<Li>My Very Old Dog, Cautious Carl, and I Want Thank Everyone for 15 GREAT

<img src=http://www.nwlink.com/~holben/advertgruen3.jpg> In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler movement duo-dial doctor’s watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdorf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression (and more urgent matters) prevented this.I am pleased to offer for sale the following Curvex model from Gruen, a 1944 “CROWN” model in a long and streamlined 14kt Solid Yellow Gold case. When I think of Curvex this is the model that comes mind, its nicely curved profile being a timeless design. The Crown was made from 1940 to approximately 1947 and different names were given to it, including the “Sentry” (in gold filled) the “Century” (14k solid gold) and the “Lieutenant” (gold filled). This triple signed timepiece measures 41mm lug tip to lug tip and 22mm in width (23.5mm with crown). In inches this works out to be 1-5/8” by 7/8” not including the crown. Its original 440 caliber Curvex mechanism has been fully serviced by my trusted watchmaker David and it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.The silver enamel finished dial is in excellent condition, professionally restored to its original status and nicely done. It features raised gold Breguet style numerals, a 60 minute outer track border, original blue steel leaf style hands and a separate seconds dial with 60 second outer chapter and sweeping blue steel seconds hand. Signed GRUEN CURVEX below the 12 and PRECISION above the seconds dial. It is further signed SWITZERLAND at the base of the dial.The new old stock acrylic crystal is in excellent condition, removed in some photos to avoid glare and best show you the dial. The 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold case has a nice curve to it and is very Streamline Moderne (late Art Deco) in style. It is in excellent PLUS condition with absolutely no wear, hard to photograph without reflections and shadows! The yellow gold-finished crown, unmarked, is in excellent condition and operates smoothly.Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is in excellent PLUS shape and free of any wear or engravings past or present. This also includes the backs of the lugs, in excellent condition. This lid is stamped 14K GOLD at one edge. Inside I find a barrel-shaped Curved movement, signed Seventeen 17 Jewels Precision, Gruen Watch Co., Curvex Patented, [Caliber] 440, Switzerland, GXC. The inside of the case is signed Cased and Timed in USA by Gruen Watch Co., Wadsworth – 14K. Gold, G422713, 440/ 448. Note that the #440 caliber is stamped on the inner lid along with the dial series number (#448) as well. I dated the watch to 1944 as per the first number of the case serial (G4).This Curvex has been cleaned, oiled & regulated so it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted with a new 16mm black deBeer Paris lizard (grain) calf leather strap - ready to be worn and enjoyed. Owning a vintage Gruen Curvex means you’re going to watch it goup in value while you enjoy owning and wearing it…not a bad deal!<ul><li>Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I am especially proud of my excellent feedback and high number of repeat clients.</li><li>Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, watches for men made from the 1910s to 1970s were noticeably smaller than what is considered normal today.</li><li>Buyers outside the United States with less than five feedback: please take a moment to introduce yourself via the eBay message system prior to bidding. Otherwise, your bid may be retracted.</li><li>U.S. winners pay $9.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.6% sales tax. </li><li>Canadian bidders pay $22.00 for Registered Air Mail shipping with tracking (I pay the insurance) or $36 for EMS Global Express, about 5 days faster. International buyers pay $49.00 (actual cost) for EMS Global Express Mail with tracking and insurance, the insurance part covered by me.</li><li> International buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving your cleared payment but your local custom authorities can cause delays. Expect it to take 7 to 30 days for international delivery. </li><li>Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.</li><li>In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David, in NYC) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. I will not pay or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. </li> <li>If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to the 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.</li> <table border="0" cellspacing="10"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Holbens-Fine-Watch-Bands" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.nwlink.com/%7Eholben/bandlogo2.jpg" alt="Holben's-Fine-Watch-Bands"></a></td><td colspan="2"> Our sister store, <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Holbens-Fine-Watch-Bands"> Holben's Fine Watch Bands</a>, offers an extensive selection of straps including Fluco, Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant.</ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

<li>My very old dog, Cautious Carl, and I want thank everyone for 15 GREAT YEARS on eBay. Keep on ticking! <img src=http://www.nwlink.com/~holben/carl.jpg>

