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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Art deco pentagonal pocket watch

Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Art Deco manual-winding pocket watch by Gruen dates from the 1920s and features an unusual pentagonal case crafted in yellow gold-filled metal. Designed to remain upright in a waistcoat pocket, the case is detailed with hand-engraving and black enamelled geometric accents. The brushed sterling silver dial, produced by Stern Frères according to the seller, features kiln-fired black enamel numerals, an outer railway minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Blued steel moon hands complete the time display.

Front view of the Gruen VeriThin Art Deco pentagonal pocket watch showing dial, hands, and bow
Front view of the Gruen VeriThin Art Deco pentagonal pocket watch showing dial, hands, and bow — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Art deco pentagonal pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gruen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1920s
Country
Switzerland

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 Architecture and Decoration

The timepiece features a distinct pentagonal yellow gold-filled case shaped to rest upright inside a waistcoat pocket. Visible observation shows geometric black enamel accents at the corners alongside an engraved foliage pattern running along the case band.

The source description states that the handcrafted exterior is also personalized with an engraved monogram that appears to read either 'O F B' or 'D F B'. However, the reverse of the case is not shown in the provided visual record.

Evidence for this section
  • “distinctive pentagonal case design”
  • “Pentagonal gold-filled case decorated with geometric enamel corners and an engraved foliage pattern along the case band.”
  • “The case is handcrafted to include both enamelling and hand-engraving, and it appears to read either O F B or D F B.”

Dial Display and Attribution

Visible dial elements include the inscription 'GRUEN VERITHIN' below the 12 o'clock marker, an outer railway minute track, and blued steel Breguet-style open-tipped moon hands. A sub-seconds dial with concentric circular finishing is positioned above 6 o'clock.

According to seller claims, the dial is an original sterling silver example manufactured for Gruen by Stern Frères, decorated with kiln-fired enamel printing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brushed silver dial inscribed 'GRUEN VERITHIN' below the 12 o'clock marker.”
  • “Sub-seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock with concentric circular finishing.”
  • “Blued steel Breguet-style open-tipped moon hands.”
  • “The original dial is an exceptional example of Stern Freres' kiln-fired enamel printing in sterling silver, which was crafted for Gruen.”

Movement and Documentation Limits

The source lists the pocket watch as housing a manual-wind movement originating from Switzerland, dating its manufacture to the 1920s. The seller also asserts that the movement was recently serviced.

Mechanical and archival details remain limited in this source. Because the internal movement is neither photographed nor cataloged, caliber designation, jewel count, factory signatures, and internal serial numbers are not documented in this record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual Wind”
  • “Place of Origin: Switzerland”
  • “Date of Manufacture: 1920''s”
  • “The manual winding movement, recently serviced by experts, showcases meticulous craftsmanship.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Gruen VeriThin movement caliber and jewel count are fitted inside this pentagonal case?
  • What serial numbers and case maker stamps are present on the inner case back?
  • Does direct physical inspection of the case back confirm whether the engraved initials read 'O F B' or 'D F B'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CreatorGruen“Creator: Gruen”
Period1920-1929“Period: 1920-1929”
Place of OriginSwitzerland“Place of Origin: Switzerland”
Movement TypeManual Wind“Movement: Manual Wind”
Dial MakerStern Frères“original dial is an exceptional example of Stern Freres' kiln-fired enamel printing”
Case DesignPentagonal“distinctive pentagonal case design”
Reported Case MonogramO F B or D F B“it appears to read either O F B or D F B”
Reported Dial MaterialSterling silver“kiln-fired enamel printing in sterling silver”
Source-Reported StyleArt Deco“Style: Art Deco”

Visible details

  • Pentagonal gold-filled case decorated with geometric enamel corners and an engraved foliage pattern along the case band.
  • Brushed silver dial inscribed 'GRUEN VERITHIN' below the 12 o'clock marker.
  • Sub-seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock with concentric circular finishing.
  • Blued steel Breguet-style open-tipped moon hands.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and jewel count are not visible or documented.
  • Movement serial number and inner case hallmarks are unphotographed.
  • The engraved case initials (noted as 'O F B' or 'D F B') are on the case back, which is not shown in the images.

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

Consulted source

Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch With Original Stern Dial - 1920''s » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 35375b0e74

Terms in this record

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