1950s Vulcain Cricket
1950s Vulcain Cricket
SKU:FWW1521
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Description
Description
- Country of Manufacture - Switzerland
- Year - 1950s
- Serial - N/A
- Model - S2315A
- Movement & caliber - 120 Manual
- Case diameter - 34 mm
- This Item is Final Sale
- Do not expose the watch to water or any form of moisture as it is vintage.
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 later design from the La Chaux de Fonds manufacturer, seen within prominent advertisements of the late 1950s through 60s. The bold "Vulcain" typeface is amongst the most distinctive of dial brandings for the era. It is surrounded by classic applied stick hour markers within a beautifully toned in dial in superb original condition.
The original baton hands are still intact, which along with the hour markers are set with Radium lume, the RA dial version of the watch. It is marked at the base of the dial “RA Swiss Made RA”.
The watch is powered by the venerable caliber 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. 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 light wear and scratches, as one would expect from a watch that is now seventy years old. The dial is also in excellent original condition. But, again, it fits the vintage nature of the watch. The movement is timing accurately and the alarm function works with pleasing effect.
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