Willis M. Graves - Gruen Watch Gallery
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Willis Graves' 1950 Gruen Veri-Thin Wristwatch
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Veri-Thin wristwatches were first presented to the public in the spring of 1939, experienced their heyday in the 1940s, and were occasionally produced until 1957. The Veri-Thin model range probably has the greatest model variety of all Gruen watches.
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​​​The dial of the watches is usually labeled Gruen Veri-Thin or possibly with the addition of Precision. The movement is round, tank- or cushion-shaped, and features a ratchet wheel bearing the inscription "VERI-THIN PATENTED." The movement designation is usually followed by another three-digit number, the Model or Style number, assigned by Gruen from around the mid-1930s onwards.​
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Willis' 1950 Veri-Thin is Model/Style #0623, featuring a Movement/Caliber #435; this is engraved on the inside of the back case. It has a 10kt gold bezel, and a stainless steel back case. ​
Gruen Watch Company History
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​http://www.pocketwatchrepair.com/histories/gruen.html
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​​​One of the most important and prestigious American watch manufacturers was the Gruen Watch Company, founded by a brilliant father-and-son team of horologists, Dietrich and Fred Gruen. Among the first companies to sell wristwatches, the Gruens split their manufacturing between two continents, exporting American technology to Germany and Switzerland, and bringing German and Swiss traditions of craftsmanship to America.
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In 1917 the Gruen brothers built a new headquarter outside of Cincinnati, Ohio and named it Time Hill. The building was inspired by Medieval guild halls, and became an important symbol. “It has always been our aim,” Fred said, “… to foster those ideals of the ancient guilds, of quality and craftsmanship; to make useful things in a beautiful way, under ideal surroundings."