First Vintage watch - A Gruen precision watch
Anyone know much about this watch? Found it at an antique store for $8. Looked cool and did a quick search and apparently James Bond (Sean Connery) wore a Gruen precision. Wound it up and it’s been keeping decent time, but may need a service and a good cleaning. Thanks in advance
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theChilean
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Atlanta
Member since
Last active: 2 days ago
6.75” / 17.15 cm
This looks like one of the night/day models where all the markers will change from black to red or white at 12am and 12 pm.
Nice lugs and indices! Presumably between 1958 and 1977 given the Swiss marking. The crown looks crooked, which worries me a bit. I have no idea why they sold it at that low of a price except perhaps somewhat rough cosmetic condition. Any markings on the back?
Nice lugs and indices! Presumably between 1958 and 1977 given the Swiss marking. The crown looks crooked, which worries me a bit. I have no idea why they sold it at that low of a price except perhaps somewhat rough cosmetic condition. Any markings on the back?
The crown is slightly crooked, I didn’t notice that 🤦🏻♂️ hope it’s all good inside.
Nice lugs and indices! Presumably between 1958 and 1977 given the Swiss marking. The crown looks crooked, which worries me a bit. I have no idea why they sold it at that low of a price except perhaps somewhat rough cosmetic condition. Any markings on the back?
Most Gruens had Swiss movements. The "Ra" is for radium which puts this before 1967. The styling puts it in the 1950's. A shot of the movement will let you place it more precisely. There are obsessive Gruen websites that will give you loads of information.
Most Gruens had Swiss movements. The "Ra" is for radium which puts this before 1967. The styling puts it in the 1950's. A shot of the movement will let you place it more precisely. There are obsessive Gruen websites that will give you loads of information.
Ah, it does not say "Swiss Made" which was a later legal thing for which I don't have a date. Thanks for correcting my admitted presumption.
I also assumed that no shop would be dumb enough to let something with the tiniest amount of gold plating go for $8, and there seems to be no indication of such content. Spinning the time through twelve hours should verify the assertion of @Davemcc. That would be a substantial bonus for me, and I was wondering why the indices had a recessed area.
I guess it should change at 6:00 according to this video.
https://youtu.be/wn8RX4u_ecE
Most Gruens had Swiss movements. The "Ra" is for radium which puts this before 1967. The styling puts it in the 1950's. A shot of the movement will let you place it more precisely. There are obsessive Gruen websites that will give you loads of information.
I’m honestly terrified to open the back 🤣🤣 I don’t know any trusted local watchmakers in my area. I’ll check out some of those Gruen websites and start searching for a watch maker. @PoorMansRolex it does switch from green to black which is EPIC!
I guess it should change at 6:00 according to this video.
https://youtu.be/wn8RX4u_ecE
Oh hell, I want one now.
Few match with google lens
That's pretty damn cool 😎
@Aurelian @PoorMansRolex @Davemcc was able to open it up and it is a 510RssCA. Mine changes from green to black at around 2pm. I’d love to service it and see what I can do about that bent crown. Any other info I can search now having the back open?
A light googling says circa 1955, as if anyone doubted Greg.
https://www.emmywatch.com/db/movement/gruen--510ca/
A light googling says circa 1955, as if anyone doubted Greg.
https://www.emmywatch.com/db/movement/gruen--510ca/
Thank you sir. I dug a little deeper and looks like it’s a N510CA which puts it closer to 1960. Is there a cost effective way to fix that bent crown? Does it matter?
Thank you sir. I dug a little deeper and looks like it’s a N510CA which puts it closer to 1960. Is there a cost effective way to fix that bent crown? Does it matter?
I know nothing but I'd worry that the bent stem will lead to undue stresses and eventually lead to something worse. Really, I'd see a watchmaker on that. The stem is almost certainly replaceable by some standard part that comes in boxed assortments that they have and can match up. Installation is a breeze and the hardest part is cutting to length so the crown is flush with case, which takes a few iterations to achieve, but none of it is rocket science once you find the right stem. Don't ask me how that is done. I don't know either. The crown, still being attached, may be removable and reusable, which is in your favor. I'd fear that this thing will fatigue and fracture if left as is. You don't want that mess.