Our Gruen Clock shines brightly again (and both faces show the correct time!)
If you have driven on Melrose Ave in the last 30 plus years, no doubt you have. seen our vintage Gruen neon clock hanging over our doorway. It is a 1930’s era double faced clock, one facing East and the other facing West, announcing the time and announcing our location. We like to think our neon clock serves the community, as did public clocks of old, so drivers know how late they are, as they navigate at high speed across Melrose Ave. When either of our clocks is not at the right time, we feel we have let down the neighborhood.
(left) 8441 Melrose facing East as the rainy skies clear (center) 8441 Melrose Bringing light to the darkness (right) Facing West 8441 Melrose
Owing to our Gruen clock, you don’t really need to know the address to find our location. Just drive until you see our clock and you know you have arrived. When we moved up the block to our current location 5 years ago, countless visitors were perplexed over the interior of the shop. Something was different; had we remodeled the store? Well yes, it was different; in fact we had moved up the block, and this was a new location. The Gruen clock had guided them to our new home!
The good news we are proud to announce today is that the non working west facing Gruen clock has been repaired. Both clocks now read the correct time, and the neon letters have been restored and now shine bright again thanks to the brilliant efforts of our friends at #RadicalNeon on Melrose.
This Gruen clock has hung over our doorway at 4 different locations on Melrose since the 1980’s. We acquired it from my very first partner in business in the early 80’s. Blake Shane, ran a makeshift neon clock and sign restoration business called Whistling Oyster. Blake invited me to collaborate with him to operate a tiny shop on Melrose where he would sell restored neon advertising, and I would display my pocket watches and later a few wristwatches. The Gruen clock announced our location. When we parted ways after a few years, in a gesture of generosity, Blake offered to sell me the Gruen clock. It was an offer I had no intention of declining. He set the price at $1.00. He felt it had a fitting home with WBAW? and it should live out its years with us. We are grateful to have this clock, and be its guardian, and in spite of the occasional confusion of someone thinking we are “The Gruen Store” we know that WBAW? and West Hollywood is better because of it.
2024
In the neon-drenched jungle of 2024 Los Angeles, where shadows hold secrets and time itself can be bought and sold, the hit crime drama Bosch Legacy burns rubber down Melrose Ave. This season, the relentless LAPD veterans dive headfirst into a case that takes them right through the doors of the legendary watch store, Wanna Buy A Watch? Expect heart-stopping tension as iconic timepieces tick by, a vintage Gruen clock looming large as a silent witness to the unfolding drama. Buckle up, viewers, because Bosch Legacy is about to turn up the heat!