<img src=http://www.nwlink.com/~holben/advertomega2.jpg> Among watch collectors, the Omega Watch Co. of Switzerland, a firm founded by Louis Brandt of Biel in 1848, is one of the most renowned brands of timepieces. In 1894 a new caliber bore the name of Omega for the first time, and since then it has produced some of the finest caliber wristwatches money can buy. Omega is my favorite Swiss watch firm as well, combining those qualities of name brand recognition, high quality and relative value that are important to the seasoned watch collector.I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage Omega timepiece, an elegant and understated dress dial model that dates to ca 1962. This quadruple-signed model features an excellent stainless steel case and is powered by its original 620 caliber mechanism that was engineered and fabricated completely in-house by Omega. It measures 36.5mm lug tip to lug tip and 32mm in width (including the flush-set original Omega-signed winding crown). This works out to be just over 1-3/8 inches long by of 1-1/4 inches wide, including the Omega crown, a smaller size men’s watch by today’s standards so ideal for those who prefer a more compact watch or for a women’s wrist as well. It has been fully serviced by my talented watchmaker David to ensure its 17 jewel, manual wind mechanism winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.The silver, matte enamel finished dial is in flawless condition, professionally restored to its original, correct status. Features include applied silver hour markers and original silver metal hands. Signed OMEGA with raised white gold trademark Omega symbol below the 12 and SWISS MADE at the base of the dial.The hardened acrylic crystal is in excellent condition. The original Omega two-piece case is solid stainless steel and in excellent condition, very sharp/crisp. The matching Omega-signed stainless winding crown is excellent shape as well, winding and setting smoothly. Turning the watch over I find that the snap down back lid is stainless steel and in excellent condition. Inside I find a spotless rose gold finished mechanism that is signed Omega Watch Co., Swiss [Caliber] 620 – Seventeen 17 Jewels – Adjusted Two (2) Positions. The serial number of #19,721,689, dating the watch to ca 1962 as per Omega production records. The inside of the case back is stamped ACIER INOXYDABLE, OMEGA WATCH CO., FAB. SUISSE, SWISS MADE –111.022 CB.This watch has been completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure that it winds and sets smoothly while keeping very accurate time. It comes fitted on new, high quality 16mm black deBeer Paris hand crafted Ostrich (grain) calf leather strap with steel buckle. All in all an extra nice, ready to wear mid-century Omega that is as in style today as it was when it was first sold half a century ago.<ul><li>Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I am especially proud of my excellent feedback and high number of repeat clients.</li><li>Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, watches for men made from the 1910s to 1970s were noticeably smaller than what is considered normal today.</li><li>Buyers outside the United States with less than five feedback: please take a moment to introduce yourself via the eBay message system prior to bidding. Otherwise, your bid may be retracted.</li><li>U.S. winners pay $7.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.6% sales tax. </li><li>Canadian bidders pay $22.00 for Registered Air Mail shipping with tracking (I pay the insurance) or $36 for EMS Global Express, about 5 days faster. International buyers pay $49.00 (actual cost) for EMS Global Express Mail with tracking and insurance, the insurance part covered by me.</li><li> International buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving your cleared payment but your local custom authorities can cause delays. Expect it to take 7 to 30 days for international delivery. </li><li>Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.</li><li>In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David, in NYC) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. I will not pay or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. </li> <li>If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to the 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.</li> <table border="0" cellspacing="10"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Holbens-Fine-Watch-Bands" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.nwlink.com/%7Eholben/bandlogo2.jpg" alt="Holben's-Fine-Watch-Bands"></a></td><td colspan="2"> Our sister store, <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Holbens-Fine-Watch-Bands"> Holben's Fine Watch Bands</a>, offers an extensive selection of straps including Fluco, Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant.</ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

<li>My very old dog, Cautious Carl, and I want thank everyone for 15 GREAT YEARS on eBay. Keep on ticking! <img src=http://www.nwlink.com/~holben/carl.jpg>

