The Vulcain Cricket is a wristwatch with a mechanical alarm, and this reference 307004 is an example from the 1960s. The name comes from the sound of the alarm, which recalls the chirping of a cricket: a distinctive sound, loud enough to be heard even in noisy surroundings.
The alarm
The alarm function is the heart of the watch. It is wound separately from the time indications, by means of a dedicated crown that is also used to set the alarm time. A practical complication, conceived as an audible reminder for waking or for appointments, which set it clearly apart from its contemporaries. The movement is the Vulcain Cricket 120 calibre.
The model
The gold-plated case measures 34 mm, a common size for men’s watches of the 1960s, with a rounded shape and a simple bezel. The dial shows hours, minutes, seconds and the alarm indication; the acrylic (plexiglass) crystal and leather strap are consistent with the period.
For the collector
An unusual complication and a name tied to an unmistakable sound: the Cricket is appreciated as much for its history as for the way it makes itself heard.
Technical details
| Brand | Vulcain |
|---|---|
| Model | Cricket |
| Reference | 307004 |
| Movement | Mechanical, calibre Vulcain Cricket 120 |
| Case | Gold-plated |
| Dimensions | 34 mm |
| Period | 1960s |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, alarm |
| Crystal | Acrylic (plexiglass) |
| Strap | Leather |
