Mens 1937 Gruen Rist Side LORD Extreme CURVEX 330 Caliber Engraved Drivers Watch

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In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler Co. movement duo-dial doctor's watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdorf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression (and more pressing concerns) prevented this.I am very pleased to offer for sale the following men's Curvex timepiece from the Gruen firm, arguably a "Holy Grail" of Gruen watch collecting. It is a men's 1937 Rist-Side Lord CURVEX model, complete with the textured and engraved Art Deco bezel design work that I love. This Curvex model was designed to sit on the side of one's wrist. It is a true Drivers watch as the time can be read by the wearer while both hands are on the steering wheel.This 10kt Yellow Gold filled example is in EXCELLENT plus condition - it was a bear to photograph so I would confidently say it shows much better in person as compared to my photos. Yes, when you see it in person it will be NICER than these pictures show!Triple-signed, its extremely curved case actually measures 53mm lug tip to lug tip if you were to 'flatten' the case into a straight form. Being an extreme curve the revised distance from end to end is 37.5mm while the width is 20.5mm (22mm with matching and correctly unmarked crown). My trusted watchmaker has fully serviced its original 17 jewel, Curvex 330 caliber movement, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.The silver enamel finished dial is in excellent order, the original that has been professionally restored to its correct status and very nicely done. It features a 60 minute outer chapter, raised gold Breguet-style numbers, original Breguet-style moon tip hands and separate seconds dial with 60 second outer track and 'sweep' gold seconds hand. Signed GRUEN CURVEX below the 12 and PRECISION above the seconds dial.The solid glass crystal is in excellent condition with no scratches. The 10kt Yellow Gold Filled extremely curved case is in excellent order with that incredible Art Deco design on the bezel - a 'Fountain' motif in the center with textured engraving on the sides. Bezel/case condition is perfect - again, this was a BEAR to photograph but I can guarantee that's it is nicer than you see as it's hard to minimize shadows and reflections. The winding crown, unmarked, may possibly be original as it looks correct for this model. It is in excellent shape, winding and setting smoothly.Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is stamped GRUEN 10K GOLD FILLED with no personal engravings - just a touch of brassing at one corner, very hard to see.Inside is its original 330 caliber Curvex mechanism that is signed GRUEN WATCH CO., PRECISION, SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS, [Caliber] 330, CURVEX, SWITZERLAND, GXC . The inside of the case is signed Cased & Timed in USA by the Gruen Watch Co., 304/330 with case number 2632552 below.This ready to wear Curvametric "Rist Side Lord" model has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time . It is fitted with a new men's length 14mm black lizard grain strap with gold finished buckle. All in all a rarer than hens' teeth timepiece that belongs in a Gruen collector's collection. Thanks for taking a look and feel free to ask me any questions.Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men's vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men's watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know.U.S. winners pay $11.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.7% sales tax.Canadian winners pay $35.00 for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $52.00 (actual or below actual cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees.International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker.If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands , offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by, and we hope you place a bid. Let us know if you have any questions! read more

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