Gruen "Scallop" Dress Watch

Once upon a time, before the Swiss dominated the scene, America had its own watchmaking powerhouses — and Gruen was right up there with Hamilton, Bulova, and Elgin. The story starts with Dietrich Gruen, a young German apprentice who crossed the Atlantic in 1867 with a head full of ideas and, as fate would have it, a sweetheart from his voyage who happened to be the daughter of an Ohio watchmaker. He set up shop, fell in love with business, and before long, was filing patents that made watches safer, smarter, and more reliable.

Through depressions, partnerships, and reinventions, Gruen became a true American original. By the 1940s, the company was producing some of the most stylish and forward-thinking wristwatches around — pieces that balanced a sense of precision with mid-century flair. While other brands stuck to predictable round cases, Gruen was having a bit of fun.

This particular piece, likely part of the Veri-Thin collection, is a testament to that playfulness. The 10K gold-filled square case (27mm x 27mm) features scalloped edges and tiny "nail head" rivets along the bezel — a design both daring and delightful, even by today's standards. The black dial, with its crisp railroad minute track and gilt accents, gives it a quiet confidence that feels more jazz club than boardroom. Inside beats a hand-wound Gruen movement, keeping time the old-fashioned way.

Gruen may not be a household name anymore, but watches like this prove why it should be. It's a piece of American watchmaking history — equal parts artistry, ingenuity, and just the right amount of swagger.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.