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2
Alpina Gruen. A 14ct white and yellow gold manual wind wristwatch
Precision, Circa 1930
17-jewel movement with bi-metal split compensation balance and Swiss lever escapement numbered 702584, silvered dial with black Arabic numerals bordered by outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, blue steel spade and needle hands, tonneau shaped case with yellow gold bezel and integral lugs numbered 405220, fitted associated black leather strap, case, dial and movement signed Gruen
30mm x 24mm.
Estimate:
£700 - 900
€830 - 1,100
US$ 1,100 - 1,400

Footnotes

  • The Swiss Watchmaker's Corporation ("Corporation d'Horlogers Suisse") that eventually evolved into the company, 'Alpina' was orginally founded by Swiss watchmaker Gottlieb Hauser in 1883 essentially began as a distribution network allowing watchmaker's to buy Swiss components at reasonable prices. Seeing its success, the American brand, Gruen, from America decided to merge with Alpina in order to utilise this network and in 1929, the "Alpina Gruen Gilde SA" emerged. The factories belonging to this new company were rationalised to produce standardised calibres, and the quality of Alpina and Gruen watches was greatly improved. Watches were then distributed under the various names of Alpina, Gruen, Alpina-Gruen. It is well known that Gruen and Rolex used some of the same movements, the best known example being the 'Rolex Prince'. In actual fact, these movements were manufactured by a third company, Aegler, who was a very close neighbor to the Gruen Factory and who were eventually taken over by Rolex.

Category: (Any Department) / Central Ops

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