Restoring And Finding The Owner Of A Lost 1936 Gruen Curvex Watch

First time messing with a microphone so I'm hoping to get better as I go. Please keep in mind I try to show everything on camera, but sometimes find it difficult to capture. You may think I didn't oil something but I most likely did it off camera. These videos are for entertainment only, please do not destroy your family heirlooms. Take them to a watchmaker.
Please consider subscribing if you would like to see more content like this!
Music:
Colored Shores [Original Mix] by Imperss is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
creativecommon....
Support by RFM - NCM: bit.ly/2xGHypM
"Particles of Life", "Follow Me," and "Lightness Within"
relaxdaily.net...
Michael Fesser
Nature's Caress by Z8phyR is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
creativecommon....
Z8phyR.com
Support by RFM - NCM: bit.ly/2xGHypM
Jazzy Breeze by Z8phyR is licensed under a Creative Commons License
Z8phyR.com
#restoration #Watchrepair #watchmaking

[@WorkingWithTime]

I am seeing many people comment about me not wearing finger cots so I will address it. I was Swiss-trained in watchmaking and they looked at finger cots to be a crutch. I know it may be strange to some that learned it a different way, but I respect the skill of my teachers and you will not have a problem with fingerprints if you work with parts carefully. Hope this helps!

[@rondj1965]

Tell 'em to wear finger cots in their OWN damn videos! Unfreaking believable the so called 'experts' telling you how to do your job! Great video.

[@mickk8519]

You don't need finger cots if you handle the parts, especially raw steel parts with care, and avoid touching the steel parts as much as possible. Different people have different levels of natural acidic secretion, some far worse than others, we called it rusty fingers, can be a huge problem in some applications. Back in the day of the early gas bearings, especially hydrogen bearings, if a bare hand/finger touched the bearing surface, it would be discarded as contaminated. I'm an old git now, but I trained as an engineer that could make small watch type parts by hand, mostly for prototypical items. I sometimes used thin cotton gloves when required, but even those could be a pain.

[@Ronsonic]

I watched the video. I saw what you did and did not touch with your hands. I guess they weren't really looking. Or, belong to a generation taught to never touch anything at risk of getting dirty or something. Who knows. SMDH. Nice work. I enjoyed this.

[@michaeldelucia7489]

@@rondj1965

[@DeanG55]

I have been working as an RN for many yrs. I am not going to say how we use them!

[@wendyglasgow6394]

This make was the first watch worn by James Bond in Dr No at the roulette table. Lovely restoration job , well done 👏.

[@vdavis4785]

Beautiful rejuvenation of an underappreciated watch! (Yes, I have a Gruen. OK, I have about 8 Gruens. Or so.)

[@johnpinner1]

Happy to hear that I'm not the only person that collects curvex watches . Great job

[@mcgama88]

While I am much more of a machinist, mechanic (including electrical and computer repairs), I really enjoyed your commentary. Far beyond that place, tracking down the family and sending it along was as icing...to a watch made with particular care and skill. The reason to repair such device....and a simple decency to humanity...(I cite restore to the family name) are what I view as great values. That stuff of a good soul. As relaxing, the close of my day....I had those thoughts which were peaceful, as quality and I remark that content emerged from your hands and thoughts. My personal regards. M.

[@moehoward01]

Well said, Mark.

[@ralphferrara5152]

Hi, I watched your video for the first time as I watch others as well. I enjoyed your video. It was nice that you brought it back to life and it was very nice that you reached out to the family and gave it back where it originally came from. Nice job. 👍😁

[@lablackzed]

I love mechanical watches beautiful work's of art as a retired engineer I love the mechanical engineering that goes in to them.

[@DragerPilot]

I just found this channel today, and I am amazed I find it relaxing, entertaining, and educational. Had someone suggested it to me, I would had opted to watch paint dry. It makes me want to relocate my father’s chronograph watch from WWII, and have it restored. Dad told me he was twice officially reprimanded for wearing it as it was not US gov’t issue. The popular term of the time, and reason for such action was because his squadron leader “ran a chicken shit outfit”!

[@WorkingWithTime]

I'm glad you can find the beauty in watchmaking, most people are unaware of all that's in a watch. Thanks for watching!

[@Looey]

Pls see if you can find your Dad's chronograph !

