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1950's VULCAIN CRICKET Vintage Mens "Watch of Presidents" - 18K Gold
About the Item
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers via other online sites with a 5.0 star rating.
1950's VULCAIN CRICKET Vintage Mens "Watch of Presidents" - 18K Gold
Pioneering Technology - Pleasing Vintage Design - 1 Year Warranty
Today's offering showcases this wonderful 1950's Vulcain Cricket in 18K gold.
Though today it's not usually considered the most famous vintage alarm watch, often ceding that title to the Memovox, the Cricket stands is the true OG alarm. More respectfully, it stands as a paragon of horological innovation, being the first wristwatch to incorporate a ringing mechanical alarm function and is appreciated by educated collectors for its pioneering technology and association with the most powerful men in the world.
Introduced in 1947 after five years of meticulous research and development, the Cricket's groundbreaking feature was its alarm, which emitted a sound said to be reminiscent of a chirping cricket, although I find it to be...
This distinctive auditory signal was achieved through a patented dual-case construction designed to amplify the alarm’s resonance, ensuring its audibility and practicality for daily wear. This was not just a technical novelty—it was a true leap forward in functional wristwatch complications.
Watch savants will be fascinated by how it works internally and externally. It used two mainspring barrels, which incredibly uniquely, are wound by winding forward, like a normal watch, but then also by winding backwards in the same position. It's really a unique experience.
While appreciated for its groundbreaking invention, its legacy was cemented through its association with the American presidency. Dubbed “The President’s Watch,” the Cricket has adorned the wrists of several U.S. commanders-in-chief, beginning with Harry S. Truman. He was first gifted a Cricket by the White House Press Photographers’ Association in the late 1940s, which set off a tradition that would span decades. Later Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon would all wear these special watches. Even Barack Obama received one as a gift from the Swiss press during his presidency, reinforcing the watch’s enduring symbolic connection to leadership and diplomacy.
This presidential lineage gave the Cricket an unmatched gravitas—an emblem of both refined taste and reliable utility. It wasn’t just a luxury; it was a tool of punctual power, a statement of preparedness and poise.
Vulcain began to capitalize on the connection in their marketing, further broadening its reputation as the "Watch of Presidents."
This first edition Vulcain Cricket with caliber 120 exemplifies this rich heritage and reflects the achievements of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. These increasingly have become appreciated not only for their mechanical charm, but for what it represents: a moment in time when function met form at the highest level. It’s a watch with a voice—historically, mechanically, and symbolically—and one that continues to resonate with those who appreciate its craftsmanship, beauty, and presidential pedigree.
The all-gold construction with matching dial of ours gives it luxurious look.
It has all of its original parts down to all hands and the signed winding crown.
Its case, which has great faceted lugs, shows signs of previous polishing and has one indention in the back. On the wrist it presents nicely.
Its dial was sold to us by watch experts as original, but under magnification we think it may have been refinished in vintage times.
Three of our Master Watchmakers worked for the last four years poured countless hours into restoring the movement of this special watch to breathe new life into it for many years including working extensively on the balance on the hairspring, which is the beating heart of the watch (restoration value $2,395).
It is running very strong and true, keeping time on par with a new watch in our testing recording position.
Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Detailed Appraisal:
Manufacturer: Vulcain
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1940's
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sub Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: 18K rose gold
Case condition: Excellent with crisp hallmark
Case markings (outside): 831386
Case markings (inside): Vulcain Watch Co. 18K (0.750)
Dimensions: 22mm wide (excluding crown), 35.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Rose gold, black painted Arabic indexes, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds dial, original, near mint condition
Hands: Original, blue steel
Movement markings: Vulcain, 16 Jewels, Swiss
Band: Genuine crocodile, high quality, fully stitched for greater durability, padded for comfort, brand new and unused
Crystal type: Mineral glass, hand-cut, excellent condition
Serviced: Three of our Master Watchmakers worked for the last four years poured countless hours into restoring the movement of this special watch to breathe new life into it for many years including working extensively on the balance on the hairspring, which is the beating heart of the watch (restoration value $2,395).
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details.
Box/Papers: BOX - Mahogany watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
SKU 7175SH
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Leather
- Case Shape:Round
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.4 in (35.5 mm)Width: 0.87 in (22 mm)Length: 1.4 in (35.5 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1945
- Condition:The all-gold construction with matching dial of ours gives it luxurious look. It has all of its original parts down to all hands and the signed winding crown. Its case, which has great faceted lugs, shows signs of previous polishing.
- Seller Location:Suwanee, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: 7175SH1stDibs: LU4333226261062
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