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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Driver's wristwatch

Gruen Curvex Precision Commodore Driver's Ristside Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 1938 Gruen Curvex Commodore Driver's Ristside wristwatch features an intensely curved rectangular case designed to sit along the side of the wrist. Cased in 14-karat gold-filled metal manufactured by Wadsworth, the case measures 22.6 by 37.4 mm with solid hooded lugs. According to the seller, the watch houses a manual-wind Swiss caliber 330 Precision Curvex movement with 17 jewels and a subsidiary seconds indicator. The curved dial displays applied gold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock, paired with matching gold-tone hands.

Gruen Curvex Driver's Ristside wristwatch worn on the wrist
Gruen Curvex Driver's Ristside wristwatch worn on the wrist — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Driver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Gruen Watch Co.
Reference
330 - 356
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-4088
Source-reported date
1938
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
520306

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction

The watch is housed in a rectangular, 14-karat gold-filled case manufactured by Wadsworth. The case is described as having an extreme curve, intended for side-wrist wear, measuring 22.6 by 37.4 mm with solid lugs.

The case features a winding crown and internal inscriptions reported by the seller, including reference number 330 - 356 and serial number G082197.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cased in a 22.6x37.4mm rectangular and extremely curved fancy Wadsworth case with solid lugs, all in 14K yellow gold filled.”
  • “Cased & Timed in U.S.A. By Gruen Watch Co. Wadsworth 14K Gold Filled G082197 330 - 356”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch displays a curved white dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and gold-tone hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position.

The dial is signed 'GRUEN CURVEX' and 'PRECISION'. The watch is mounted on a brown leather two-piece strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “original white curved dial with gold Arabic Numerals, bold minute track and gold matching hands.”
  • “dial is also signed with Gruen Curvex on top and Precision on the bottom.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is reported to contain a manual-wind Gruen Precision Curvex caliber 330 movement with 17 jewels. The movement serial number is recorded as 520306.

The provided documentation does not include internal photography of the movement; technical specifications are based on seller transcription.

Evidence for this section
  • “original Gruen Precision Curvex movement caliber 330, 17 jewels”
  • “Movement: Gruen Watch Co. Precision Curvex Switzerland Conoruma Seventeen 17 Jewels 520306 Unadjusted Cal. 330”

Open research questions

  • Are there independent archival records to verify the production year of 1938 based on serial number G082197?
  • Does the 'Commodore' branding appear in official Gruen 1930s marketing materials for the 356 reference?
  • What are the verified production ranges for Gruen Curvex movements to confirm the authenticity of serial 520306?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gruen Curvex Precision Commodore Driver's Ristside Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CaliberCal. 330“Cal. 330”
Movement Serial520306“520306”
Case SerialG082197“G082197”
Jewels17 Jewels“Seventeen 17 Jewels”
Case ManufacturerWadsworth“Wadsworth 14K Gold Filled”
Case Dimensions22.6 x 37.4 mm“22.6x37.4mm”
Reference330 - 356“330 - 356”

Visible details

  • Severely arched rectangular yellow gold-tone case engineered for side-wrist wear
  • Light dial signed 'GRUEN CURVEX' and 'PRECISION' with gold Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock
  • Fluted winding crown located at the 3 o'clock position on the case flank
  • Mounted on a brown leather two-piece strap fitted to hooded lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided exterior photograph; movement caliber, jewel count, and serial number rely on seller reporting.
  • Internal caseback inscriptions and case serial number rely entirely on seller transcription.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1938 GRUEN EXTREME Curvex Precision Commodore Driver's Ristside Vintag – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 193563c716

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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