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Condition
Pre-owned vintage condition. Watch winds, runs and is currently holding time. Dial, case, crystal and bracelet show visible age-related patina, discoloration, scratches and wear consistent with a vintage timepiece. The aged dial has substantial original character. Service history is unknown. No guarantee of long-term accuracy or water resistance due to age. Please review photographs closely for exact cosmetic condition.
That last water-resistance sentence is important. Don’t imply that the historical “Waterprotected” dial marking means it’s presently water resistant.
Description
This is the kind of vintage watch where the decades have added character rather than taken it away.
Offered here is a vintage Gruen 17-jewel mechanical wristwatch featuring one of the more visually interesting period dials I’ve come across. The champagne/gold-tone dial features an intricate radial textured pattern, raised Arabic numerals and hour markers, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, and contrasting red WATERPROTECTED lettering.
Rather than looking sterile or over-restored, this Gruen retains the unmistakable character of a genuinely aged mechanical watch. The dial has developed substantial patina and tonal variation that gives the piece a warm, almost antiqued appearance. Combined with the domed crystal, gold-tone accents and period expansion bracelet, it has tremendous mid-century wrist presence.
The stainless-steel case back is marked GK-55914 and identifies the watch as antimagnetic, shock protected and water protected. The dial is signed GRUEN – 17 JEWEL.
Most importantly, the watch is running and holding time during testing. It winds normally and the mechanical movement is operating. Service history is unknown, so as with any vintage mechanical watch, future servicing should be anticipated and precise long-term accuracy is not guaranteed.
The watch shows authentic vintage wear throughout, including patina, discoloration, scratches and surface wear. These characteristics are clearly shown in the photographs and are part of this particular watch’s vintage presentation.
Highlights: vintage Gruen mechanical movement; 17 jewels; running and holding time; subsidiary seconds; textured champagne/gold dial; applied Arabic numerals and markers; red WATERPROTECTED dial printing; stainless-steel case back; domed crystal; period gold-tone expansion bracelet; case marking GK-55914.
A compelling piece for the vintage-watch collector who prefers originality, patina and mechanical character over a watch that has been polished into looking new.
