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What About Gruen Curvex Models?

  1. noelekal Home For Wayward Watches Feb 19, 2017

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    Have we ever had a Curvex photo thread? A search uncovers little.

    I used to think I'd like to pick up a nice solid rose gold or perhaps white gold Gruen Curvex, especially one of the pre-war models with the 311 or 330 movement. Now I'm wondering about the watches. After being on Omega Forums a few years I've noticed scarcely any Curvex discussion or photos. Are the Gruen Curvex watches a poor vintage choice? Were the movements problematic? Can anyone recommend any Curvex model or movement? Or, does a blanket statement: "Friends don't let friends buy vintage Curvexs, apply?

    Your Curvex experiences and your photos would be appreciated.
     
  2. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Feb 20, 2017

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    They are interesting in theory but way too esoteric looking for my tastes. Fussy dressy watches for a big wrist.
     
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  3. davidswiss Feb 20, 2017

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    When I first became interested in collecting Gruen also sparked my interest, but not as much as Omega and IWC.
    So when I actually started buying they were what I went for. I know nothing about the Gruen movements but they do look attractive.
    I think cost wise they are with a lot of now defunct Swiss brands and very affordable.
     
  4. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Feb 20, 2017

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    The Curvex isn't a poor vintage choice at all. They were very good watches for their time.

    It is difficult to find information on the different models to determine if watches are original, as Gruen made so many of them. This website might help you sort it all out:

    http://www.gruenwristwatches.com/

    Here's my one post-WWII example:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Hope this helps,
    gatorcpa
     
  5. TexOmega Feb 20, 2017

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    They were out there, design-wise.......My favorite Curvex, the Ristside circa 1936-7.

    Gruen Driver.JPG



    Radically Curved.JPG


    Top notch in quality, their best people in a separate facility produced the Precision movements. And Curvex was their Flagship model.
     
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  6. TexOmega Feb 20, 2017

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    Nice inscription enhanced my wanting it.

    DSC05241.JPG Inscription.JPG gruen-curvex-owners-out-there-curvex-movements.jpg
     
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  7. Canuck Feb 20, 2017

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    This one, from 1937.

    image.jpeg image.jpeg
     
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  8. TexOmega Feb 20, 2017

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    Cal 500 pre Curvex mov't. circa 1935

    DSC00750.JPG
     
    Edited Feb 20, 2017
  9. noelekal Home For Wayward Watches Feb 21, 2017

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    Great photos!

    I've found the long pre-war models to be appealing, but the later styles look nice too.

    Perhaps the Curvex line is small by today's standards and has less appeal because of the size. I do like some of the styles.
     
  10. X350 XJR Vintage Omega Aficionado Feb 21, 2017

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  11. alam Feb 21, 2017

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  12. voere pawn brokers are all about $$$ Feb 21, 2017

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    Nice Curvex's posted
    Here is one from my collection
     
    gc.jpg
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  13. TexOmega Feb 22, 2017

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    Cal 440 circa 1948

    Wrist Time.JPG
     
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  14. Vitezi Mar 6, 2017

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    Move over, Salvadore Dali...
    [​IMG]
    (thanksPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network)

    [​IMG]
    (thanks)
    [​IMG]
    (thanksPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network)
     
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  15. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Mar 6, 2017

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    Wonderful watches ...Fun and still to weird for me ... there is a certain magic missing from adverts these days.
     
  16. kingsrider Thank you Sir! May I have another? Mar 7, 2017

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  17. gostang9 Apr 21, 2018

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    I just won my first vintage eBay auction with a Gruen Curvex. High chance this is my noob tax, but the dial pulled me in and the price was low enough in the event it’s a total mistake.

    Any tips on where to search for a crystal?

    Photos cropped from the listing:
    DEDE8BDE-BB88-485E-B3CA-12CF9FC3A7A3.jpeg E8E2E26D-A577-40A0-87C2-706AD37A55E5.jpeg 92F61A21-1F13-49AC-9859-D3D05E30CFDA.jpeg
     
  18. noelekal Home For Wayward Watches Apr 22, 2018

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    Yummy-looking to my unpracticed Curvex eye, gostang9!

    I still need to scratch the Curvex itch.
     
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  19. jimmyjay Apr 22, 2018

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    That dial attracted me too. But I had no idea how to source a crystal. Congratulations.
     
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  20. gostang9 Apr 22, 2018

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    Not do I. This could be a long, painful and expensive road for me, but I’m in no hurry so will make the best of it.

    My thought was that because there are many out there, parts or donor watches should be available. I’m realizing that the same quantity is also a challenge as there are many different models and nuances between them.

    I also need a small seconds hand and he movement may have some issues as well. I have been a modern watch guy until recently, and this rabbit hole is quickly sucking me in..
     
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