DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Gruen, Fiftieth Anniversary Watch, "Twenty-One 21 Jewels & Two 2 Diamonds" marked mvt with gold plates, Swiss made for American market, 12S, heavy 18K white gold pentagonal Gruen case with initials to rear, silvered dial with applied gold numerals, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, diamond endstones over balance and escape wheel, ornately engraved rose gold mvt plates, s#338. Comes with its original presentation box. Gross weight of assembled watch 43.6 dwt (67.8 g). The Gruen Fiftieth Anniversary Watch was produced in 1924 with a total production of 650 made, this total figure corresponds to a group of 600 in recognition of each of the months of the 50 years along with a separately numbered series of 50 in recognition of each of the years. These watches were marketed as "The Priceless Possession of a Few" and catered to a very exclusive clientele being prohibitively expensive with a base cost of $500 in 1924; and for those looking to push past the $500 base cost there were higher priced options available depending on case material, finish, and design.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, superb lustrous plates, some oxide to mounting block of regulator adjustment screw, few small bits of oxide to winding wheels; dial with some spotting at perimeter, few small spots to central portion; nearly mint hands; case shows very little wear, micro-fine scratches to rear, excellent engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows little wear but has a small section of loss to its white gold jacket (outer layer) over two ridges at one side; good glass crystal; box in fine cosmetic condition overall, some exterior stains with the most significant being a circular stain to the left side of its upper lid, few scrapes with finish loss, interior is missing its original padded tray into which the watch sets, lock with key present and good function.
ESTIMATE:
$4000
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$6000
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