Vulcain has brought back its famous mechanical alarm watch in titanium, cutting its weight while also changing the sound of its signature alarm. The Cricket first appeared in 1947 and became known as the “Presidents’ Watch” after versions were worn or received by several US presidents. Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon have all been linked to the model over the years.
For the new Cricket Titane, Vulcain has rebuilt much of the watch around titanium. The 39mm case and bezel use the lightweight material, while a sapphire exhibition caseback offers a view of the movement. Including its leather strap, the complete watch weighs just 46 grams.
Titanium also appears inside the hand-wound V14 Cricket movement, where it is used for the mainplate and bridges. That is unusual because the metal can be difficult to machine accurately, particularly when producing small movement components.
Vulcain has also used titanium for parts of the alarm system, including the anvil and the brand’s V-shaped component attached to the caseback. When the alarm is activated, a small hammer strikes the anvil and sends vibrations through the watch. The use of titanium is said to give the Cricket a softer, more refined sound than earlier versions.
Two separate barrels power the watch, with one reserved for timekeeping and the other running the mechanical alarm. The movement provides a 52-hour power reserve and can be seen beneath the sapphire caseback.
Other details include a guilloché-effect dial, 5 ATM water resistance and a choice of black or brown calfskin straps. Vulcain has priced the watch at CHF 6,200 / $7,670, with deliveries expected to begin in August.
Only 100 pieces of the Cricket Titane will be made. Beyond its presidential connections, the watch stands out for the way Vulcain has reworked its famous alarm complication in titanium.