1 in stock

Gruen Curvex Precision Ref. 440-448 Rose Gold Filled

This is a classic Art Deco era Gruen Curvex Precision, reference 440-448. The watch is famed for its innovative design, featuring an elongated rectangular case that is curved to comfortably fit the wrist’s contour. This model’s case is 10k rose gold-filled, made by Wadsworth, and features elegant stepped lugs. The salmon-colored dial has a full set of printed black Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, and a rectangular subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position. The Curvex’s key feature is its patented manual-wind movement, which was ingeniously curved to match the case shape, allowing for a uniquely slim and ergonomic design. This example retains its signed Gruen crown and is fitted with a black textured leather strap.

1 in stock

1 in stock

General

Brand

Model Line

Curvex

Manufactured

Switzerland

Department

Men

reference

440-448

Dial Color

Salmon

Case

Case Shape

Rectangular

Bezel

Fixed

Case Material

10k Gold Filled

Case Width

22.6mm

Case Height

40mm

Strap / Bracelet

Lug Width

16mm

Strap Material

Leather

Strap Color

Black

Clasp

Buckle

Max Wrist Size

8.5"

Movement

Movement

Manual Wind

Caliber

Gruen 440

Accuracy

>10 seconds

The movement showed a daily accuracy deviation ranging from 0 to 10 seconds across six positions.

Extras

Warranty Every watch sold by Ottuhr comes with a 1-year mechanical warranty. Select pieces may also include additional guarantees or extended coverage.

1-Year Ottuhr Warranty

Original Box

No

Original Papers

No

Overview

There are certain watches that aren’t just iconic; they’re horological landmarks. Pieces that so perfectly solved a problem or captured a moment in time that they became legends. In our opinion, the Gruen Curvex is, without a doubt, one of those watches. It is arguably the most brilliant and important American-designed timepiece of the Art Deco era, a true masterpiece of form and function.

The genius of the Curvex, introduced in 1935, was its revolutionary solution to a fundamental design challenge. As wristwatches grew more popular, demand surged for elegant, rectangular cases that contoured to the wrist. The problem was that a curved case could only house a small, flat, and often inaccurate movement. Gruen’s patented masterstroke was to create a movement that was itself curved, perfectly matching the sensual arc of the case. This allowed for a larger, more robust, and more accurate movement to be housed within an incredibly slim and comfortable watch. It was a groundbreaking achievement, and it made the Curvex an instant icon of industrial design.

This particular example, a Reference 440 from the 1940s, is a stunning expression of the Curvex ethos. Housed in a 10-karat rose gold-filled case by the renowned Wadsworth company, it possesses a wonderful warmth and an undeniable wrist presence. The defining feature, of course, is that beautiful, ergonomic curve that allows the watch to hug the wrist in a way few other timepieces can. The original dial has aged to a fantastic coppery-salmon color that perfectly complements the rose gold case. It features a full set of crisp Art Deco Arabic numerals, a classic subsidiary seconds register, and a beautiful set of thermally-blued spade hands that provide a striking pop of contrast.

Timing: The watch has been measured with a timegrapher at six different positions. The rate, amplitude, and beat error are within acceptable ranges.

Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, etc are working as expected.

Integrity: The movement shows no signs of damage, rust, or corrosion, with all components appearing clean and well-maintained.

Authenticity: Each timepiece is evaluated and authenticated in-house. This watch is guaranteed to be correct to its manufacturer and time period.

Warranty: This timepiece includes a 1-year mechanical warranty, activated upon the date of purchase. 

Shipping: This timepeice includes complimentary insured shipping within all 50 states. 

Returns: If, for any reason, you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return the product for a full refund within 30 days from the date you received or signed for the item.

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