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Vulcain Cricket Alarm (Ref. 303000) Fancy Black Dial, 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vulcain Cricket Alarm (Ref. 303000) Fancy Black Dial, 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Vulcain (maker)
Date
1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 33 mm
Stock no.
VLCC303000
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (VLCC303000)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s Vulcain Cricket Alarm (Ref. 303000) Fancy Black Dial (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number VLCC303000), this is a wristwatch by Vulcain, made in Switzerland, dated 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 33 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 — Craft & Tailored

When you first think of the President's watch, you probably envision a gold Rolex, right? Well, what if we told you an exponentially lesser-known watch from an equally under-the-radar brand was another model that has been worn by nearly every president since Harry S. Truman? That "other" piece is the Vulcain Cricket. Initially introduced in 1947, the Cricket was one of the very first wristwatches to offer a mechanical alarm, making it extra useful for people who can't afford to sleep in. Or just those of us who like weird and/or unique watch functions. This 1950s Vulcain Cricket ref. 303000 is a great example of the quintessential Cricket watch, with its beautifully crafted and intricate black dial, 33mm case size and silver printed type. It would be a fun, unique addition to anyone's collection – regardless of whether or not you have presidential aspirations. Stock # VLCC303000 Brand Vulcain Style Cricket Alarm Model 303000 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Nickel Plated Brass W/ SS Case Back Dial Black Dial "Fancy" Millimeters 33 Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The case remains crisp with excellent dimensions and finishing throughout, showing minimal signs of previous use and gentle evidence of previous polishing. The case retains its original Vulcain-signed crown and alarm function pusher. The case back retains all of its original factory finishing. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original black dial is a true work of art and remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition. Featuring a concentric texture at the dial center which is broken up by a recessed timing track consisting of 10, 30, and 50 markers. The outer portion of the dial features a "fancy" texture while holding the applied markers and 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock applied numerals. The radium lume plots all remain fully intact with no degradation and have achieved a dark grey patina. The original radium lume dauphine hands exhibit no degradation as well, and match the dial nicely. ACCESSORIES

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

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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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