Men’s 1939 Gruen Precision Dress Watch

Ladies and Gentlemen, when we speak of fine timepieces, we often lapse into superlatives – "rarest," "best," "cleanest" and "most stylish." In the case of our timepieces, these accolades all happen to be quite accurate. This is the quality for which we are known and certainly the benchmark for Deitrich Gruen.

Gruen emerged as one of the preeminent watch houses in the United States, producing accurate timepieces in stylish cases that became Jazz-Age darlings. Watch houses sought to outdo one another, carrying the wristwatch as a fashion statement to ever higher levels, but none seemed to touch the panache of Gruen. Founded in the United States in 1876, the legacy of Deitrich Gruen is a benchmark for watch designers to this day.

This Deco Gruen certainly illustrates the adage "Out with the curves, in with the geometric lines." So was the philosophy of "L'Exposition des Arts Decoratifs," an international fair held in Paris in 1925, from which the term "Deco" was derived. Designs were less florid, more geometric, drawing on abstract and cubist influences.

We're particularly fond of Gruen watches, as much for their style as their meticulous engineering. You will find few watch houses today that take the pride Gruen did three-quarters of a century ago. The look of their watches still quickens the pulse and nothing . . . nothing is as pleasant as a cleaned and timed Gruen movement ticking away. They are indeed great timekeepers.

For instance, one CANNOT find a more handsome example of a Deco timepiece than this men's Gruen Precision in original polish! Crisp and impressive, with a definitively Deco design and superb engineering, this 43mm by 21mm watch should be worn only by those who are at "one" with style. Features original two-tone platinum and silver dial with applied gold Arabic numerals; "Breguet" hands and matching "Gruen" crown; original crystal. It it a remarkably untouched piece; very-little worn, with "To Vincent/From Mother and Father/6-14-39" in period engraving on its outer back. We see this rare timepiece going to someone who can afford to wear fine things and will accept nothing less. Very West Egg, Very "In the Loop."

We've taken the liberty of completely cleaning, oiling and calibrating this 17 jewel time machine so that it runs and sets smoothly and accurately. Fitted with what we believe to be its original "bracelet" band of the period with very uncommon second-tier engraving of "V.P." on the clasp, the piece comes in a crème Bakelite, clam-shell Deco presentation box. Want to put a twinkle in someone's eyes? Want to buy yourself something you can enjoy for a lifetime? You've found your treasure!