A stainless steel Vulcain Cricket. This is a very rare and high quality reference that is not a commonly found among this iconic watch. A watch that gained popularity while being worn on the wrist by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This dial variant is rarely found. It is likely made by the dial maker; Stern. We have had two Rolex OP "white Explorer" models that bear exactly the same dial font numbers. This leads us to believe that the dial was fabrique de Cadran Stern Freres. Stern Freres were, and are still today, the dial maker for Patek, along with a number of other notable brands, including Rolex. Perhaps one of the most desirable and coveted Rolex watches are the "Stelline", or "star dials", such as the reference 6098. All of which were made by Stern during the period this watch here was produced. It is not a well known fact that the Charles and Jean Stern were pre-eminent dial manufacturers at the turn of the last century. So much so that Fabrique de Cadrans Stern Fréres were exclusive suppliers to Patek Philippe. During the great recession, Patek Philippe were struggling, along with a number of the marquee Swiss haute horology brands. Aware of this, and a love for the brand and its global prestige and heritage, the Stern brothers bought the company in 1932. The Vulcain Cricket is widely recognized as the timepiece that put alarm wristwatches on the map. Although Eterna made noise with the first alarm wristwatch in 1914, the Vulcain Cricket's voice was heard loud and clear with it's superior volume, reliability and accuracy. The Cricket's story began in 1947 when watchmaker Robert Ditisheim introduced the timepiece. Ditisheim's observations of nature played a vital role in the development, however he also incorporated his education in engineering. Ditisheim's colleagues at Zurich ETH were in fact specialists in acoustics and metal alloys who would help him develop the ideal sound. The present example is a move away from the very first designs from the La Chaux de Fonds manufacturer, with a different case with more sloped and dramatically chamfered lugs. The early and bold "Vulcain" typeface gives way to a finer printing but remains amongst the most distinctive of dial branding for the era. It is surrounded a mix of Arabic numerals and double shape pencil style markers with a hash mark chapter ring wet with perfectly plump small tritium luminous markers, all original and in perfect crisp condition. The watch is powered by the venerable calibre 120 and produces a high pitched chirp when activated. At 34mm, it wears surprisingly large due to the thick lugs. With several marketing taglines and a rich history, the Cricket is much more than simply "The Watch of Presidents". It is perhaps one of the best values found within the iconic watches of the 20th Century. Serial 410140 President Truman was the first of three US Presidents that actively wore their Cricket, the others being President Dwight D. Eisenhower and President Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson was even such a fan of the Cricket that during his presidency he gave about 200 Cricket's away as presents. Vulcain itself kept up a tradition to present US Presidents with a Cricket, even going up until President Obama received one after his inauguration. The condition of the watch is superb throughout. The case is unpolished and remains very strong with very light wear, as one might not expect from a watch that is now nearly seventy years old. The original "V" signed winding and setting crown is present and immaculate. The dial is also in excellent original condition with all original lume material present on the hours and hands. The movement is timing accurately and the alarm function works with pleasing effect. There are some light scratches to the plexi crystal, but this is the original crystal and has been retained for originality. There is no original box or paperwork presented with the watch. The watch has recently been serviced and is keeping good time.
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