Contemporary, Limited Edition, Modern...

New York, Grand Havana Room, Apr 25, 2001

LOT 54

Vulcain, La Chaux-de-Fonds, "Cricket", U.S. and Swiss Patent. Production of this model started in 1948.Fine and unusual, center-seconds, water-resistant, 14K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with alarm. Accompanied by a fitted box.

USD 950 - 1,150

C. three-body, solid, polished, the winding-crown on the 2 is for setting and stopping the alarm when striking, the winding-crown on the 4 is for time-setting. D. two-tone silver with applied gold Arabic numerals and dot indexes, outer alarm and second graduation. "Dauphine" yellow gold hands, steel with black arrow for the alarm. M. 12''' rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, two spring-barrels for watchwork and alarm, self-compensating flat balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 34 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

The Vulcain Watch Factory was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1858. The Vulcain "Cricket" wristwatch was launched in 1948. "The Cricket" existed with central and eccentric second, with and without calendar. The alarm hammer strikes a steel membrane, as in the "Golden Voice"-the lady's alarm wristwatch launched in 1958, but with a gold alarm membrane-over which a perforated back lid is pressed. Five years of research were necessary for the Vulcain engineers to develop this model.Similar watches are published in Swiss Wristwatches by G. Brunner and C. Pfeiffer-Belli, pp. 179, 203 and 209.