The "President's Watch," a venerable Swiss timepiece brand renowned for its rich history and exceptional quality, is revived and re-launches in Japan | VULCAIN
WATCH & JEWELRY / WATCH NEWS
July 11, 2023

The "President's Watch," a venerable Swiss timepiece brand renowned for its rich history and exceptional quality, is revived and re-launches in Japan | VULCAIN

VULCAIN

Swiss Watchmaker VULCAIN Re-launches in Japan

The long-dormant VULCAIN brand is revived with its Cricket collection. The new watches echo the brand's golden age.

Text by SEKI Ryutaro

Timeless Charm Reimagined for Today

Founded in 1858 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, VULCAIN is a watch brand characterized by its rich history and exceptional quality and design, born from outstanding craftsmanship. Since its inception, it has accumulated achievements as a manufacture brand, creating complex mechanisms such as chronometers and chronographs, and winning numerous awards.
Nearly a century later, VULCAIN developed the "Cricket," the world's first mechanical wristwatch with an alarm function. The name was inspired by the sound of the alarm, which resembled the chirping of a cricket. This innovative and practical timepiece garnered significant acclaim worldwide and became known as "The President's Watch" due to its adoption by successive U.S. presidents.
In 2002, the company relocated its headquarters to Le Locle, Switzerland, continuing its tradition of innovative watchmaking leveraging exceptional expertise. However, the brand faced several challenges in recent years, leading to its temporary disappearance from the market. In 2022, VULCAIN made a comeback, reintroducing its iconic "Cricket" with a new in-house caliber, the "VULCAIN Manufacture Caliber V10." Subsequently, chronographs with the popular two-counter design from the 1970s and vintage-inspired skin diver models were also launched.
Now, VULCAIN is set to re-enter the Japanese market. For its return to Japan, the brand will offer a lineup of 11 models, including faithful reproductions of original designs like the "Cricket Classic" and "Cricket Tradition," the "Chronograph 1970," and the "Skin Diver," as well as models inspired by design catalogs from the 1950s and long power reserve models with superior functionality.
Cricket Classique ø
The "Cricket Watch" is an iconic VULCAIN model boasting over 150 years of history. This timepiece pioneered mechanical watches with an alarm function, its name derived from the sound of a cricket. VULCAIN maintains its own manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland, where it continues to produce its in-house mechanical alarm movements, utilizing skills passed down through generations.
Case | 316L Stainless Steel, Polished Finish
Case Size | 36mm
Strap | Calfskin
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters)
Thickness | 12.8mm
Crystal | Domed Sapphire Crystal
Movement | Manual-winding VULCAIN V10
Alarm Duration | Approx. 20 seconds
Price | ¥660,000
Chronograph 1970 - Limited
This model is inspired by the chronographs of the 1970s. With a case diameter of 38mm and a thickness of 12.4mm, it offers a comfortable wearability. Suitable for both formal and casual occasions, this watch is powered by the Sellita SW510 movement and boasts a 63-hour power reserve.
Case | 316L Stainless Steel, Polished Finish
Case Size | 38mm
Strap | Calfskin
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters)
Thickness | 12.4mm
Crystal | Double-domed Sapphire Crystal / Anti-reflective Coating
Movement | Manual-winding SW510 M BH b-Manual 63H Power Reserve
Price | ¥422,500
Skindiver
A revival of the Skindiver model that debuted in the 1960s. With a 38mm case size that sits comfortably on the wrist, it perfectly fulfills its role as a tool watch. While exuding a vintage aesthetic, it also features a modern 200M water resistance.
Case | 316L Stainless Steel
Case Size | 38mm
Strap | Calfskin
Water Resistance | 200M (20 ATM)
Thickness | 12.2mm
Crystal | Double-domed Sapphire Crystal
Movement | Automatic ETA 2824 38H Power Reserve
Price | ¥246,400
Inquiries

HMS Watch Store Omotesando
Tel. 03-6438-9321
https://www.hms-watchstore.com/

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