Vulcain Watches

Vulcain: The Watch That Woke Up Presidents

Vulcain doesn’t shout. It buzzes. Literally.
Long before smartwatch notifications, this was the brand that gave you a mechanical alarm on your wrist — one loud enough to wake you up, remind you of a meeting, or annoy everyone else in the room in the best possible way.

And yes — it’s the watch that’s been worn by more U.S. Presidents than any other brand.
But Vulcain isn’t about hype. It’s about history, mechanical utility, and low-key collector credibility you don’t see coming.

Brand History: Swiss Innovation, American Wrists

Founded in 1858 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Vulcain was a respected Swiss manufacture for decades before making horological history in 1947, when it launched the Cricket — the first truly functional wristwatch with a mechanical alarm.

And it wasn’t just a novelty. The alarm was loud, sharp, and incredibly useful — especially in a pre-iPhone world. The Cricket became a sensation, and soon earned its nickname:
 “The President’s Watch.”

Why? Because Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon all wore one. It became a quiet White House tradition — no marketing campaign needed.

Collector Highlights: Mechanical Alarms and Old-School Charm

  • Cricket – The icon. 34–39mm case (depending on vintage or modern), dual-crown setup, and the unmistakable buzz of a fully mechanical alarm. Wears like a vintage dress watch, performs like a field piece.

  • Nautical Cricket – Dive-ready version with a decompression bezel and water-sealed alarm. One of the coolest vintage tool watches no one talks about enough.

  • Presidents’ Cricket Reissues – Limited editions based on the exact references worn by U.S. Presidents. You want low-key flex? That’s it.

  • Chronograph and Dual Time Models – Less common, but occasionally seen in vintage form. Usually with classic tricompax layouts and tasteful scaling.

Movements? Vulcain has historically been a true manufacture, building its own alarm calibers — including the legendary Caliber 120, which powers many vintage Crickets.

Modern Crickets run on the V-10 and V-21 — updated versions still built with in-house mechanical alarm modules.

Why Collectors Should Care

  • The original mechanical alarm wristwatch — historically important and functionally cool

  • Presidential pedigree — worn in the White House, but without the sticker shock

  • Surprisingly affordable vintage — compared to the history you're getting

  • Unique complication — not just a chrono or a diver

  • Clean mid-century design language — you could wear one today and look sharp

  • Legit Swiss heritage with real in-house chops

It’s the kind of watch you wear when you want to flex knowledge — not branding.

What They’re Making Now: Comebacks With Credibility

After several stop-starts, Vulcain quietly relaunched again in the 2020s, focusing on what they do best: the Cricket.

New models include:

  • Cricket Tradition and Presidents’ Models – Classic sizing (36–39mm), applied markers, enamel dials, and still ticking with in-house mechanical alarms.

  • Modern Crickets – Slightly larger cases, upgraded finishing, and subtle updates to the iconic dual-crown format.

  • Limited Editions – Including vintage-inspired dials, “Presidents” reissues, and partnerships with European retailers.

They’ve kept the authentic movement architecture, resisted bloating the catalog, and focused on what makes Vulcain Vulcain — which is smart.

Fed’s Take

Vulcain is one of those brands that quietly keeps delivering — if you’re paying attention.

I’ve sold Crickets to collectors who didn’t even know they needed a mechanical alarm… until they tried it. I’ve handled the Presidents’ reissues — and they feel right. Like something Kennedy could’ve worn while writing a speech, or your grandfather could’ve left behind in a safe.

They’re dressy but useful. Rare but wearable.
And when that alarm goes off? People look.

If you want a watch that brings actual history to your wrist — without the waiting list — Vulcain belongs in your box.

Vintage Class. Mechanical Sass. Still Buzzing After 75 Years.

If you’re ready to wear something real, mechanical, and unmistakably cool,
 Vulcain isn’t just a conversation starter — it’s the alarm clock that earned a spot in the West Wing.

Delray Watch frequently sources Vulcain watches — especially Cricket, Nautical, and Presidents’ Edition models.

Check out our current inventory and remember if you have a Vulcain you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

Be the first to know when new Vulcain watches become available - sign up for insider access here