Only? hunter case Gruen produced

[abco]

First watch sold by the new 1894 Gruen Watch Co. in a case made in their new Ohio Gruen Watch Case Co. is the best movement source they could find, the German Assmann using the Grossmann
poised pallet, hair spring and chronometer balance escapement with gold parts. Fred and father wanted to have the best watch possible to start their new business. These were in U.S. 18 size and 16 size. I believe only Gruen marked hunter cases ever made were for these; mostly open face. Started with serial number 6200. 1894 to 1904 when Leo Alby of Madretsch, Swiss started with the fine 16 size 21j Grossmann escapement railroad style in open face and did the new 10 size Veri-thins Assmann would not do. Lucky to get the best of these in 1902 inscribed hunter case 16 size 20 jewel from NAWCC member acquaintance. Ebay trader, but did not list this one, cost less than twice scrap value. Sellers photo, mine of the Madretsch rr.
Note the huge winding wheels with odd formed teeth for smooth winding. Quality feel. Even has the Grossmann screw thead regulator along with the Grossmann escapement. A swiss made German watch. Made to be the best rr. Canada used a few. This marked by Canadian source I think.

[thojil]

You are so lucky. I haven't come across an affordable Assmann or an early Madretsch so far.

On the hunter case question I have my theory. I think hunter cases were only done in combination with the "standard" size 18s movements (i.e. Assmann). Before 1898 Gruens were sold the regular way as a movement + dial only. Customers could choose any case, which already explains the presence of hunter cases for the earlier "Gruen & Son" PW's.

In 1898 the Gruens purchased Queen City Watch Case Company and changed its name to Gruen National Watch Case Company. From this moment on Gruen was starting to produce complete watches. Hunter cases marked Gruen produced after 1898 is logical as I guess the case company was still producing the traditional cases.

I think the hunter cases stopped (obviously there was a run-out period) from the moment Gruen started to produce the VeriThin movements in 1904. These had an unusual compact size for those days (between 10s and 12s) so they had to deliver a complete watch to the customer, which of course became their USP.

[abco]

I really like what you wrote about the case situation. The Madretsch has what seems to be original Keystone 25 yr. In past years I bought and sold 3 18 size Assmanns o.f. $200-300. Very like a Grossman 18 size I had that went away for $5000. A reason I bought the 16size here is I was really surprised it was original Gruen made case and answered my doubt that Gruen ever made a h.c. I would like to know if you think it is in the marking style of the last Gruen Assmanns, and 66166 is a high number for these. Am I right 16 size Assmann Gruen h.c. is rare?

A common ambiguity is shown here. The Madretsch and many Veri-thins are marked with DG&s. The Assmann of 1898+ is properly marked D. Gruen & sons. So logical it would have Gruen case available from a factory new in 1898. The corporate name was changed to sons plural when George joined in 98, but the mark DG&S was used for some years after including on those not made before 1904 and some say as late as 1910. It seems safe to assume that with the DG&s mark production was before 1910 not 1898. Added good photos of Assmann 1902 20j , 16 size.

[abco]

No gold parts. aluminum and bronze alloy. Rigid, light weight, hard, durable. Looks like gold.