Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 13

1920"s Art Deco Gruen Quadron 15 Jewel, Restored, 14KY Gold Filled

About the Item

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. According to their advertising, Gruen submitted a consecutive run of 200 ordinary Quadron movements for observatory chronometer tests in Switzerland. There was not a category for wristwatches in 1925, so they were tested to pocket watch standards. Each of the 200 were granted a certificate for timekeeping excellence, which Fred Gruen believed to be a record at the time. These were the earliest American wristwatches to qualify as serious timekeeping instruments on par with a pocket watch. The efforts of companies like Gruen during this era helped change the public's negative attitude towards men's wristwatches. If you research my selling history you will find that the “Quadron” is my number one selling style of watch. It is simple, I am a history nut and I appreciate the huge risk that Gruen took in the 1920’s to introduce a rectangular movement to the wrist watch work, in addition, it was as accurate as a pocket watch. Now that is what I call innovation. Gruen had a purpose to build a better watch The Quadron series featured these movements: The Quadron collection consisted of the following calibers as the years went by. 117 17 jewel 119 17 jewel 123 17 jewel 157 15 jewel 325 17 jewel 3251 21 jewel 877 Techniquadron The dial was refinished. Imagine “Liquid Beige Silver” that is what this dial looks like. Silver hands and hour markers. The watch has the original crown. Look at picture 10, Gruen created a dust and moisture collar to help prevent dust and moisture from seeping into the movement. What an ingenious and clever design touch. This was has had the following: A complete tear down service New Stem New Old Stock Crystal Dial refinished Case gently polished New black leather band with period correct white top stitch Look at the case detail; notice the case corners are sharp and not rounded. Look closely, This is hard to come and very rare in a gold filled case that is almost 90 years old. The case measures 24 MM wide (without crown), approximately 38 MM long (with lugs) The case back is clean, bright and wells preserved! The band is a 19MM black band Use the pictures are part of the description. I have tried to take close ups of the watch. The pictures do represent the watch very well. My handling time to ship is approximately 10 days as I travel a lot. Please keep that in mind. The watch are being sold as is, keep that in mind. If you have a concern, please email me and I will try to work with you. I may not be a frequent seller and buyer, but I am honest and value my reputation as being forthright. Vintage watches are vintage watches; they can be like a vintage sports car. They can be temperamental at times. For accuracy, the case bezel has one or two wear nibbles
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Movement:
  • Case Dimensions:
    Width: 0.95 in (24 mm)Diameter: 1.5 in (38 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1920s
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: Dial Professionally refinished. New Crystal New Watch Band Case gently hand polished Complete mechanical service. Repaired: Dial Professionally refinished. New Crystal New Watch Band Case gently hand polished Complete mechanical service. Polished. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Raleigh, NC
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3149220721472
More From This SellerView All
  • Art Deco Gruen "Batwing" AKA FRanternity
    By Gruen
    Located in Raleigh, NC
    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 highl...
    Category

    Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • 1908 Waltham "Offset" Trench/WW1 Watch, YG Filled, 15 Jewels
    By American Waltham Watch Co.
    Located in Raleigh, NC
    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 t...
    Category

    Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • 1928 Art Deco Elgin 15 Jewel Survivor, Beautiful Restoration
    By Elgin
    Located in Raleigh, NC
    What a beautiful watch. This 1920’s Men’s Elgin has been restored from the ground up. The 7 jewel movement purrs like a kitten and keeps accurate time. It has recently had a complete service to insure consistent reliability. This is a harder size to find, a 3/0 size and the coveted 15 jewel...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • 1931 Elgin Campus Model 467. White and Green Gold Filled! Art Deco Beauty
    By Elgin
    Located in Raleigh, NC
    Elgin, think Art Deco, think white and green gold-filled middle case, Think amazing condition. This is part of the Elgin Campus series that came out. This is the model 467. But first…… Think 1931! Think Elgin Campus Series! I have a shameless plug! My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches...
    Category

    Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • 1929 Hamilton "Square B" Art Deco, 17 Jewels, Beautiful Condition
    By Hamilton
    Located in Raleigh, NC
    Let me introduce you to the Hamilton Square B Engraved! It is a mouthful! This 14 karat white gold filled Art Deco beauty was made for approximately 2 years, a very short run. Who is the Hamilton Watch Company, read below! Think Art Deco, think Roaring 20's, think the birth of a wrist watch, that's is where this watch is placed in historical context Hamilton Watch Company, What a story! Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and began producing pocket watches. From the very beginning, the focus was on quality and accuracy, and these principles had made Hamilton a...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • 1928 Elgin E-1 Series, 15 Jewel, Rare Dial Offering
    By Elgin
    Located in Raleigh, NC
    Thank you for dropping by. I have a sublime offering that is Art Deco through and through. Elgin, one of the prolific early American wrist watch manufacturers. The played a significant role during the early wristwatch era. This is just an example. This is an incredible survivor from two generations ago. This 1928, one year before “The Great Depression” hung over the US like a dark angry cloud. This could be labeled a Streamline Moderne offering in 14 karat white gold filled. The case is in remarkable condition for being almost 100 years young. Elgin “Model 621” men’s Streamline Moderne design wristwatch in 14K white gold fill, circa 1928. Let me share with you what makes this such a coveted treasure to own, if you are on my sight, you like vintage watches. With bias I know I offer some of the best in the market today, don’t take my word, read my reviews. Back to the Elgin, sorry I got lost for a moment. This dial is the crown jewel of this offering. It is called an Incuse Exploding dial...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

You May Also Like
  • Gruen 10k Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
    By Gruen
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    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...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Gruen White Gold-filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1925
    By Gruen
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tonneau METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold-filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1925 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMEN...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Gruen Gold Filled Tonneau
    By Gruen
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    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...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
    By Gruen
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 592 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 425 DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Original Dial with Gilt Arabic Numeral Markers / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 19mm / 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...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Gruen White Gold-Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch from 1931
    By Gruen
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1931 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Width 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 115 DIAL / HANDS: Enamel Print Dial with Arabic Numeral Markers / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Period Leather, Strap and Buckle, 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 and dependable watch by the renowned house of Gruen is in nearly new condition. It is done as a classic cushion shape because it looks like a pillow cushion. The watch is all original, dial and hands with beautiful blued steel hands. The dial is done in Sterling Silver with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing and was produced by the legendary house of Stern Freres. Stern was the major dial maker in Switzerland at the time and supplied dials to the finest Swiss houses. In fact in the early 1930's Stern purchased the world's most famous watch company, Patek Philippe from the bankruptcy court. The Stern family still owns Patek Philippe today. If you cannot afford a Patek, you can own a watch with a dial by the owners of the company. And, you can wear this watch all the time for all sorts of occasions. The watch is fitted with what appears to be an original period strap and buckle. The strap is too fragile to be worn however but we offer the watch with a new Lizard Strap and the original buckle as well. 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...
    Category

    Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Curvex Watch with Diamond Dial 1940's
    By Gruen
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 449 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 22mm...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

Recently Viewed

View All