Gradpap's Watch (Strap Recommendations URGENTLY Needed)
When my Dad passed away last year my Mom gave me a box of old pocket watches, wrist watches, and assorted parts that he had collected over the years.
One of the items was a Gruen Veri-Thin watch in it's badly battered original box.
I remember seeing my Grandpap (Mom's Dad) wear it my whole childhood. She confirmed that it was given to Grandpap by my Grandma in the 1930's.
Since he died in 1991 it hasn't been serviced in over 30 years, probably 40 or more in reality. With that said the watch currently runs within 30 seconds per day based on the app on my phone. Extremely impressive!
I am looking to tap into the WatchCrunch hive mind.
The twistoflex bracelet has to go. The lug width looks like approximately 5/8 of an inch so I would use a 16mm strap. Does that sound right for these old Gruens?
I want to replace it with something that would honor my Grandpap who was from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. He loved the Pirates and Steelers so black and yellow it is a must. Since this watch is small I want something that will increase its wrist presence. It also should be a bit daring to balance out the watch's old-fashioned aesthetics. Please recommend away.
Obsessed with watches since kindergarten.
I disagree about replacing the Twist-O-Flex. I think it lends authenticity to the piece and is appropriate. You can bring it back to life in an ultrasonic cleaner with a little soap & water & a little bit of alcohol.
Really nice watch with great patina. That's a hand-me-down. ❤
This is exactly how these watches were worn back in the day. You can honour your grandfather by having the watch properly serviced and wearing it the way he wore it.
I don’t think that putting an oversized, garish black and yellow strap on this would honour him at all. Grandpaps would be upstairs shaking his head with shock and disdain.
But that’s just my take on it. It’s your watch now. Do what you’re gonna do.
I disagree about replacing the Twist-O-Flex. I think it lends authenticity to the piece and is appropriate. You can bring it back to life in an ultrasonic cleaner with a little soap & water & a little bit of alcohol.
Really nice watch with great patina. That's a hand-me-down. ❤
Is it an actual Twist-o-flex or a scissor style expansion bracelet?
I agree that you should hang onto it and maybe add a nice brown croc also.
Given it's age and length of time between use I'd caution against running it much until a watchmaker has a chance to look at it. Definatley worth having restored by a pro.
This is exactly how these watches were worn back in the day. You can honour your grandfather by having the watch properly serviced and wearing it the way he wore it.
I don’t think that putting an oversized, garish black and yellow strap on this would honour him at all. Grandpaps would be upstairs shaking his head with shock and disdain.
But that’s just my take on it. It’s your watch now. Do what you’re gonna do.
I was his least favorite grandson so it wouldn't surprise me a bit. I don't want to go too wild with the strap mostly thinking black strap with yellow stitching but was open to other ideas.
Is it an actual Twist-o-flex or a scissor style expansion bracelet?
I agree that you should hang onto it and maybe add a nice brown croc also.
Given it's age and length of time between use I'd caution against running it much until a watchmaker has a chance to look at it. Definatley worth having restored by a pro.
Not twist-o-fex branded so scissor style. It stretches too much on my wrist and has seen better days. I wasn't going to throw it away but retire it gracefully. Probably a black strap with yellow stitching would be ideal but looking for material or brand ideas.
Not twist-o-fex branded so scissor style. It stretches too much on my wrist and has seen better days. I wasn't going to throw it away but retire it gracefully. Probably a black strap with yellow stitching would be ideal but looking for material or brand ideas.
You might actually get a Speidel Twist-o-flex that is similar in look to the original.
I agree with @Davemcc that too showy a strap would be out of character for that watch.
Have it serviced or wear it only rarely. You are on borrowed time. Don't try to give it more wrist presence, it will shine all by itself. Hit it with a gold wipe to eliminate any tarnish coming through the plate from the case. It will brighten up. A wipe may also brighten the bracelet if it has some gold plating (it may). It is probably not the original bracelet, but it may be the second. It has some interesting texture, so it was not cheap.
I usually remove expandable bracelets because my wrist is on the hirsute side. I have made an exception:
Consider stitching that will complement the gold. That's what I tried to do here:
So, substitute black.
Is it an actual Twist-o-flex or a scissor style expansion bracelet?
I agree that you should hang onto it and maybe add a nice brown croc also.
Given it's age and length of time between use I'd caution against running it much until a watchmaker has a chance to look at it. Definatley worth having restored by a pro.
I'm sure it's not a TOF bracelet, I was just referring to it by that name the same we say Kleenex and Band-Aid.
I think a black buffalo strap with a gold buckle or butterfly clasp would look good. Such as this Hirsch https://allwatchbands.com/collections/hirsch-watch-straps/products/kansas-by-hirsch-mens-short-black-buffalo-embossed-calfskin-leather-watch-strap
I like Hirsch for vintage watches as they do a wide range of sizes and buckles/clasps.
I think a black buffalo strap with a gold buckle or butterfly clasp would look good. Such as this Hirsch https://allwatchbands.com/collections/hirsch-watch-straps/products/kansas-by-hirsch-mens-short-black-buffalo-embossed-calfskin-leather-watch-strap
I like Hirsch for vintage watches as they do a wide range of sizes and buckles/clasps.
That's a great suggestion