Mens 1910s Gruen WWI Military Sterling Silver 15j Swiss Wire Lug TRENCH Watch A,
Item History & Price
In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1960s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler movement duo-dial doctors watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdo...rf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression and (more urgent matters) prevented this.I am very pleased to offer for sale the following antique timepiece from the Gruen firm, a WWI era “Watch Specialties Co.” military trench watch that dates to ca 1912 – 1918. This brand was a subsidiary of the Gruen Watch Company that imported complete Swiss made watches into the United States during the 1910s. This example is in excellent overall condition, featuring a .925 sterling silver, Cushion-form case and porcelain enamel dial. It was also owned by a medical doctor (as inscribed on the back lid), indicating it may have been used during World War One where engravings like this were commonly used in case the watch got lost during battle or everyday assignments.Its sterling, three-piece wire lug case measures 37mm lug tip to lug tip and 32.8mm in width (34.8mm with original silver Onion-style winding crown). This works out to be just shy of 1-1/2 inches long by just over 1-1/4 inches wide, not including the crown. It appears larger in person given its narrow bezel framing on the sides – the dial is large and legible.Powering this watch is its original Watch Specialties Co. 15 jewel, 2 adjustment mechanism that’s been fully serviced by my trusted watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets while keeping accurate time.The 100% original white, porcelain enamel dial is in great overall condition, the original that’s had its original radium in the hands and numbers redone with safe, non-toxic acrylic material to mimic an aged luminous dial. There is one hairline crack that goes around the number 4 but this does not detract visually and there are NO edge chips, as shown in my photo of the dial with the bezel removed. It features black Arabic numbers, 60 minute outer track border, original blue steel skeleton hands and a slightly recessed, round sub-seconds dial with ‘sweep’ blue steel seconds hand. Signed GRUEN below the 12 and SWITZERLAND at the base. The acrylic crystal is in excellent condition, a new addition. The three-piece case is Solid Sterling Silver (.925 fine) and in excellent order, complete with solid, wire lugs that accommodate an 18mm wide strap. The original silver Onion-style winding crown is excellent as well, operating smoothly. Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is in very fine shape, solid sterling. Unlike most vintage watches where folks prefer a non-engraved case back, WWI military watches with such personal engravings are typically sought after, as they document the history of the wristwatch. As you can see, it has been professionally engraved “A.A. Southwick, M.D.”, letting us know that a doctor was the original owner.Looking inside I find a mechanism that’s signed Watch Specialties Co., Suisse – 15 Jewels, 2 Adj., with the number #735 stamped on the body of the case, as shown. The inside of the case lid is stamped WATCH SPECIALTIES CO., 0.925 with the Swiss “Bern Bear” silver hallmark, as shown. Note the #7735 stamp at the base; the body of the case is also stamped with the last 3 digits (#735), ensuring an original ensemble. This watch has been cleaned, oiled and regulated by a certified watchmaker to ensure that it winds and sets very smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on an 18mm black calf leather strap with silver steel buckle, a fold-over design especially designed for fixed (aka solid or wire lug) watches. I have not had a Watch Specialties Co. watch for sale on eBay for few years now – this one is a real beauty that runs beautifully.Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know. U.S. winners pay $13.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents are required to pay sales tax. Residents of states where eBay collects sales tax are also required to pay this.Canadian winners pay $44.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $64.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC). If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches. Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.
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