The unique dual Swiss/American nature of the Gruen Watch Co. specially positioned the company to combine fine Swiss precision with American appeal.

During the Jazz Age as American market watch firms dueled to create wristwatches that served as ever greater fashion statements, Gruen created a number of distinctive timepieces with no lack of panache.

The rare Gruen so-called “Bat Wing” driver’s wristwatch featured in today’s auction is a dramatic example of one of those pieces. Featuring a unique and eccentric “flexible lug” case, suggestive of the Chrysler building design so popular in Art Deco style, and a fine Gruen mechanism, this watch stands out from the pack for collectors.

Here are some of the features that make this wristwatch so special:

• Eccentric Art Deco case with distinctive, sophisticated, and harmonious proportions
• High quality,original Gruen mechanism
• Flexible lug design allowed drivers to wear the watch on the side of their wrist so as to read the time without taking their hands off the steering wheel
• Long and curved. Measuring an ample 50mm long, this elusive work of art makes quite a statement on the wrist.

We were fortunate to acquire it in all-original condition with uncommon pleasing original black dial. The band is vintage and even comes with original Gruen buckle!

The gold-filled case is in very good condition with age appropriate wear, though it is nicer than many examples and presents well on the wrist. The untouched original black dial with gilt printing is in excellent conditon with fairly light aging. The handwound Gruen movement is clean. Photos of the inside available upon request.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it and installed a correct new-old-stock Gruen mainspring making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It is running very strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new watch in our testing position.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Don’t miss this very collectable Art Deco watch.

• Manufacturer: Gruen
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1920’s
• Serial no.: V39856
• Model: Precision, Ref. 641
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Dimensions: 21mm wide at center (excluding crown), 50mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Case material: 10K gold-filled
• Case markings (outside):10 KT. GOLD FILLED Apex, V39856
• Case condition:Very good condition with age appropriate wear, though it is nicer than many examples and presents well on the wrist.
• Dial:Signed Gruen Curvex and Precision, black with gilt printing, gold applied Breguet numeral indices, original and untouched
• Hands: Original, gold, epees
• Band: Vintage, Teju lizard or grain, remborde, very serviceable condition with original Gruen buckle
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it and installed a correct new-old-stock Gruen mainspring making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Keeping time on par with a brand new watch in our testing position.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX – watch presentation box; PAPERS – Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee