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European Gruen / Gilde Quadron #485, Rare Stateside Find. Art Deco 15J Caliber

Name: European Gruen / Gilde Quadron #485, Rare Stateside Find. Art Deco 15J Caliber
Brand: Gruen
Price: 1130 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Buckle up, this this the first time I have offered this model of Gruen. I have never offered an “European” Gruen Quadron. I am a Gruen Quadron “Fanatic” as reflected in my listings. I probably have 7-10 Gruen Quadron’s. To me they stand for an engineering victory in the mid 1920’s. Remember wrist watches were really an unknown fashion accessory back then, especially for men. While this caliber movement was born in 1935 in Europe, it is pure European. I sourced this watch from Germany. I love the interconnected history, it’s not often when you can trace a watch back to its origins. In the US, this is a real treasure to own. Thus is a watch that a serious collector would most likely know its history, to a casual observer, it would not get a mention. Gruen had a early collaboration with Hans Wildorf, one of the founders of Rolex. Their factories in Switzerland were across the street from one another. You see, it’s the history particularly early on that intrigues me. Here is your history lesson. The insider case back reads Gilde. These two companies in Europe collaborated on many projects including in infamous “Doctors Watch. This caliber 485 has the same shape ( barrel) as the Quadron collection. Now compare the picture that shows the caliber 484 with the caliber 157, almost identical. This model is in fact a German Gruen Quadron. The caliber 485 was first introduced in 1935 in Europe. Movement Maker was Gruen/Alpina (Straub) What a treasure. If you are a serious collector, especially from the Gruen side, this is a must have. This watch case has fixed wire lugs. Yes, not spring bars. That is why I had to source open ended watch bands. see the picture. The first set of calibers that you have listed are examples of what I consider the "classic" Quadron movements. These are all 8 3/4"' x 12"' movements, and all have the barrel shape. You should add the later calibers 485, 487, 679, 680, 681 and 682. See below for the well known Quadron caliber movements. Completed NOS Crystal Professionally refinished dial Professionally refinished case Comprehensive mechanical service (May of 24) New custom made open ended black watch band Buttero leather Look at the pictures. The watch is in sublime condition. The case was refinished by a European Watch Maker, he did a magnificent job! Look how clean this movement is, no pitting or etching anywhere, a testament to its historical care I have one in my personal collection, it has never been offered for sale. No is your chance. Talk about the epitome of Art Deco. This is the personification of a “Happy” time for the US. This is are and very hard to source. Don’t wait too long. It took me almost a year to source all correct replacement parts This is a conversation starter. This is a jealously watch. Think about this, this is close to 100 years young, look at the condition; it is superb for its age I acquired this timepiece from Germany, the DNA from Gruen of Europe, this is not a stateside import. This was born and sold in Germany or Europe Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was focusing on the British and Commonwealth countries. In 1925, Gruen introduced the men's Quadron. Similar in concept to the women's Cartouche models, these were rectangular watches containing very high-quality 15-j or 17-j tonneau-shaped movements. A larger movement is generally more reliable and accurate, and is generally more rugged, than a smaller one of the same quality, so the Gruen Cartouche and Quadron, with their case-filling, purpose-built movements performed much better than the small, round movements used by most of their competitors at the time. Round movements were still used in the less expensive rectangular Gruen wristwatches. According to their advertising, Gruen submitted a consecutive run of 200 ordinary Quadron movements for observatory chronometer tests in Switzerland. There was not a category for wristwatches in 1925, so they were tested to pocket watch standards. Each of the 200 were granted a certificate for timekeeping excellence, which Fred Gruen believed to be a record at the time. These were the earliest American wristwatches to qualify as serious timekeeping instruments on par with a pocket watch. The efforts of companies like Gruen during this era helped change the public's negative attitude towards men's wristwatches. This amazing rare fully made over measures 41mm lug to lug and 22mm in width. The case measures approximately 35 MM without the lugs. It winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. I do not know when it was last serviced. The 157 was a lower cost alternative to the premium 117, 119 and 123 calibers, with 15 jewels and a less complex barrel and winding mechanism. It's also the most frequently seen of the Quadron's and was apparently quite popular in its day. They were in production from 1926 through at least 1932. Below is a list of Quadron movements 157 117 119 123 325 3251

Creator:

Gruen

Case Material:

Gold-filled

Strap Material:

Leather

Case Shape:

Rectangle

Movement:

Case Dimensions:

Width: 0.86 in (21.8 mm)Diameter: 1.19 in (30 mm)

Style:

Art Deco

Place of Origin:

Switzerland

Period:

1930-1939

Date of Manufacture:

1930s

Condition:

Polished. Repaired: Total mechanical service Case hand polished. Replacements made: Dial professionally refinished NOS Crystal New open ended watch band. Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Raleigh, NC

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU3149222882592

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