GRUEN MADE OPEN FACE 0 size. Rare?

[artbissell]

Many years observing old Gruens thought there was only 1 open face 0 size like this. Saw and bought this second one (on left) yesterday. One is unique, but a second one appearing after many years means possibly a rare collectible. They have standard Gruen case maker marking. Bow is distinctive for the design? So anyone know of others like it? I have 6 0s Gruen made hunters with 6 original different movements. But little pendants are usually smaller with Aegler w.w. movements. Sales record photos not mine but o.k. by seller.
ATTACH=CONFIG]181883[/ATTACH


ZERO SIZE GRUEN HUNTERS ARE FIRST CLASS, BUT MORE CONVENTIONAL DESIGNS.

 

[artbissell]

The art nouveau style here is 30mm case with 24mm fine LeLocle area made 19j movement with Gruen serial for ~1910. So not a 0s but 10 1/2 ligne size Gruen made 18k. Seller age 19 to 28 had daughter/mother friendship with Mae West. So a 1976 gift from her. My daughter will inherit this one. Seller runs an ebay store but wanted to sell to an appreciative owner and did not mention its history. I have seen smaller and larger similar movements in marked Gruen cases and dials. Would like to know mvt. maker. Lecoultre?

 

[artbissell]

Owner of this little special Gruen wrote somewhat tragically about it:

 

[artbissell]

I really like the way photos are displayed here. Also loading is easier with my old slow equipment and lousy land line. Also AOL seems to be working better lately. I find the Ladies watch forum category very useful and entertaining at Watchuseek. Also could here?


Demo photo enhancement for NAWCC Editor. artbissell

 

[artbissell]

Finally confirmed that Vacheron was source for Gruen movement in this 10 1/2 ligne. I also saw a 17 ligne with same movement plates configuation marked Vacheron Constantin with Gruen serial number in a gruen case and dial. Bill Tapp confirms Vacheron movements in best quality small Gruens before 1920. LeCoultre has also been used and who knows how many different movements got into specials Gruen did. But Vacheron was probably primary source for the best early specials from Gruen.

 

[artbissell]

Here is sellers permitted photo of 17L size Gruen ~1910 serial numbered movement in Gruen case marked Vacheron on unfinished movement and dial. Indicates Vacheron an early supplier to Gruen for movements. Similars in several smaller sizes. Dietrich Gruens however look more like Touchon or Meylan.



View attachment 184257

 

[artbissell]

Not only does the little Gruen gift have a best case and a Vacheron movement, but Mae West managed to add a best quality emerald birthstone. According to a friend expert who says diamonds are fine quality but emerald especially so. Worth more than the 3 good diamonds. West had a fine jewelry collection. Her photo at 35 yrs. 1933. Gift bought and given 1976.

 

[Thojil]

Finally confirmed that Vacheron was source for Gruen movement in this 10 1/2 ligne. I also saw a 17 ligne with same movement plates configuation marked Vacheron Constantin with Gruen serial number in a gruen case and dial. Bill Tapp confirms Vacheron movements in best quality small Gruens before 1920. LeCoultre has also been used and who knows how many different movements got into specials Gruen did. But Vacheron was probably primary source for the best early specials from Gruen.

I recently found a very similar 11 Ligne (25mm) high grade Gruen movement with serial number 126018. The movement is beautifully finished unfortunatelly without its original case. Undoubtly the solid gold case it used to be in fell victim to gold diggers. This movement deserves to find a new home

 

[artbissell]

Not only does the little Gruen gift have a best case and a Vacheron movement, but Mae West managed to add a best quality emerald birthstone. According to a friend expert who says diamonds are fine quality but emerald especially so. Worth more than the 3 good diamonds. West had a fine jewelry collection. Her photo at 35 yrs. 1933. Gift bought and given 1976.

Better late than never correction. The inside case photo confirms replacement by Mae of something with the good emerald birthstone. Not known how long she owned it, but was possibly all diamonds, her birthstone, and well known as a smart diamond jewelry collector. So she did not buy it originally to be a gift as recipient reports. Recent auction sale has her jewelry items astronomically high. This one is a promised inheritance to my daughter, however. artbissell

 

[artbissell]

Many years observing old Gruens thought there was only 1 open face 0 size like this. Saw and bought this second one (on left) yesterday. One is unique, but a second one appearing after many years means possibly a rare collectible. They have standard Gruen case maker marking. Bow is distinctive for the design? So anyone know of others like it? I have 6 0s Gruen made hunters with 6 original different movements. But little pendants are usually smaller with Aegler w.w. movements. Sales record photos not mine but o.k. by seller.
ATTACH=CONFIG]181883[/ATTACH


ZERO SIZE GRUEN HUNTERS ARE FIRST CLASS, BUT MORE CONVENTIONAL DESIGNS.
View attachment 181890 View attachment 181892 View attachment 181896

 

[artbissell]

Many years observing old Gruens thought there was only 1 open face 0 size like this. Saw and bought this second one (on left) yesterday. One is unique, but a second one appearing after many years means possibly a rare collectible. They have standard Gruen case maker marking. Bow is distinctive for the design? So anyone know of others like it? I have 6 0s Gruen made hunters with 6 original different movements. But little pendants are usually smaller with Aegler w.w. movements. Sales record photos not mine but o.k. by seller.
ATTACH=CONFIG]181883[/ATTACH


ZERO SIZE GRUEN HUNTERS ARE FIRST CLASS, BUT MORE CONVENTIONAL DESIGNS.
View attachment 181890 View attachment 181892 View attachment 181896

Age 90 this year prompting inheritance planning. Simple with only a fine daughter running my business .Member Jack Wood said had a very fine grade emerald birthstone replacing a diamond by West. She found recently could be sold for 5 times the watch cost me. Only watch she wants from my collection. Already has my grandmothers Waltham. The green rock will remain in place, art b.