Just won this GRUEN AIRFLIGHT....

Just won this off the 'bay a few hours ago. Other than the crack in the crystal, the guy claims it's in great condition and works perfectly. After a few early emails back and forth, I was convinced this was my chance to finally pick one of these up at a decent price. It has a rose-gold filled/plated(?) case with no wear. Need to replace the sterling silver bracelet...not my style, have it serviced and replace the crystal. My question is- Does anyone know where to find an original bracelet for this. There was a guy selling them on ebay, but he's sold out.

Also- does anyone know why some have a painted logo and some, a gold applied logo?

I had been wanting one of these for years, there's just something about this design and the way it flips to military time, that I've always liked. (On several watch sites, they're selling versions of this watch for up to $3,000?!?) I paid $776 with shipping, so even after repairs, I think I'm alright. I'll post pix after I get it repaired.

Any comments, or ideas where to get the right bracelet would be welcomed[img][/img][img][/img]http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss313/meganian/GruenAirflight.png[img][/img][img][/img][url=][/url]

Nice vintage watch. I believe the difference in the application depends on what year the watch was made. My understanding from reading is that at some time during the early years (1920-1945) they made the change. I am going to put a link to Gruen History here as a sticky.

Thanks! I couldn't find anything on the net that defined the reason.

I can't add anything more than what Koi did, but want to congratulate you on picking up such a great timepiece with one awesome complication -- and it might prove to be an investment piece, too. They used to fetch around $400.00 5+ years ago and have gone through the roof recently.

After a trip to the watchmaker for a service, and a new crystal...
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Congrats. That is a beauty!

I fully understand why you love that beauty! Big congratulations!!

These are incredibly interesting watches, and your example is a beauty. Congrats!

Truly an awesome timepiece. Congratulations!

Wearing it today. Makes me laugh when I show it to someone, and show them how the numbers change over...they always act like it's "magic" or something. Somebody should make a modern larger version?

Ed Barclay wrote:Wearing it today. Makes me laugh when I show it to someone, and show them how the numbers change over...they always act like it's "magic" or something. Somebody should make a modern larger version?

Don't be givin' Lalo and company any "ideas" - they'll farm it out to Guangdong and within two months, a new TTV, followed by WG "it doesn't work" complaints and mass bannings.

TemerityB wrote:

Ed Barclay wrote:Wearing it today. Makes me laugh when I show it to someone, and show them how the numbers change over...they always act like it's "magic" or something. Somebody should make a modern larger version?

Don't be givin' Lalo and company any "ideas" - they'll farm it out to Guangdong and within two months, a new TTV, followed by WG "it doesn't work" complaints and mass bannings.

Knowing them they'll make a 70mm version.