DATE: Art Deco, c.1935

This piece, a stylish Gruen wristwatch in 14k white gold dating from the Art Deco period, circa 1935. The hard enamel curved face features white gold numerals and three brilliant cut diamonds, indicating the the hours, with slim white gold hands. With Gruen Curvex painted on the face, it features a small subdial for seconds with Precision across the top. To the back, it shows the Gruen stamp (also on the crown), with 14k and it's serial number, K32379. The original strap is made from genuine leather with a black snakeskin pattern. A lovely Deco watch, perfect for day to night wear. 

Dietrich Gruen was born in Osthofen, Germany, in 1847, and started his watchmaking career at age 15. In 1867 he went to America and settled near Columbus, Ohio. A hard-working young man, Dietrich was awarded his first watchmaking patent at age 27, in 1874. in 1894, after an economic depression, Gruen and his eldest son, Fred formed a new partnership and Gruen Watch Company was born. Dietrich died suddenly in 1911, so Fred and his younger bother George carried on the business to honour their father. In the 20's and 30's, wristwatches became very popular and Gruen was one of the first companies to design movements specifically for wristwatches; making rectangular movements for rectangular watches. This was carried over to the famous Gruen Curvex. 

STONES 

Brilliant Cut Diamonds 

MEASUREMENTS 

Face: 2.8 x 2.3 x 0.8cm ( H x W x D)

Wearable length: 7.4 inches - on the last hole (can be made smaller) 

WEIGHT 

29.76g

MARKS 

Stamped 14k 

Gruen 

CONDITION 

Excellent