* Originally released in 1947, the Vulcain Cricket goes down as one of the most revered watch designs in history. Prior to the launch of the Cricket, the technical know-how of manufacturing a wristwatch with mechanical alarm function had stumped the watch industry; until the Cricket arrived, which took 5-years to develop and, as legend has it was inspired by one of Vulcain's watchmakers taking an afternoon stroll and hearing the crickets in the fields.
* Today's Vulcain Cricket uses the company's in-house V10 mechanical movement, which is a 25-jewel, hand wound calibre offering a 52-hour power reserve with twin barrels and houses Vulcain's fantastic alarm function, which when fully wound will ring for 20-seconds approx and is amplified by a steel case back, which helps to brighten the tone and clarity.
* The Cricket Classique is based around one of Vulcain's original 1940s era Cricket models, with a gorgeous sector dial, Arabic numerals and large "Alpha" hands with off-white luminescence added to both hands and numerals. The 36mm, steel case is polished throughout and features winding crown at 3 o'clock with alarm button at 2 o'clock and a domed sapphire crystal. The watch comes fitted to an 18mm x 16mm leather strap on pin buckle.
Movement: Manual Wind with Mechanical Alarm Function
Case Dimensions: 36mm x 12.8mm, Stainless Steel
Dial: Eggshell with Off-White Lume on Hands and Numerals
Glass: Domed Sapphire Crystal
Strap: 18mm x 16mm, Brown Leather on Pin Buckle
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Reference: 100169B77.BAC307
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.