Important collector's watches, wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Apr 13, 2002

LOT 490

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

CHF 1,000 - 1,500

EUR 700 - 1,000 / USD 600 - 900

Sold: CHF 2,185

C. three-body, bicolored, polished, gold plated band, bezel and lugs, stainless steel case back, 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. matte silver with applied gold Arabic numerals and dot indexes, outer alarm and second graduation, alarm in blue Arabic numerals. "Dauphine" yellow gold hands. 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: 4

Fair
Movement: 4*

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-5-01

Good

Poor

HANDS Original

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, 1991, pp. 179, 203 and 209.