Bidspirit auction | Gruen Veri-Thin Submarine Stainless Steel

Gruen Veri-Thin Submarine Stainless Steel Wristwatch Reference 426-725 - A Swiss-made Gruen Veri-Thin Submarine manual wind wristwatch. The watch features a stainless steel case with a decorative textured coin-edge bezel and curved lugs. The aged cream dial is printed in black with the brand name GRUEN and the model name VERI-THIN below the 12 o'clock position. The dial displays Arabic numerals and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The case back is an exterior screw-down type literal transcription reading GRUEN, STAINLESS STEEL, ANTI-MAGNETIC, and WATER RESISTANT with a five-pointed star symbol. The interior of the case back is struck with the mark of the STAR WATCH CASE COMPANY and includes the serial number 0529296 and the reference number 426-725. Several hand-scratched watchmaker service marks are present, including one reading 2-24-16. The 15-jewel manual movement is signed GRUEN WATCH CO, FIFTEEN 15 JEWELS, UNADJUSTED, SWITZERLAND, and carries the caliber number 426, the import code GXC, and serial number G353164. The ratchet wheel is marked VERI-THIN and PATENTED. The watch is fitted with a modern black textured leather strap featuring a silver-tone buckle. The watch runs. Case size: 29mm excluding crown; lug-to-lug: 38mm. The dial shows significant age-related patina and heavy surface loss between the 1 and 4 o'clock positions and near the 6 o'clock sub-seconds dial (photo 2). The hour and minute hands exhibit visible oxidation and corrosion (photo 2). The stainless steel case displays moderate surface scratching and wear throughout (photo 5). The crystal has multiple surface scratches and scuffing (photo 1). The movement appears complete but shows surface grime and light oxidation, and the yellow internal gasket is degraded (photo 7). The modern leather strap is in good condition (photo 6).