it was not available at the time of the movies filming. As of three weeks ago I was picked up for another movie that was originally made in 1936, they are doing a remake. I am supplying the watches for that movie. Everyone once and awhile I get a treasure. This offering is originates from 1918, yes, that is correct 1918. There are several distinct characteristics that make this a real treasure to collect, keep reading if you are curious. The watches size is the special attribute. It is very hard to find 6 size wrist watches from the WW1 / Trench watch era. A genuine Bold Military dial that has been professionally refinished to its original status; this is the highlight of this listing. Luminous material has been applied. Don’t wait! Very hard to find an original WW1 Dial! This offering is super hard to find. You could wait years before another one comes up for sale. Take close notes, save the pictures, it will be a long time before you see another one. NOTE: To have a 6 size with a genuine WW1 / Trench watch dial is extraordinary. They are very difficult to find. This is the first one in about 10 years! For collectors who are reading this listing, they know how hard it is to find one in pristine condition. Let alone one with a higher caliber movement, 15 Jewels. The case measures approximately 40MM, unheard of during this era! Very Very Rare! I have gently hand polished this case with Simichrome, it is a polish that does wonders for silver, nickel, oresilver, silveroid etc. This watch was serviced November 2023. It runs beautifully as of this listing., It has a new crystal installed as well, I finished the watch with a 18MM black “Buffalo” leather open ended Trench Watch band with a stainless-steel buckle to match the case Please keep in mind the watches that are 100+ years young do not keep time like modern watches. The do not have modern seals to acts a s a dust or moisture barrier. Look at the pictures to compare against another watch. One has to know a bit of background to understand Trench / Wire Lug watches History about Trench Watches What is a “Trench Watch”? They were created using 3/0 and 0 size and very rarely 6 size pocket watch movements and installing into watch cases that were meant to worn on the wrist. The watch movement companies would send their movements to independent jewelers, who in turn would select the cases (as described below) to house the movement. So, the ordering process might go like this. A customer walks into a jeweler, with the help of the jeweler, the customer selects a 15 jeweled movement, then they go on to the case selection. The jeweler may recommend a higher end case manufactures like Depollier, Philadelphia, Fays etc and then it is the style of case as many manufactures had several different styles. Once a complete selection was made, the jeweler put it together and delivered the watch. That is how many Trench Watches (wrist watches) were born in the early 1900’s. The movements often came from women pocket watches because the wristwatch as we know was just being discovered. It is not uncommon to see various movements used in different cases, with various years. Remember the wristwatch was just being developed. They often have some of the following characteristics: Fixed or Wire Lug, some rare style have Swing Lugs: No traditional spring bar attachment as found in today’s watches. Case Material: Solid Gold / Sterling Silver {925} / Nickel / Silverode or Gold Filled were used. {This case lid snaps snug on the case. This is important to note as many cases were badly damaged by their owners over the past 100 years. This watch case has been taken care of throughout its 100 years, it is in remarkable shape} *For more practical purposes, a special alloy was developed which went by several different names, such as, “Silveroid, Silverore, Silverode or Silverine. “Silveroid” appears to have become the standard name for this metal that consisted of 45% nickel, 54% copper and 1% manganese. This metal was fairly hard wearing and could withstand the rigors of everyday use, for instance on the Railroads. Case Manufactures: There were many case manufacturers that made cases for Trench Watches. Some of the more well know were: Dennison (English Manufacturer) Illinois (not affiliated with the Illinois Watch Company) J Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more WW1 was 1914 to 1918, that is the time frame of many Trench Watches. Grade: 295 Manufacturer: Elgin Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois Movement Serial Number: 20427929 Grade: 295 Model: 2 Class: 115 Estimated Production Year: 1918 Run Quantity: 2,000 Total Production: 210,000 Size: 6 size Jewels: 15 Jewel Movement Configuration: Hunting Movement Finish: Nickel Movement Setting: Pendant Plate: 3/4 Plate Barrel: Going Train: Quick Regulator: Plain Hairspring: Breguet Escapement Type: Straight-line Adjusted: No Railroad Grade: No U.S. Patents: 77078 Data Research: 1904 Elgin...

I have another treasure for your consideration. It is one of the first Gruen Curvex models introduced in the mid 1930’s. Let me introduce you to the Gruen Curvex “ Batwing”. A highly collectible model Let me share a little history of the sublime watch offering. Keep in mind that it is 85 years young. This watch is in extraordinary condition, something that Vintage Watch Corner...

14 Kt Gold Alpina Gruen / Rolex Prince Doctors Jump Hour Wrist Watch Extremely Rare Collectors ! Movement : Cal. 877S rectangular-shaped mechanical movement, 17 jewels, Manual Win...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style / Reference 770 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm...

Gruen Curvex Year of Production: 1941 10k Gold filled case, approximately 39 mm in length, approximately 23.8 mm in width (excluding crown) Thickness 9.8 mm Rug width: 16mm The crown winds and sets smoothly Strap Material: New genuine black leather strap Dial Color: Silver, good conditions, with 18k gold applied numerals. Movement: Cal.440 Curvex Manual winding Crystal: Original clean high dome curved crystal Quite good general conditions In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1960s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex from...

Gruen Curvex Year of Production: 1942 10k Gold filled case, approximately 36 mm in length, approximately 25 mm in width (excluding crown) Thickness 9.8 mm Rug width: 16mm The crown winds and sets smoothly Strap Material: New genuine brown leather strap Dial Color: champagne dial good conditions, with luminous numerals. Movement: Cal.440 Curvex Manual winding Crystal: Original clean high dome curved crystal Quite good general conditions In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1960s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex from...

Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Rolex - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 15 Jewels - Swiss Made Gross Weight: 23.3 Grams (Includes Strap) Case Material: Solid 9k Rose Gold Case Width: 25mm (w/o...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau / Reference 387 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 426 DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Original Dial with Gilt Arabic Numeral Markers / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking Art Deco Watch was produced by legendary house of Gruen. The watch is dependable and easy to service. In the 1930's, we became Gruen agents in Los Angeles California. Gruen was a great company to work with because they had large collection, great styling, they were innovative and offered great service to their customers. It is sad that they could not, like so many other American Watch Companies withstand the Swiss and Japanese marketing. Founded in 1894 by Dietrich Gruen. The company had their American base in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it produced a wide variety of watches, including pocket watches, wristwatches, and chronographs. Gruen watches were known for their high quality and stylish designs, and they were popular...