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.

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 email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
Box/Papers: BOX - Mahogany watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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