[@RockandrollNegro]

That's an odd reprimand. There was never any requirement or regulation that an enlisted man needed to wear a Government Issue watch, and in fact were rarely ever handed out or distributed unless there was a need (timekeeping being left to COs and NCOs, who _were_ provided a watch if requested). The only standard in WWII was the A-11 design for air & ground forces, which pretty much all but the cheapest American watches met. Your father, having a chronograph in the 1940s, certainly had a watch that would've met the A-11 standard. Upon appeal of both of those reprimands, the officer that issued them would have faced his _own_ reprimand for spurious demerit against an enlisted personnel, specifically for citing regulations that had not been established by the Sec. of Defense. If they were indeed official reprimands (and your father wasn't just telling a tall GI tale or exaggerating a minor incident) you can request transcripts of the reprimands under the Dep of VA Services, along with his entire service record. Those transcripts would have the make, model and serial number of your father's watch as entered into citation. I've literally never heard of anyone ever getting a rep over a timepiece, unless maybe they were buying counterfeits while stationed in SE Asia, so I'm not saying your dad was telling a tale, but I highly doubt you'll find any record of those reprimands in his personnel file, if you catch my drift.

[@briancarpenter1255]

Great video. People think working on a watch may be easy but it is very precise work.

[@James.979]

Hello 🙋‍♂️ A YT Vid full of; memorising cultured magnificent magnetism - complete, with pure indulgence of brilliance, and, of majestic magic !! Should only be watched in a dark room, with heavy rain 🌧 lashing outside - along with a cup of hot chocolate 🍫 in the middle of the night alone when you need to be alone in your thoughts !! Thanks 🙏 Take care and stay safe 😷 James 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✌🏾

[@markphillips6154]

Wow really need you found a grandson

[@stephenkir7839]

I find this breakdown of a watch truly amazing to "watch".All those different size screws...gears..putting them all back in the corresponding correct spot.pretty darn cool!

[@charlesgruppetta1680]

l entirely agree, absolutely amazing, and such fine skill! Swiss trained, says it all.

[@marcroche9324]

Many steps in this restoration are simplified for entertainment value. e.g. I've never taken down a small gruen balance assembly that quick with no special tools. LOL!

[@brunomckay1875]

Now thats a watch, great job and it shows how timeless those classic designs were, 100 years old and still being worn today. Good job Kind Sir.

[@Bill-lt2ll]

I don't subscribe to many channels, but you tracking down and returning the watch to the family made you my instant friend!

[@nisiunavoce1264]

What a beautiful restoration and kind gesture of finding the heir to the watch. Very nice video.

[@emandem3088]

Most interesting video. This popped up as i was researching Gruen watches because my pre-teen granddaughter has decided she wants a watch. She saw one in the jewellery case at a thrift store and said she liked it. With her bday is fast approaching, I got her two watches in the style she admired, we had new batteries put in them and they keep time perfectly! My problem is that I understand Gruen watches made before 1976 are collectable. Pre-1953 even more so but I can’t information on the one watch we picked up which is a Gruen watch, stainless links, “base metal” bezel at 12 o’clock. I’m thinking it’s a knockoff but still vintage. It says on the face “Embassy by Gruen” but not Swiss, rather it says on the back “Japan Movt” and other letters and numbers. I’d just love to know the story, not so much for actual value but to be able to relate to her that the watch is vintage or antique, the story of where it may have been made or year of make.

[@WorkingWithTime]

Being that it is a quartz watch, the earliest it can be is the 80s. The original Gruen ceased to be a company in 1958, so your watch is probably made by a company who bought the name because it was a well-known name. I am not familiar with Gruen after it ceased so unfortunately, I don't know much else. Thanks for watching!

[@ABC-rh7zc]

Looks good on the wrist at the end, and great to hear that it might be re-united with the grandson!

[@ronl7131]

Good restoration

[@bgdavenport]

Excellent commentary and work. Because of this video, I am bidding on a Gruen on Ebay. I am attracted to the simple, uncluttered elegance of the watch.

[@davidchristensen6908]

Really like you returned the watch to a family member. Just stumbled across your channel today.

[@davidinghram2494]

What an exquisite watch. Like you, I really love old watches and have a couple of Gruens, one of which is a curvex and the other is also a gold square body. The curvex is in fantastic condition, but the other one was probably carried in the war and looks the part, although it runs just fine. The watch on my wrist is a 1950 vintage Omega Seamaster automatic that I wear every day. Neither me or the Seamaster run perfectly anymore, but we get by. Thanks for making the video. As someone who has had tremors for the last 35 years or so, I envy your steadiness.

[@paulawaid3612]

Wow! So impressed.

[@mazunte5930]

It is like "Goldsiegel" Watches. Verry nice work ;-)

[@raeannuria5691]

What a beautiful watch! Thank You for sharing this with us!!

