CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND APPRAISAL
1 YEAR MECHANICAL WARRANTY
About
The Cricket was first introduced for sale in 1947, although the company had been working on an alarm watch since at least 1942, when Robert Ditisheim produced the first prototype of the Caliber 120, the movement that would becomes synonymous with the mechanical alarm. Powered by two springs, one for the movement and one for the alarm, the ingenious use of a sliding rocker allowed both springs to be wound by a single crown. Fully wound, the alarm would ring for just under 25 seconds without affecting the power reserve of the watch itself.
Today’s Cricket dates to the mid or late 1950s, when Vulcain switched from individually numbered serial numbers to reference numbers. Like all Crickets from this era it features their in-house Caliber 120 and patented perforated double case back, which creates a resonant chamber to amplify the alarm’s sound.
How it works:
In the 0 position, wind the movement by turning the crown downward (toward 6 o’clock). Wind the alarm by turning the crown upward (toward 12 o’clock). To set the time, pull the crown out to the 2nd position. To set the alarm, press the 2 o’clock pusher all the way in, and the crown will jump to the 3rd position, then use the crown to set the alarm (counter-clockwise only). Push the crown back to the 0 position and the alarm is set.
We’ve given the movement a full overhaul and paired this lovely piece with a chic suede strap in a rich mocha colour to accentuate the gold plated case and warm tones of the dial.
Details
Reference:
305001
Movement:
Type: Manual Wind, Vulcain Caliber 120, 17 jewels
We have given the movement a complete service. It works eagerly, keeping good time, and the alarm works as it should, ringing sharply when activated. One year mechanical warranty included.
Case:
33mm (not including crown and pusher) gold plated case and stainless steel back
Strap:
Rios 1931 Franklin genuine suede in mocha (MSRP: $52.95)
Overall Condition:
Gold plated case looks to have been professional replated at some point and is in fine condition, with a few expected marks of wear. Steel back is clean, while the inner alarm cover is tarnished a bit. Original two-tone pusher and new unsigned crown. New acrylic crystal. Original dial with a couple of minor marks, attractive even patina throughout and sharp, legible script. Original tritium on hour markers while the original blued lance hands have been relumed.
