Vulcain
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Vulcain
Entry LuxuryCricket mechanical alarm caliber (1947); 'watch of Presidents' worn by US presidents
Le Locle, Switzerland · est. 1858
part of Independent
$2,000 – $10,000
My tier · 1
Vulcain was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1858 by the Ditisheim family, earning observatory prizes through the 19th century. Its immortality arrived in 1947 with the Cricket, the first truly practical alarm wristwatch, whose hand wound caliber produced a piercing chirp via a double case back resonance chamber, solving a problem watchmaking had chased for a century.
More about Vulcain
History
The Cricket became the presidents' watch: Truman received one, Eisenhower and Johnson wore theirs famously, and the association continued across administrations. Divers followed with the Cricket Nautical of 1961, its alarm audible underwater for decompression timing. After quartz era dormancy and revival attempts, including new production of the manufacture V-10 alarm caliber, Vulcain relaunched again in the 2020s under new ownership with faithful Cricket reissues in presidential and nautical trim.
The Alarm Manufacture
Vulcain remains defined by one complication done first and best: the mechanical wrist alarm, a genuinely useful analog function with tactile charm. Modern Crickets use the in house hand wound alarm calibers, in 39 mm classic cases echoing the Truman era, alongside Skindiver and Nautical heritage models.
Prices run roughly 2,000 to 6,000 dollars.
Model Lineup
| Collection | Identity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Classic | The presidents' alarm | Hand wound manufacture caliber |
| Cricket Nautical | Underwater alarm diver | 1961 decompression legend |
| Skindiver | Vintage dive revival | Automatic sports models |
| Grand Prix | Heritage chronographs | 1970s inspired pieces |
Why It Stands Out
- A true first. The 1947 Cricket created the practical wrist alarm.
- Presidential provenance. The White House association is documented history.
- Manufacture alarm calibers. In house mechanisms for its signature complication.
- Charming utility. The alarm remains delightfully functional today.
Weaknesses
- Ownership turbulence. Repeated relaunches interrupted brand continuity.
- One trick identity. Beyond the alarm, differentiation is thin.
- Niche complication. Buyers rarely prioritize mechanical alarms now.
- Fragile resale. Secondary values lag the historical significance.
Summary
Vulcain owns one of watchmaking's great useful inventions and its best presidential story. The Cricket Classic is the essential buy, a hand wound alarm that once woke leaders of the free world. It is a heritage jewel awaiting the stable stewardship it has long deserved.