The first Vulcain’s Cricket alarm caliber was introduced in 1947 and it was innovative enough to be featured in several Vulcain wristwatches. This year, the Swiss manufacturer unveiled the latest evolution of the renowned hand-wound movement – caliber V-40. Together with the introduction of the new caliber, the Le Locle-based manufacturer unveiled four new models of its famous 50s Presidents’ Watch Tradition in a range of different colors and finishes.
Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Watch 400150A05.BAL100
The new version of the Cricket movement boasts several new features. Earlier, all wristwatches tooled with a Cricket movement had four central hands – hour, minute, seconds and alarm. The new in-house Manufacture caliber V-40 redesigned them with the seconds counter placed at the 8 o’clock position and the alarm counter set at the 4 o’clock position. Also, the power reserve has been increased by 10 hours, from 42 to 52 hours. That was achieved thanks to a longer main-spring and the reduced diameter of the barrel-arbor.
Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Watch 400150A76.BAL127
The hand-wound movement incorporates a mechanical alarm function that can sound for circa 20 seconds. The newly developed caliber is built on 24 rubies and consists of 162 individual parts. It features two barrels, one for the timekeeping functions, and one for the alarm. The impeccable mechanism operates at the frequency of 18,000 alternations per hour (2.5 Hz).
It is also equipped with Vulcain’s patented Exactomatic system which equalizes the friction on the balance-staff in all positions by modifying the endstones of the Incablock shock absorbers to offer improved precision and better regularity. The movement’s decoration includes nickel coating, blued screws and skeleton ratchets.
Vulcain Caliber V-40
Four new versions of the iconic Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Watch Tradition are equipped with the new V-40 caliber. Each of them is housed in a round case crafted from 316L surgical stainless steel measuring 42mm in diameter and 12.40mm in thickness including the dome-shaped sapphire crystal. The water resistance is assured down to 50 meters (approximately 165 feet).
Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Watch 400150G25.BAL100
The first two references (referent numbers are 400150A05.BAL100 and 400150A76.BAL127) come with either black velours or grained beige dial with pink indices. Two additional pieces with the references 400150G25.BAL100 and 400150G85.BAL100 are encrusted with a “clous de Paris” central section and a sunray edge, thus perfectly combining heritage with modernity. They are available in a choice of silver or ruthenium-plated variant.
Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Watch Ruthenium-Plated
Depending on the model, they come with either mat black or gold Louisiana alligator strap, fitted with a steel pin buckle or a steel folding clasp. Each of these four new models can be purchased for $6,950.
