Brand: Vulcain

Model: Cricket Alarm ref. S2329A (RARE); Swiss Made circa 1963

Case: Solid stainless steel case with compressed snapback is approximately 34mm excluding the original signed "V" crown and original pusher

Bracelet/Strap: Rare 11/16" (~18mm) vintage Kreisler U.S.A. stainless steel bracelet with fold-over buckle; will fit approximately a 6.75" to 7.5" wrist; handmade leather strap can be substituted at the request of the buyer

Movement: Vulcain cal. 120 MSR S2 manual-winding movement (17 jewels) with functioning mechanical alarm; 18,000 BPH; Swiss Made

Features: Stunning original silver sunburst dial with shiny mirror outer minute track and beautiful yellow lume plots; original handset; very loud functioning mechanical alarm with black arrow alarm indicator hand; original oversized crown and original pusher; extremely rare Vulcain Cricket model with solid stainless steel "waterprotected" case and domed acrylic crystal

Condition: Fantastic original condition overall with only minor honest wear consistent with age and use; solid stainless steel case appears to be completely unpolished with razor-sharp edges and bevels; caseback remains clearly legible; incredible original silver sunburst dial with all lume plots in tact and aged to an attractive yellow hue; excellent original luminous hands with matching yellow patina and a tiny bit of lume missing from the minute hand; clean domed acrylic crystal

Other: What quickly became known as "The Watch of Presidents" and "The World's Best Watch for Busy People," the iconic Vulcain Cricket was officially introduced to the world in 1947 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. As our friend Eric Wind wrote in a HODINKEE article here, "the Cricket has had a strong connection with US Presidents including Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson as well as Richard Nixon. In fact, Crickets have been gifted to every President from Truman to Obama (except for "W")." Eric would later point out in HODINKEE's Complete Guide to the Watches of United States Presidents that "Eisenhower wore a Vulcain Cricket while he was in office. One of the funnier stories is that he was wearing the Cricket during a press conference announcing new tariffs on Swiss watches. The alarm went off during the press conference and everyone knew it was a Cricket and rather hypocritical in a humorous way."

The vast majority of Vulcain Cricket watches were offered in chrome-plated or gold-plated cases at a lesser price point making this mint solid stainless steel example from 1963 even more rare and desirable. The silver sunburst dial with shiny mirror outer minute track and yellow lume plots is absolutely gorgeous (especially when you get it out in the sun). The period-correct Kreisler stainless steel bracelet adds just the right amount of subtle bling that would impress even the likes of Don Draper. A truly collector-grade Vulcain Cricket like this example is a "must have" in any serious collection of vintage alarm watches. It's such a great conversation piece for the money and can be worn with just about anything. Believe us when we say that the alarm is super LOUD compared to its contemporaries.