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FS The Usa's Rolex Prince: The Gruen Techni-quadron

  1. John Chris Il Duca de Luca Mar 11, 2013

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    The duo-dial "Doctor's Watch' movement was the invention of Aegler S.A. of Bienne, Switzerland, supplier of movements to Rolex (now part of Rolex). In the 1920s, Gruen also owned shares in Aegler, whose factory was across the street from Gruen's own Precision Factory. This expensive watch, the first production movement to obtain regular chronometer certification without special individual adjustment, was accordingly marketed in two ways: in the British Empire and Europe it was sold exclusively as the Rolex Prince, while in the USA it was sold exclusively as the Gruen Techni-Quadron, so they never competed. Rolex marketed the watch as perfect "for the man of distinction", while Gruen took a more scientific bent, "for the man who requires the exact time in seconds".

    This collaboration started in 1928 and continued until 1934 when Gruen sold its shares in Aegler, ending production of the Terchni-Quadron version of the watch. Rolex could thereafter distribute in the USA, although it did not do so in a big way till the '40s. The Gruen Techni-Quadron is in fact rarer than the Prince, which Rolex continued to produce until 1950, but it commands attractively lower prices, thanks to the power of Rolex's branding. It is, in all important respects, the same watch, and one of the best movements of this period. Its design allowed for both a larger winding barrel, yielding a 58-hour power reserve, and a larger balance wheel, both contributing to increased accuracy.
    This Gruen was produced in approximately 1930 and is in a 14k white-gold-filled case "reinforced with extra gold". The case is in excellent condition with decorative engraving on the sides and no wear-through. The movement is nickel with 15 jewels, adjusted to 4 positions, and was expertly serviced in 2011. It runs very well. The strap is genuine crocodile with a generic steel buckle. The crown is a replacement. The dial and hands are original.

    The movement photo at the bottom shows this watch's movement on the right. Beside it is a Rolex Prince movement in an 18 jewel chronometer version from another watch in my collection. It would sell for about $9,000, thanks to the name on the dial. All versions were of like accuracy.

    Asking: $2250 including shipping within North America. An extra charge will apply to overseas shipping. Payment by PayPal or bank wire (2% discount). Feel free to PM me or start a Conversation if you are interested or require any further information.
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  2. John Chris Il Duca de Luca May 2, 2013

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    bump
     
  3. adam78 Adam @ ΩF Staff Member May 3, 2013

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    John, what are the case dimensions, and what size strap?