Why This Watch Matters The classic Vulcain Cricket, protected from the elements while chirping on your wrist. 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 lume-filled hands. 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 angled 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 or 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 orange for a pop of color going into Spring and Summer. The Fine Print Maker: VulcainModel: CricketReference: S2323AYear: 1960sCase No: N/AMaterial: Stainless steelDimensions: 34mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Vulcain, manually-wound, caliber 120Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Devil's BridgeLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Clean dial layout- Faceted and applied hour markers- Mechanical "Cricket" alarm Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Vulcain Cricket is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong with scratches and some light nicks; it is likely unpolished. The caseback shows some wear, but all the writing is visible. 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 hour markers have developed some patina but shine nicely. The hands have developed some patina. The lume on the dial and in the hands had developed patina and generally darkened with some degradation. 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.
