OVERVIEW

Notable for being one of the first wristwatches with a built in mechanical alarm, the Vulcain Cricket is the most famous for being gifted to every US president (except George W. Bush) since its inception in 1947. Since the American president is probably the busiest job in the world not only was it advertised as “The Watch for Presidents”, but was also advertised as “The World’s Best Watch for Busy People”. In an era way before Palm Pilots, Blackberries & iPhones, I can’t think of a more useful function for a wristwatch than an alarm.

What makes the Cricket stand out even more is the execution of its design and alarm function. The alarm is loud and vibrates on the wrist, but somehow not annoying, sort of like how the sound of actual crickets are loud but soothing. And while it does sound like a real cricket, it probably won’t attract females the way a male cricket’s call does. It may however, attract other watch nerds.

CONDITION NOTES

CASE: Lightly polished in the past, but in overall nice condition with original facets present. Original crown and alarm pusher are good too.

DIAL & HANDS: Both dial and hands look untouched and near perfect, with a warm patina on what started as a silver dial. Original radium lume is an amazing shade of pumpkin.

MOVEMENT: In clean condition with time and alarm functions running optimally.