
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Vulcain Automatic, Textured Dial, Steel Case, ref. R3323A, Calibre ETA 2451, circa 1965
- Maker / attribution
- Vulcain (maker)
- Date
- c. 1965
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- steel
- Dimensions
- Case 34 mm
- Stock no.
- VWS3293
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (VWS3293)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Vulcain - Automatic - Textured Dial - Steel Case - Reference R3323A - Calibre ETA 2451 - c.1965 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number VWS3293), this is a wristwatch by Vulcain, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1965. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: steel. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Charismatic 1960s Vulcain Automatic Time Only Watch with a Unique Textured Dial and Stylish Dauphine Hands Vulcain, a revered Swiss watchmaker, was established in 1858 by Maurice Ditisheim in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Renowned for its technical innovation and craftsmanship, Vulcain gained fame with the introduction of the Cricket alarm watch in 1947. The Cricket's unique mechanical alarm feature garnered significant attention and became a favourite among U.S. Presidents, earning it the nickname "The President's Watch." This historical association began with Harry S. Truman and continued with subsequent presidents such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Throughout its history, Vulcain has maintained a commitment to horological excellence and innovation. The brand has expanded its collection while staying true to its heritage of producing high-quality timepieces with distinctive complications. Despite facing challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s, Vulcain re-emerged stronger in the luxury watch market in recent decades, continuing to uphold its legacy of precision and elegance. What's on Offer This is a great watch, just look at the textured dial and faceted tear-drop hour markers, it has so much character! The Dauphine hands with luminous inserts are really stylish too, and the luminous pips on the hour plots offer further visibility. The dial is completed by the familiar Vulcain emblem and encapsulated underneath shatterproof Plexiglass and encased in polished stainless steel. At 34mm it is a mid-size watch and wears beautifully on the wrist, perfectly appropriate for everyday wear or special occasions. The beautiful tan leather strap brings out the colour of the dial and gives a nice warmth to this watch. To the case back you will again see the Vulcain emblem along with incabloc and water resistance notations. This is a really fun piece, a beautiful watch on the wrist, running well and keeping good time, a great buy!
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Automatic (self-winding) watches
Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.
What to look for
- A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
- 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
- A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.
Dating clues
- Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
- Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
- Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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