DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Gruen, Fiftieth Anniversary Watch, "Twenty-One 21 Jewels & Two 2 Diamonds" marked mvt with gold plates, Swiss made for American market, 12S, 18K white gold pentagonal original Gruen case with black enameling to bezel, rear perimeter and bow, refinished 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#541. Comes with its original presentation box as pictured. Gross weight of assembled watch 44.6 dwt (69.4 g). The Gruen Fiftieth Anniversary Watch was produced in 1924 and a total of 650 examples were made, this total production figure corresponding 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 were catered to a very exclusive clientele, being prohibitively expensive with a base cost of $500 in 1924. For those looking to push past the $500 base cost, there were even higher priced options available depending on case material, finish, and design.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches, larger winding wheel with a small spot of oxide; refinished dial with scattered dark spotting around perimeter areas; excellent hands; case shows very little wear, no dents or dings, bezel enameling is fully intact, rear perimeter enameling is virtually fully intact with only minuscule bits of loss at lower corners; tight bow with losses of black enameling, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal; box in excellent overall condition showing little wear, some scratches and rubs to upper lid, some spots of leather loss to right side, interior is excellent, good latching function, locking key is not present.
ESTIMATE:
$4000
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$6000
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