G r u e n P a n A m e r i c a n E a g l e
c. 1 9 4 5
Scarce Gruen Pan American Eagle men’s Retro Modern design wristwatch in two-tone 10K rose and white gold fill, with steel caseback and superb original dial, circa 1945.
The Gruen “Pan American” was originally produced around 1943 exclusively for Pan American Airways pilots during World War II. At America’s entry into World War II in December of 1941, Pan American Airways ceased civilian flights and its planes were pressed into military service by the United States government, as the airline’s nine famous Boeing 314 Clipper flying boats were the only aircraft capable of crossing the oceans. Although under control of the United States military, these Pan American Clippers were flown by Pan American pilots and crews, ferrying military personnel and equipment across the Atlantic and Pacific. Even though the watches were not available to the general public, Gruen published advertisements featuring both the Pan American watches and Pan American Clipper flying boats, creating public awareness of the Gruen’s contributions to the war effort as well as sowing the seeds for postwar demand for the watches by consumers. The “Pan American” watches were produced for public sale beginning in late 1945, with numerous variations produced. This is one of the more unusual and attractive variants with a rose gold filled bezel, surmounted by large, stepped white gold filled lugs. It is in excellent condition with no brassing, only a tiny touch of wear underneath the lugs. Guildite (steel) caseback is excellent and unengraved, with a couple of light scratches. The case measures 37mm long and 32mm wide. Original 24-hour dial is spectacular and has an alternating two-tone metallic pink and matte pink finish. Has new glass crystal. This watch is powered by its correct 17 jewel Gruen grade 420SS Veri-Thin movement.
(SOLD)
