* Think “Vulcain” and the first thing that comes to mind for most watch collectors is “Cricket”. This would be selling the brand short though as Vulcain has a treasure trove of watchmaking sleeping beauties that still resonate today. The Skindiver Nautique is Inspired by a Vulcain diver model, originally launched in 1960 and this piece takes many of its design cues from its vintage predecessor, including a moderately sized 38mm case diameter, domed glass (now updated to sapphire crystal) and classic baton shaped hands. The Skindiver Nautique is not just an homage though and comes fitted with the ever reliable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, super-luminova coated hands and indices and offering a 20 ATM water resistance.
* This model features a salmon dial, transfer-printed minute track and logo in white; khaki brown Super-Luminova coated hands and hour markers and fitted to a black rubber strap on pin buckle and offering a ‘quick-change’ system. Limited edition of 100 pieces.
Movement: Automatic
Case Dimensions: 38mm x 12.2mm, Stainless Steel
Dial: Salmon with Khaki Luminous Hands and Indices
Glass: Domed Sapphire Crystal
Bracelet: 20mm, Steel Bracelet on Fold Clasp
Water Resistance: 30 ATM
Reference: 660170B87.BAR200
The Vulcain watch manufacturer was founded in 1858 by Jacque Ditisheim and his three sons; Gaspard, Aaron and Maurice. Like many watchmakers during this time, Vulcain started out specialising in pocket watches before branching out into wristwatches.
One of Vulcain's most notable inventions was in 1947 with the release of the world's first mechanical wristwatch with alarm complication. This incredible piece of mechanical engineering won many plaudits and was awarded the International Chronometry Competition at the Neuchatel observatory. The watch was also adopted by a number of US Presidents, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson.
Based in Le Locle, Switzerland, Vulcain still today produce a collection of beautiful mechanical wristwatches, including chronographs, dive watches and their coveted Cricket model, which incorporates their in-house manufactured V10 mechanical movement with alarm complication.
With more than 150 years of history and innovation, Vulcain can be considered one of the unsung heroes of Swiss watchmaking and holds a distinctive place in the world of fine watchmaking thanks to its iconic models and unique mechanical movements.