[@alanpreston3111]

Beautiful watch , great job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@johnkalpooner08]

Just got a Mercedes dial cal 435 , gorgeous light blue dial , believe it’s a 44

[@morgan97475]

Wow! Mezmerizing! Great looking watch with a great looking strap.

[@fredfarnackle5455]

A lovely watch, treated with the care and respect it deserves. It's great that you were able to track the family and return it. 👍😎

[@williamduncan1435]

Awesome numbers, I’ve had a few shellacked roller tables too first one took me 3 months to find and fix lol

[@WorkingWithTime]

Thanks William, yeah finding parts for some watches can get tough. Thanks for watching!

[@allenrussell1947]

That's my "grail" watch. I have lots of Gruens but no 311 Curvex yet. Nice work!

[@rain3304]

thank you for a great Vid Awesome Watchmaker work I wish I was you :)

[@WorkingWithTime]

Thank you very much. All it takes is patience, discipline, and good teachers. If you work on yourself, you can do just as good!

[@LCMNUNES1962]

VERY GOOD JOB SERVICE from Brasil okay 👍👍

[@letiscafeschoolhouse1114]

Wow thank you the memorie. I had one of those years ago (your is not mine) I recieved though my grandfather's estate. Sadly it disappeared during an international move while I was in the military. But, regardless you just made me smile remembering my grandfather, thank you. It's a little bit sadly sweet. I know that wasn't you intention but, thank you anyways. I miss him but this brought back a memorie I had forgotten, thank you.

[@holymoly6829]

Lovely watch 1936 so much history & love Finding the family was a great idea 💕&🕊

[@rayclark44]

Great video with a very informative commentary. I'm fortunate to own a beautiful gold 1930s Gruen pocket watch that belonged to my grandfather. I had it restored in the 70s & it's still working perfectly. Looking forward to your next post. Take care & stay safe 👍🇬🇧

[@ramspencer5492]

Wow. Nice work...Beautiful watch..... Really cool kind gesture.

[@mnpd3]

I have a number of watches with poignant inscriptions, i.e. "To Benjamin on his 21st birthday." Others have the person's name next to engravings like "For 30-years loyal service." These watches are family heirlooms; it's a sin that they ended up in pawn shops or eBay. The Curvex was a drivers/pilots watch, and was worn 90-degrees rotated from normal wristwatches... it sat behind thumb - the reason for the curved case and movement. The driver/pilot could see the time without moving his hand or releasing the wheel. The movement was a completely new engineered movement in order to fit the curved case. Gruen at one time sold more watches than any maker, and kept careful records of who bought its watches. After the company sold out, the new owners just trashed the records, so that information is lost forever.

[@troynasello2085]

Love your work. Awesome job.

[@lenjames]

I love anything old and I would have to agree that this watch is beautiful. In todays world with every thing electronic its sad that craftmanship like this is gone. To the young folks out there.....stop for a moment and think about the past. Our ancestor built this great country with their hands and minds. I'm only 56 but relate more with the past then todays world.

[@zilopipo]

Very moving touch that you contacted the family, but also great skills and nice video, thank you so much! Just hoping that Bueren watches won't increase in prices after this.. ;-)

[@WorkingWithTime]

Thank you for appreciating the art of watchmaking, Haha I don't think I am significant enough to will make an impact on the price.

[@ciscojbone5429]

Nice job on the watch and you have a great video style. Hope to see more.

[@scottthorning3963]

Classic watch, beautiful...

[@theeducatedgrunt2087]

This is one of my favorite watches... It is so cool you found the Original owners grandson and gifted it to him. talk about a family treasure... Well done and a class act.

[@markjob6354]

It's a very crude looking movement. If you notice the gears and and the overall finishing of the parts look almost "stamped", and unfinished, rather than the teeth on the gears looking "cut." There is no burnishing or polishing on any of the components. The contours and angles of the movement base plate have a distinctly looking "pressed," or "stamped,' look about them as well. P.S. What Gruen Watch Company got really know for, was their special 25 jewel Automatic/Chronograph, Day/Date watch. My late Father had one of these watches. They pulled out all the stops for that one. Gruen had a working Man's watch line, and a luxury watch line as well.

[@WorkingWithTime]

For the money, I think it is a great finished watch. Thanks for watching!

[@markjob6354]

@@WorkingWithTime No its not. It's a crude finished watch and you get what you pay for. Even in the 1930's ;) You like to collect Gruen watches ? How about starting to collect their luxury watch line (circa 1955) ? Now those are nice watches for the money.

[@WorkingWithTime]

​@@markjob6354 I respect your opinion but I still hold my ground lol

[@markjob6354]

@@WorkingWithTime Get your hands on one of their 25 Jewel Automatic Day/Date watches, or their rare top of the line 25 Jewel Automatic Day/Date Chronograph special with the 14K Gold case. Now THAT is a nice Gruen to own !

