[dieterh]

Hi,

I am new member here. Just got the chance to buy a Gruen Curvex with 10k GF engraved case with cal. 330 movement.
Now I am a little bit doubtful about the case. It seems to be original on the pics I got from the seller (the watch is still on the way from US to Europe), but I did not find another Curvex with an engraved case and the curved movement on the web.
Is there anyone who is able to identify the exact model?

BR, Dieter

 

[Valtyr]

Hi, welcome to the American Watch Forum.

That is a very nice piece there. I have seen some engraved ones before, and one off cases are always a possibility. I think it is a nice looking piece all together and it seems to fit well with whatever else they have in there. Congratulations on it.

 

[dieterh]

Hi,

thanks for your welcome greetings and your comment.
Meanwhile I have been in contact with a watchmaker specialized on Gruen curvex watches, he told me there was one model with exact this shape and cal. 330 movement. So, everything is fine, and my worries were unfounded.
I will post some further pics as soon as I have it here and got a better fitting strap.

Best regards,

Dieter

 

[PaulJoseph]

maybe.....

There are too many 330 and 311 movements swapped into 500 and 501 cases than anyone ever wants to admit. Most of the ones swapped have gold filled cases. Has your watchmaker looked inside the case yet? What are the numbers stamped inside the back? It likely should have 330 stamped there OR be an earlyrun K&O case...and if not it is likely a married movement and dial in a cheaper case. Btw...is the movement stamped 330 and 17 jewels? Many dials not originally in 330 cases have been reprinted (accidently or intending to deceive) and put in 500/501 cases on 500 movements also. The 2 most knowledgeable Gruen collectors around are probably Cary H and Charlie C...contact them if you have concerns...both are fine gents.

 

[dieterh]

Hello Paul Joseph,

I added three other pics I got from the seller. Maybe it is neither a Star nor a Wadsworth case, there is no marking where it usually is to find.

BR., Dieter

There are too many 330 and 311 movements swapped into 500 and 501 cases than anyone ever wants to admit. Most of the ones swapped have gold filled cases. Has your watchmaker looked inside the case yet? What are the numbers stamped inside the back? It likely should have 330 stamped there OR be an earlyrun K&O case...and if not it is likely a married movement and dial in a cheaper case. Btw...is the movement stamped 330 and 17 jewels? Many dials not originally in 330 cases have been reprinted (accidently or intending to deceive) and put in 500/501 cases on 500 movements also. The 2 most knowledgeable Gruen collectors around are probably Cary H and Charlie C...contact them if you have concerns...both are fine gents.

 

[Stillgar]

Vailidation of your 280 Ref 330 mvt Gruen Curvex

There are too many 330 and 311 movements swapped into 500 and 501 cases than anyone ever wants to admit. Most of the ones swapped have gold filled cases. Has your watchmaker looked inside the case yet? What are the numbers stamped inside the back? It likely should have 330 stamped there OR be an earlyrun K&O case...and if not it is likely a married movement and dial in a cheaper case. Btw...is the movement stamped 330 and 17 jewels? Many dials not originally in 330 cases have been reprinted (accidently or intending to deceive) and put in 500/501 cases on 500 movements also. The 2 most knowledgeable Gruen collectors around are probably Cary H and Charlie C...contact them if you have concerns...both are fine gents.

I have collected watches for 20+ years. The focus of my collecting has been Gruen Curvexes. I have seen some goofy things and "marriage" watches. The photos you have are of a Gruen - Case reference 280 with a Gruen Curvex 330 movement. Here is the info you want: You have a correct Gruen Curvex. The reference is a model 280. The 500/501 movement does not fit the 280 case correctly so this is not a marriage case. I have several 280s - 3 with the stepped bezel and engraved top. The others are stepped bezel with plain top. Mine all have gold filled backs. Most of the 500/501 Gruens have stainless (cheaper) backs. Your dial is a redial - happens to the best of us. For the most part your watch is correct and cool. One of my favorite apart from the General with the ribbed bezel. Hope this helps. - Kyle

 

[Stillgar]

Oh, and if you want to see one with the plain bezel and correct dial look on ebay item # 11102992527. That is a reference 280 with a plain bezel and the correct dial. Have a good day,

Kyle

 

[dieterh]

Hello Kyle,

thanks for your feedback.
The watch arrived from US, and it looks nice. My watchmaker had to replace the mainspring, it was a liitle bit weak. Now everything is fine.
I checked ebay # 11102992527, but did not find a Gruen there...

BR., Dieter

 

[NAWCC]

Hi and welcome
PM Bazzab
Any issue mail me a picture and your question to
[email protected]

 

[art bissell]

This brown strap one has same 280/330 marking. Also wondering which model it is. Large size but short lugs so only 48mm to lug ends. I am guessing 51MM black strap is Majesty?