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Gruen Precision Alarm "Tuxedo Dial", 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Gruen (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
GRNPA-MW
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (GRNPA-MW)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Gruen Precision Alarm "Tuxedo Dial" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number GRNPA-MW), this is a wristwatch by Gruen, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Fresh from the personal collection of style icon, automobile enthusiast, and Urban Outlaw himself, Magnus Walker, comes a 1960s Gruen alarm watch in fantastic condition. Gruen was founded in the late 19th century by German immigrant, Dietrich Grun. Based in Ohio, with production primarily handled in Biel/Bienne Switzerland, it at one point had grown to be the largest watch company in the entire US—even larger than household names Hamilton and Bulova. The brand unfortunately shuttered its doors forever in 1976 but they crafted some incredibly beautiful and unique watches before then, including this 1960s Precision Alarm. Featuring an incredibly clean tuxedo-style dial and a unique alarm-setting system, this is a watch that is not only striking to look at but fun to put to use. SPECS Stock # GRNPA-MW Brand Gruen Style Precision Alarm Model N/A Serial N/A Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver / Black Millimeters 35 Strap Generic Stainless Steel Window-Link Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The unique and slim barrel-shaped case is in very impressive condition, retaining crisp sunburst brushing on the top side of the case with signs of light polishing on the sides. The crystal is clean, showing no major scratches or dings. The case retains its original unsigned dual crowns at 2 and 4 o'clock. The case back shows only minor signs of wear and retains its original factory engravings. The watch comes supplied with an aftermarket, era-adjacent stainless steel bracelet. DIAL & HANDS The tuxedo-style dial with Arabic numerals is in wonderful condition for its age, showing some light elements of age and wear. The lume plots located at the 12, 6, and 9 o'clock plots have achieved a bright green coloration. The inlaid lume on the original baton-style hands has aged to a light creamy green color, with the hands themselves being in incredible condition. The center of the dial features 15-, 30- and 45-minute markers in between every hour marker, making it easy to set the alarm. The red alarm hand adds a punch of color to the dial. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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