[@tonyennis1787]

Returning the watch, serious karma plus. Good job!

[@wademullis7377]

Nice restoration. I like the last few seconds when the video was sped up.

[@bgdavenport]

I now own 4 Greuns, one of which is not running. I have the watch you are working on in this video and it looks smashing on my wrist! Want to work on my non-running watch. It's in the same condition, non-running, fully wound, train of gears operates nicely. Cosmetically, it is a lovely watch!

[@speenlmar9575]

That's fantastic, . . . Though I think zooming in more on the work will make it more beautiful.

[@harveypost7799]

Beautiful old watch..I dig a pretty good ditch..

[@gopalakrishnanramaswamy6562]

Wonderful restoration,kudos to you.

[@thierryalbert2228]

I do really highly appreciate Gruen watches too. Congratulations

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

Looks like a very high quality watch.

[@jatco84]

!st time viewer of your site. Been watching many other similar sites..and you did a great service and restoration to this vintage timepiece. I love vintage pieces. Have a couple of my own. This is such a great looking watch and you made it justice.. So much so, it's time to break out my Dad's Elgin and give it some wrist time. Kudos to your work....!!

[@walther9161]

Very nice and thank you for the video!!

[@douro20]

The Movado "Polyplan" took the concept of a movement made to fit a curved watch to the extreme by making a movement whose bridges were on three different planes. The construction required multiple bridges to hold down the motion works on the dial side and therefore made them very expensive to make. It is believed just over a thousand were produced, all in gold or silver cases, and some were chronometer certified.

[@nicholas3139]

excellent work! i just acquired a 42 hamilton curvex that is super similar (probably modeled on the gruen)- this video will be super helpful in working on that- thank you very much, & keep making such good videos!

[@truthseeker1623]

A fantastic video and a pleasure to watch your work you speak clearly and to the point iam a beginner and I will be using your videos to learn from I hope you do more as I have a long journey again brilliant work you do and I’ve learnt a lot from this first video so thanks and you are now my main teacher. All the best and keep the videos rolling.CHEERS

[@WorkingWithTime]

That's amazing to hear, I am planning to make more for sure. Just make sure to practice on inexpensive watches your not afraid to break and have the proper equipment.

[@b.w.highness102]

My first time watching you. You have good energy, a very pleasant manner, and are certainly skilled. I subscribed, and I never do that lightly. Well done!!! ...Barry

[@Watchugoton]

Well done and you know a lot more about fixing a watch than me, I’m going to continue to watch channels like ones I do already watch and yours also to start fixing and tinkering with watches for the rest of my life. Great watch and great video.💯👌🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 watching from wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Uk

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Great video (clear shots in good light) and great work here ... and ... such a cool watch. Nice one! Richard

[@WorkingWithTime]

Thanks Richard, big fan of your work too. Your definitely the type of youtuber I aspire towards.

[@mariamorgante8254]

Un lavoro da maestro... chapeau

[@wilde1909]

To give you an interesting take of the value of the watch in 1936. My father was a teacher in the California Bay Area in 1936 and I remember he or my mother said his salary was $60 a month in 1936.

[@OtherSarah2]

two dollars a day, anytime before WW2, would've been a pretty fair wage for 90% of working folk (cowboys, teachers, milkmen, clerks, factory mechanics, etc.) Lots of times some of that wage went to "found" or "board" before it got into a paycheck, too.

[@michaeldougherty8344]

Fascinating to watch, thanks.

[@grumpyoldman2380]

Excellent video!

[@chrismaille3478]

I read the comments about the finger cots and I have no argument with any of that, but nobody mentioned that your fingers look a little beat up in this video. I would suggest that you use them just to make a better looking video. I think it would look better if nothing else. Good luck!

[@life88-mysteryoflife91]

Excellent Job , Would be amazing with an exhibition back cover 🤩

[@paulquinn5260]

Great restoration.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@oscarmason3252]

Just ran into your channel, I have a Bulova, probably made in the mid to late 1940s I am guessing that is similar to this watch but it needs a crystal and a overall repair of the watch, it is a gorgeous little watch as is the one you repaired, going to try to get it restored if possible, good video

[@Sm-ne8ff]

Very nice !

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

I have this exact watch. What an amazing video for me to see...

[@xlerb2286]

My grandmother had that same Gruen watch. I don't know if it was originally hers or of it had been her husband's before he died. She always wore it. After she died I don't know which of her two children it went to. I hope this watch has some happy memories associated with it as well.

