Gruen Watches: Historic, high quality and beautiful!

Gruen watches have not been produced since 1894, but the beautiful pocket and wrist watches made during Gruen’s peak production era have become collector’s items today. Known for precision watch making, these beautiful creations remain a favorite of many.

History of the Gruen watch began in 1874 when German-born Dietrich Gruen traveled to the Us. He co-founded a watch company and was granted a patent for his improved safety pinion. The factory was originally called the Columbus Watch Company and the watch company’s name was Gruen and Savage. Gruen’s pocket watches were designed to be thinner (16 inches) than other pocket watches (18 inches). By the year 1879, 10 watches a day were manufactured by hand. Movements were manufactured in Germany and the case and timing sections were produced in the US.

By the year 1888, investors and partners were introduced. The company grew in size and before long, daily wristwatch production rose to 150 a day! The watches made by Gruen included: “D. Gruen & Son” 12 and 18 sizes as well as the 16, 18 and 21 sized VeriThin. The VeriThin was thinner than other watches made by competitors and were popular among the younger crowds. The precision watches made by Gruen were only sold to jewelry stores. No wholesalers were able to carry the Gruen line.

Gruen introduced, but did not patent the use of applied numbers and markers on the watch dials. He later grew to regret this decision, as many watchmakers worldwide adopted this process. The production of Gruen style watches only lasted until the onset of the “panics” in 1894.

To view Gruen antique watches, from diamond, curvex, gold and titanium timepieces, check online at bluedial.com or artoftime.com. You may be able to find discounted collector’s editions at shop.com or smartbargains.com