Why This Watch Matters Sure there are other alarm watches but nothing chirps like a Vulcain Cricket and this happens to be one of the nicest we have seen! The Full Story The Vulcain Cricket was introduced in 1947 at an event at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. It was one of the first wristwatches with a mechanical alarm built in. It has a long history, highlighted by the fact that a Cricket has been gifted to every president from Truman to Biden (excluding George W. Bush), earning it the title of the "Watch of Presidents." You can read more about the history of the Vulcain Cricket here. The present example is in beautiful condition and features a silvered dial with applied faceted hour markers and dauphine hands. The hour markers on this example are a bit uncommon as the cardinal indices appear almost as jets and the rest more dagger shaped. All the hour markers are heavily faceted with multiple surfaces to reflect light and pop off the dial's surface. When looking at the watch horizontally, the hour markers provide a stunningly attractive aesthetic. Despite the 34mm diameter, the Vulcain Cricket is well-known for having a substantial wrist presence with nicely elongated and curved lugs. We think it will wear suitably on most wrist sizes. In order to set the alarm, the watch must first be wound (either forward and backward), then the pusher at two o'clock must be activated by pulling it out and ejecting the crown. The crown can then be rotated to set the alarm, with the fourth, black hand as an indicator, to the desired time. Simply push the crown back in and the alarm is set. We paired this Vulcain Cricket with our Sedona strap in mustard, because it works well with the overall look of the watch. We think this Vulcain is quite versatile, and it will match nicely with nearly any color or type of strap. The Fine Print Maker: VulcainModel: CricketReference: N/AYear: 1950sCase No: N/AMaterial: Stainless steelDimensions: 34mm diameter; 12.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Vulcain, manually-wound, caliber 120Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In MustardLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - "Cricket" alarm- Excellent condition - Fancy applied hour markers Things To Know: - Light scratches on case This Vulcain Cricket is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong with scratches; it is likely unpolished. The 11 o'clock lug has a nick on the bottom edge. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible, as are the areas where the lugs meet the case. The dial has some marks with a light patina. The lume on the dial and the hands have developed patina and are matching in color. The lume on the dial has developed some patina around each individual plot, too. The hands have developed patina. This watch has retained its original crown with "V" on it. The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed by Vulcain. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