[@joelparker8700]

Thanks. I enjoyed this a lot

[@Chrisamic]

My guess would be a problem with the pallet fork pivots. Broken or gummed up. Well I got that wrong. My second thought would have been a dislodged impulse jewel on the balance. Also wrong. I don't think you showed the actual repair? Balance work is always the most exacting and delicate, well done.

[@WorkingWithTime]

yes, unfortunately it was difficult to film and install the new roller table. I also want the video to run on too long as well. Thanks for watching!

[@jcreek9055]

I did not look through all of the comments to see if this was covered, but, FINGER COTS! Man never touch a movement or part once cleaned. That goes triple for a blued mainspring! Otherwise very interesting work.

[@WorkingWithTime]

Please refer to other comment. Thanks for watching!

[@javierrodriguez2863]

I have this exact watch!

[@avianfish8732]

great vid

[@arisaka9963]

When I was a kid, the word was “Buy a Gruen and take a screwin’”

[@hockeyrd99]

3:53 good tip for newbie watchmakers... never know when one screw may need to be shorter than the others. Usually that one near the winding stem.

[@Tumbleweed_Tx]

I have a 1941 Gruen Veri thin that is a lot like this watch, just a little more square and not curved. It's also Rose Gold, needed a crystal which I easily found on ebay.

[@Donnybrook10]

nice job.

[@joelgoodwin4092]

Damn fine job!

[@josefinoflores6562]

Good work ok bro 👍👏😎

[@richlaue]

I have my grandfather's pocket watch. He had his own factory and wrist watches got damaged to easily.

[@DeanG55]

It's dirty?? That has always been the chief complaint!! LOL!! It looks like a lady's watch. While watching the video I researched to learn more about the owner!! He lived to be an old man. Sorry, I couldn't wait to the end!! LOL!!

[@javierrodriguez2863]

Am just thinking if we could make a giant man size electrical generator modeling after the gears of a watch!🤔

[@markletts8802]

Superb...got a sub.🇬🇧

[@dadaszeto833]

You do great work 👍

[@fokusnikfim]

Hello ⌚Super..... 👍👍👍. Fim 🚂👮‍♂️✋

[@muffemod]

good job creamu

[@sadro4591]

Haha love the mosquito detail, we're lucky getting the stamp of approval

[@mauricefaulkner455]

Did you put the bill in the presentation box lol nice work enjoyed the video

[@michaellawrence6677]

I say it was aliens nesting in the gears. I don’t know much about watches but have read a lot of science fiction books.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

I’ll bet you could have polished the crystal. Clear plastic can be sanded and polished relatively easily.

[@user-dm4nk6gh3b]

Super!!!

[@dellisles3562]

Good job, Sir!

[@DelSimmons]

I have almost the exact watch that was given to my grandfather in 1936. Would it be possible for me to pay you to let me ship it to you so you could clean and repair it for me? Figured you are probably really busy, but had to ask. You clearly are an expert with these devices. Thanks!

[@dennish7228]

I always find it fascinating that you disassemble these seemingly with abandoned! How do you track or know the order for reassembly? Is there a commonality for movements that with with time and experience you just know??

[@WorkingWithTime]

yup, once you understand it mechanically. It definitely comes with time; screws are the hardest to keep track of for me personally. Thanks for watching!

[@bajonivideos]

I have the same Watch need to be fix I think its the same problem as my Watch , but its in better shape 🇧🇦

[@bajonivideos]

I can send photos on your E mail if you wont ? And i want to fix my Watch Because I live i Bosnia and Herzegovina and Watch maker her Are not so good ! ♥️🇧🇦👍🏻

[@WorkingWithTime]

@@bajonivideos Hello Bajoni, I appreciate you trust me with your watch after watching this video. Unfortunately, I only work on vintage pieces that I own since so many things can go wrong. I would recommend to send It to a qualified watchmaker outside of your country if you don't trust their skill/quality of work . If you have other questions, feel free to ask. Thanks for watching!

[@bajonivideos]

@@WorkingWithTime my Watch have same problem , I search to fix IT thx

[@hagerty268]

Timestamp 35:58 is it just me or is the top section of the crystal protruding way off the case face...not good as it will surely snag on things. Still love the video and this is an absolutely beautiful piece of art. Please fix the crystal. Thanks for saving her...

[@WorkingWithTime]

Yes, it does not sit flush to the bezel. I ordered 3 NOS crystals from eBay that are for this specific model, and this was the best of them. Thanks for watching!

[@aib0160]

I wonder why the movement appears to be upside down when installed in the case or at least the text printed on it? Great to try and get it back to the family.