I’ve seen this and think it’s my sort of dial and case but before I go down this path I’m wondering if Gruen watches are worth purchasing and what sort of reputation and value they have.



Thanks for any response

 

Probably produced toward the end of Gruen as a watch company. So, not old, or even vintage, for that matter. I’d say possibly mid to late 1960s. The movement has only 17-jewels, so none of the automatic winding components are protected by jewelled bearings. That can mean that, while the going train might be in good shape (the part that keeps time), the automatic winding on such watches is often worn out! Be prepared for a substantial outlay to have it serviced, and if parts are required, expect to spend even more! Older automatics often require manual winding to keep them running. That being the case, buy a manual winder instead. Value? If you like it well enough to buy it, the purchase price is worth it……..to you. Value is a personal matter.

 

Gruen has a wonderful history and were very well respected back in the day. They are similar to Hamilton in the facts that they were an American company with their own distinctive design language and then became Swiss controlled in the late 50's-early 60's with Swiss design influence. The watch that you are looking at is from the 1960's Swiss era of Gruen. It will be a decent watch but it bears no similarities to the iconic American designs from Gruen in the 1930's-50's. The rectangular Curvex with contoured case, angled movement and angular glass crystal was their flagship model. The thin, square and rectangular Veri-thin models were also uniquely Gruen in design.

When I think of Gruen, I immediately think Curvex - not the generic Swiss designs from the 1960's-70's. With that said, the simple, elegant 1960s watches are my hands-down favorite era and I have many in my collection. These are just not what Gruen built their reputation on.

 

If they were good enough for James Bond...

I agree, they made a lot of nice looking watches. I love my 1950 very-thin

 

I like Gruen as an under-appreciated brand. They are generally quite inexpensive (often under $100), so you should probably look for one in very fine condition with no questions. The OP watch is missing lume in the hands, and the dial seems to have no lume. So that raises some doubts for me.

 

Thanks for views. They were really helpful and helped me to focus on the pros and cons of the watch

 

Or these.

 

Did somebody say Gruen?

 

Also Gruen.

 

I have the articulated lug driver’s like Canuck’s and my neighbour has this never worn model given to all Toronto Maple Leafs players and personnel in 1967. I made the strap.

 

That articulated lug is bad-ass!

 

That strap suits it perfectly!