Why This Watch Matters The Cricket packs a powerful mechanical alarm that demands attention at any time of day. The Full Story The Vulcain Cricket, introduced in 1947 at an event at the storied Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, was one of the first wristwatches with a mechanical alarm built in. It has a long pedigree, highlighted by the fact that a Cricket has been gifted to every president from Truman to Trump (excluding George W. Bush), earning it the title of the "Watch of Presidents." You can read more about the history of the Cricket here. The present example is in great condition and features a beautiful silvered dial with applied hour markers and dauphine hands. It's sized at 33mm with a thickness of 12mm, meaning it has a solid wrist presence that allows it flexibility to be worn by any discerning man or woman. In order to set the, alarm, the watch has to first be wound (either forward and backward), then you must activate (pull out) the pusher at two o’clock to eject the crown, which can then be rotated to set the alarm (the arrow hand) to the desired time. Simply push the crown back in and you're all set! The Fine Print Maker: VulcainModel: Cricket Reference: N/AYear: 1950sCase No: 303000Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, radium Caliber: Manual-winding caliber 120 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sedona Strap in Slate GreyLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Cricket is in great condition. The case is strong and sharp with some scratches. The side of the case at nine o’clock shows signs of being opened and has some slight corrosion. The dial has some wear around the edges. The dial has developed some patina. The lume plots are intact and show signs of deterioration. The lume in the hands is darker than the lume on the dial. The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed, "Vulcain."
