Vintage Gruen Carre Purse Pocket Watch Table Clock

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In this auction I am parting with a watch that has been in my family since the 1930's. It is a Gruen Carre (with an accent over the final "e"). If you "google" Gruen watch, in the history of the company you will learn that the Carre is a "very chic Gruen that clicks open at a finger touch." Actually, you have to sort of push it open! When you read the Gruen article, you will also see a picture of my grandfather, Ben Katz. He gave the watch to my mom, who then gave it to me. I have owned it for about 40 years. I think it was working when I first got it, but it has been in a safe deposit box for many years. This watch had three intended uses: as a man's pocket watch, as a woman's purse watch, and as a small, portable table clock. These watches were made between 1931-1934. On the face of the watch is written "Gruen Guild" at the top, and "Switzerland" on the bottom. On one side of the watch is engraved "Carre," and on the other side the numbers 2812 are engraved. According to the article about Gruen, the Carre contains a round, 15-jewel movement. When closed, the watch measures about 1 inch square. I just spent almost $300 to get this watch to run again. It was fixed by horologist, Claudio Lanzafame. I remember him telling me he fixed the balance, and some other things which I didn't hear because I always forget to listen. So it is now both functional, and incredibly collectible. I doubt that t a a gazillion people in ebayland who HAVE to own this watch, but someone out t might really appreciate its uniqueness and its value. I am adding a Best Offer option. Please make only reasonable offers. I am not starving, so I really don't care if I never sell it. A true collector will appreciate this watch. I know the value of the watch...and I love it...and if it doesn't sell, I will use it. After all...it now works!! Please note, while the watch runs beautifully, it must be wound, and it must "move" or it won't continue to run. I have wound it almost daily since I had it "fixed," and it continues to work each day. When the article I keep referring to was written (1999-2001), the author claims that, at that time, the Carre was valued between $1375-3175. Although this has been fixed and is running beautifully, please keep in mind that this watch is about 75 years old...and it should be handled with love and care! Shipping and insurance are included in the BUY IT NOW or Best Offer price. A signature will be required for this watch. **** Buyer must pay within 3 days of auction's close. No returns accepted. I welcome new eBayers, however, please understand that if you bid & win you are obligated to pay on my terms. I will only ship to confirmed address. I will ONLY ship outside the U.S. using USPS Express Mail. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PAYPAL ACCOUNT, PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR ASSISTANCE. AUCTION TERMS: I apologize to the majority of my customers for having to State Terms! Most of you are wonderful, and your business is greatly appreciated. However, due to the number of problems I've encountered, I feel I MUST clarify my auction rules. So, are my terms: (1) Buyers are expected to contact me no later than 24 hours after the close of the auction; (2) I expect payment no later than 3 days after the close of the auction; (3) I promise to leave appropriate feedback once I know you have received your merchandise and are satisfied with the transaction. If you are unhappy in any way, please allow me the opportunity to rectify the problem PRIOR to leaving feedback; (4) Customer satisfaction is very important to me. Please don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions; (5) All my items are from a smoke-free, pet-free home; (6) All sales are final unless I made an error in my description; (7) I am happy to combine shipping. Please allow time for me to send you an i... read more

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