Posted 11 years ago
Mynewpassion
(3 items)
I have gathered some info on this watch but am interested on anything you can tell me about this watch. I am trying to determine if I should restore it or sell it. I am now obsessed in the history of these watches left to me by my dad. He would be so proud!
That is a Very Appealing Watch. You will find many that like it as i do. The copper color isnt seen often, like the others. When i see those, i just have to pick them up! Gruen Makes a Pretty Watch. Restoration on these watches, isnt always feasible. A Watchmans labor is usually more than the watch is worth. They have overhead of the store, insurance, etc etc. If you Really like it & want to keep it, its worth a trip to a watch repairman, he will probably find a broken mainspring, & it may be worth it to you to repair. It Looks Art Deco. Lots of Art Deco lovers....
Note: Mens Watches Can be very plain looking, but still be "Very Valuable". Research first, & Beware. Their are people in this world, that will answer your questions, in a way, as to make you think your item is junk. Then ask? Are you selling? The Serial Numbers are on the movement, under the back cover. Its not worth scratching up, if you dont know how to get off the cover. A watchman can do it in seconds. Then you can see the serial numbers, names, & the Amazing Craftsmanship, that went into making these Fine Watches
Thank you so much for your invaluable info!! I'm going to visit my mom soon and she had 40 watches that my dad had collected. I told my hubby " see ya! I'll be lost in research and time gone by!" No pun intended :))
A Cooksey Shugert Book Will Be Very Helpful.... Remember" The Movement has to Be identical. 2 Watches that look similiar at First Glance, 1 = $10, 1=$1000.00. The Watch market is presently in the Dumps, a Great time to Buy, & Hold.
Awesome watch.. .
Ladies Greens have been on the rise in the past few months. Not a huge jump in popularity, but some in the Gruen community have been buying :-)
What I believe you have is a 1926 or 1927 Cartouche that I didn't see a specific model number for but did see the watch in several of the ads I have. It originally cost $35 which is $450 in today's dollars (not the actual value but inflation adjusted dollars. In 1927 I see an additional price added of $40 for a 14k version. You didn't mention case material for your watch.
For Gruen watches, the most important data, in addition to the movement caliber, is what is stamped inside the back of the case. For a watch your age it's not as important as later Greens but important just the same.
You'll find an article written on this along with one on researching Greens on the site GruenWristwatches mentioned in the research sites on the Gruen page here at Collectors Weekly.
If you want to restore it or other ladies Gruens, I wouldn't suggest doing so if you are doing it to sell. The price s of ladies Gruens are still quite low and getting your investment back is difficult. But don't let that deter a watch know your family!! Heck, I am often smitten with one of these to restore it knowing that I will lose money when I sell it.
Enjoy your Gruen! they're a fantastic brand to collect.
-Mike