Gruen 15J grade 500 wrist watch #2-145642, case #614950 model 501-266, vintage mechanical manual-wind movement, SS champagne-toned metal dial with an unusual brushed finish pattern where different sections have the finish going in different directions, creating a subtle 2-tone effect, black imitation double sunk (DS) line, raised fancy gold Arabic numbers, a black-marked outer minute register and a black-marked subsidiary seconds register, dial has a few very small specks and a tiny section missing from the outer register, gold steel moon-style hands.
Impressive yellow gold filled (YGF) & stainless steel (SS) rectangular case with a tapered supporting a slightly domed glass crystal, a recessed wide frame detail on the top & bottom and extra long tapered extended lugs that, when taken as a whole with the frame, give the overall appearance of one of Gruen's Curvex-style cases although the flat back is representative of traditional cases, case is showing normal even wear with some thin lines of brass just starting on the top of the lugs and some heavy spots of wear to the brass on the back of the lugs, measures approx. 21mm wide x 46mm lug to lug x 9mm thick (crystal included).
Distinctive YGF (marked) bracelet-style watch band with large sculpted links connected with open rectangular links to create the entire length of the band, long YGF clasp with recessed edges and a slide length extension system, band is showing normal wear with some small spots of brass starting to show on the top of a few links and some small spots of heavy brass showing on the back of the buckle, watch has a wearable length of approx. 178mm with the ability extend up to 20mm more, we can replace the band with a new leather strap band for no charge
on request. This watch also comes with a nice generic red leatherette box with a white satin & white velvet interior. A very attractive vintage Gruen from the 1930s in excellent overall condition!
- Year Made: 1936-1937
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Company:
Gruen
- Jewels: 1315J
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Setting/Movement Type:
manual-wind
- Model/Grade: 500
- Serial #: 2-145642
- Movement Finish: nickel
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: champagne
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Dial Details:
imitation double sunk (DS) accent line
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Hand Style:
moon - standard
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Case Style:
rectangular
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Case Material:
Gold Filled - Yellow
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Case Details:
model 501-266
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Case Width, without crown:
21mm (0.83 inches)
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Case Length, lug to lug:
46mm (1.81 inches)
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Case Thickness:
9mm (0.35 inches)
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Interior Lug Width:
15mm
(19/32")
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Band Size:
6in. to 6.99in.
(measurement range includes watch length & band)
- Band Material: metal bracelet
- Crystal Material: glass
- Box Info: red leatherette box
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Condition:
Excellent
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Gender:
Gentlemen's
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 December 4th, 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.