<img src=http://www.nwlink.com/~holben/adverthammy.jpg> Founded in 1892, the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA would not officially start its watch production until March 1894, having first chosen the name Columbian Watch Co. but this name was already copyrighted by the Waterbury Co. The name Hamilton was derived from Lancaster’s founding father, Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a Scottish-born attorney who was instrumental in the growth of Lancaster.By 1908 Hamilton was producing a lady’s pendant watch and during the WWI period a small line of military style watches were available for men. Hamilton never looked back, arguably producing the highest quality American made watches from the 1920s through the 1960s. Here is a truly spotless example of a men’s SINCLAIR> model by Hamilton, a classic Tank form watch that was first introduced by the firm in 1956. This flared lug beauty dates to 1958 and is crafted of 14kt Solid Yellow Gold, complete with a spotless Butler finish dial.Triple-signed, it measures 36mm end to end and 24mm in width (26mm with gold finished crown). This works out to be just over 1-3/8 inches long by 1 inch wide (not counting the winding crown) but appears a bit larger given its narrow bezel framing. It is powered by its original 22 jewel (770 caliber) manual wind Hamilton mechanism, arguably the finest, most robust wristwatch mechanism the company ever produced. It has been fully serviced by my talented watchmaker David to ensure it running very well and keeping accurate time. The silver, butler finished enamel dial is in excellent condition, professionally restored to its correct status. It features 18kt solid gold applied numbers and incised gold enamel “Sputnik” style hour markers, original gold metal Lance style hands and round and recessed seconds dial with sweeping gold seconds hand. Signed HAMILTON below the 12. The solid glass crystal is curved on four sides and in excellent, clear condition. The case is 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold and in excellent PLUS condition with absolutely NO wear. Please take a look at those nice flared lugs, what the Sinclair model is known for. The domed, yellow gold winding crown is unmarked and in excellent shape, operating smoothly. Turning the watch over I note that the back lid is stamped HAMITLON at one edge and 14K at the other edge, in excellent order. Like most solid gold Hamilton watches this was a presentation/award watch and this was a Quarter Century award to a General Motors employee in 1958. Taking a peek inside I find a clean, nicely finished 770 Grade movement with fancy Geneva striping along the top plates. It is stamped Hamilton, USA, [Grade] 770, 22 Jewels, Adj.. The inside case lid is signed HAMILTON W. CO., LANCASTER, PA., 14K GOLD. The case maker was Jonell, as noted by its trademark logo of an arrow through a J. This watch has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled & regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted with a new & highly quality 18mm black deBeer lizard (grain) calf leather handcrafted strap with gold finished buckle for a nice combination. Unlike such popular models as the Donald, Brock or Gilbert, the Sinclair was produced in lower numbers and only in solid gold. If you think it is a nice looking watch I hope you place a bid!<ul><li>Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I am especially proud of my excellent feedback and high number of repeat clients.</li><li>Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, watches for men made from the 1910s to 1970s were noticeably smaller than what is considered normal today.</li><li>Buyers outside the United States with less than five feedback: please take a moment to introduce yourself via the eBay message system prior to bidding. Otherwise, your bid may be retracted.</li><li>U.S. winners pay $8.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.6% sales tax. </li><li>Canadian bidders pay $21.00 for Registered Air Mail shipping with tracking (I pay the insurance) or $35 for EMS Global Express, a bit faster. International buyers pay $49.00 for EMS Global Express Mail with tracking and insurance. I do provide a Registered Air Mail shipping option ($25.00) to a limited number of countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. If you are an international buyer please wait until I invoice you with your shipping options.</li><li> International buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving your cleared payment but your local custom authorities can cause delays. Expect it to take 7 to 30 days for international delivery. </li><li>Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.</li><li>In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David, in NYC) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you.</li> <li>If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to the 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.</li> <table border="0" cellspacing="10"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Holbens-Fine-Watch-Bands" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.nwlink.com/%7Eholben/bandlogo2.jpg" alt="Holben's-Fine-Watch-Bands"></a></td><td colspan="2"> Our sister store, <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Holbens-Fine-Watch-Bands"> Holben's Fine Watch Bands</a>, offers an extensive selection of straps including Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; German military Bunds; UTC ballistic nylon G10; open-ended; James Bond striped, leather and woven NATOs; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich-, shark- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant and woven/braided.</ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

&lt;P&gt;&lt;Li&gt;My Very Old Dog, Cautious Carl, and I Want Thank Everyone for 15 GREAT

<P><Li>My Very Old Dog, Cautious Carl, and I Want Thank Everyone for 15 GREAT