Posted 2 years ago
supershark
(1 item)
This is a Gruen watch, which is about 1.25" square & 3/8" thick. I believe it is sterling silver. The chain is 10" long with a button fob at the end.
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Can anybody identify what type of watch thsi is and maybe a guess as to its value?
Hi from Sydney Australia!
I think this is a Gruen "Carré" . The French word "Carré" means square. Introduced about the time of the Great Depression (1931) the watch was only available until 1934. There's rarity value there! There are a number of sites on the Gruen factory but have a look at this one: http://www.pixelp.com/gruen/1929.html
This is a great site on Gruen watches and there is a section there on the "Carré".
They mention a variety of finishes and three main uses: as a man's pocket watch, as a woman's purse watch, and as a small, portable table clock.
Your watch seems to be missing the slide button for ease of opening.
They did it in gold, silver and a new invention aluminum! Yours is one of those with engraved patterns. Maybe it is aluminum and not sterlng! Wow!
It's actually a very clever piece of American design. Nice watch and fob!
That's most likely the silver model. The movements Gruen used in the early 1930 models were very high end for their time. It's worth having serviced in case the oil is dried or hardened.
vetraio50 & Robert,
Thanks you both very much for your information, it was very helpful. By the way, I wound the watch and it keeps time perfectly.
Every time I see that watch I covet it! It is so beautiful and unique! Has anyonme ever seen one like it?
Stunning watch!
Any chance I could inherit it? Please make a note on your will that this watch needs to be sent to sunny Spain....lol