Vulcain - Cricket - No reserve price - 305012 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage An exceptional opportunity to acquire a legendary piece of mid-century horology, the Vulcain Cricket stands as a towering achievement in mechanical alarm complications. Known universally as the watch of presidents, this handsome example pairs profound historical significance with an incredibly charming, patinated aesthetic that vintage collectors actively seek. Brand: Vulcain Model: Cricket Reference Number: 305012 Movement: Manual winding 17-jewel alarm caliber Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted gold-tone indices, contrasting outer alarm track, darkened lume pips, and light age-consistent spotting Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive patination Dial and Hands The dial presents a brilliant silver sunburst finish, elevated by applied faceted gold-tone indices and an applied Vulcain logo. The typography is printed in crisp black serif and sans-serif fonts. A contrasting champagne-toned outer track serves the alarm function, marked with precise black graduations. The original spherical lume pips situated at the base of the indices have aged to a deep, dark brown, providing excellent vintage character. The dial shows minor surface spotting and slight discoloration around the extreme outer edges, presenting an honest and highly authentic vintage aesthetic. The gold-tone dauphine hands exhibit noticeable oxidation and heavy patina, perfectly consistent with the age of the timepiece, while the alarm hand features a distinct black arrow tip for easy reading. Case and Crystal The 34mm gold-plated case features elegantly sloping lugs that retain good shape, though they show normal softening and micro-scratches from decades of careful wear. The distinctive alarm pusher at the two o'clock position and the fluted winding crown at three o'clock are fully intact. The stainless steel caseback features the iconic double-layer acoustic design with resonance holes to amplify the cricket alarm. The caseback is deeply engraved with the Vulcain globe logo, the 305012 reference number, and various international patent numbers. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains largely clear, showing only faint, superficial handling marks. Movement The watch is powered by the renowned manual-winding Vulcain Cricket mechanical alarm caliber. The movement is marked with seventeen jewels and features crisp engravings across the plates, including the Vulcain Grand Prix and Cricket signatures on the ratchet and crown wheels. Intricate patent numbers, including 2554402, 2568795, 2644294, and D.B.P. 920958, are proudly stamped directly onto the movement bridge, matching the historical pedigree of this caliber. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady at +20 to +25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-appropriate brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting red stitching, secured by a gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case exhibits moderate, honest wear with some softening to the lug profiles and light surface scratches consistent with its age. The dial remains highly attractive, featuring a well-preserved sunburst finish complemented by natural, age-consistent spotting and deeply patinated lume pips. The hands show substantial oxidation. The mechanical alarm and movement are beautifully preserved and fully operational. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks The Vulcain Cricket is a true horological icon, celebrated globally for its robust mechanical alarm and distinguished presidential heritage. This particular example offers a beautiful combination of a silver sunburst dial with a contrasting alarm track, delivering immense vintage charm and mechanical intrigue for the discerning collector. History Introduced in 1947, the Vulcain Cricket made history as the first wristwatch to feature a truly functional and loud mechanical alarm. Its ingenious double-caseback design allowed the internal striking hammer to resonate loudly, earning the watch its famous Cricket moniker. The model quickly became the timepiece of choice for numerous United States Presidents, starting with Harry S. Truman, cementing its legacy as a symbol of mid-century leadership and horological innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: VUL-CXX-0001