Gruen 17J Precision grade 440 GXC wrist watch, vintage mechanical manual-wind movement marked 1941, case #989568, model 435-490, champagne-toned metal single-sunk dial with a distinctive pattern of smooth polish & matte finish to give a 2-tone effect, raised fancy gold Arabic numbers over the matte section, black-marked minute register and a black-marked subsidiary seconds register in the smooth polish sections, a narrow black line separates the two finishes, dial has a few very small specs of discoloration but no scratches or notable damage, gold steel flared center whip style hands.
Attractive yellow gold filled (YGF) & stainless steel (SS) rectangular tonneau-shaped case with flared sides, a narrow bezel supporting a thick domed plastic crystal and a distinctive folded ribbon design of extended lugs that creates a hidden lug look, inscription on the frame "H. Sterkel", case is showing normal even wear with only a few very small spots of brass on the edges of the ribbon detail and a few small shallow scratches on the ribbon detailing and back cover, additionally the crown is in excellent shape but is likely a replacement to the watch, measures approx. 22mm wide x 33mm lug to lug x 10mm thick (crystal included), Speidel YGF & SS expansion band with wide pyramid-shaped segments accented with slightly raised cubes near the center comprise the entire length of the band. A very unusual and attractive Gruen from the 1940s in excellent+ overall condition!
- Year Made: 1941
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Company:
Gruen
- Jewels: 1117J
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Setting/Movement Type:
manual-wind
- Model/Grade: Precision grade 440 GXC
- Serial #: (case) #989568
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: champagne
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Hand Style:
whip
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Case Style:
rectangular, tonneau-shaped
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Case Material:
Gold Filled - Yellow, Metal - Stainless Steel
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Case Details:
hidden lugs, "H. Sterkel" inscription, model 435-490
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Case Width, without crown:
22mm (0.87 inches)
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Case Length, lug to lug:
33mm (1.30 inches)
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Case Thickness:
10mm (0.39 inches)
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Interior Lug Width:
16mm
(5/8")
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Band Size:
6in. to 6.99in.
(measurement range includes watch length & band)
- Band Material: metal expansion
- Crystal Material: plastic
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Condition:
Excellent +
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Gender:
Unisex
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of November 18th, 2025, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
printer-optimized page.
