Vulcain

About Vulcain

Vulcain is a Swiss luxury watch brand most well known for its creation of the “Cricket” watch in 1947, the first wristwatch to feature an alarm function, and gained notoriety by being on the wrist of American presidents. Over the years, Vulcain has maintained its reputation for precision, creating high-quality mechanical watches with classic designs and intricate complications like chronographs and dive alarm watches. Today, Vulcain is led by a team that continues the brand's legacy of excellence, emphasizing craftsmanship and tradition. While Vulcain remains a niche brand today, its timepieces are highly regarded by collectors and watch enthusiasts for their historical significance and technical innovation.

Vulcain History

Vulcain was founded in 1858 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland by four brothers, Jacques, Maurice, Gaspard, and Aron Dittisheim. From its early years, Vulcain built a reputation for technical innovation and precision, producing high-quality pocket watches and later transitioning into wristwatches as the market evolved in the early 20th century. The brand steadily gained recognition for its in-house movements and commitment to mechanical excellence.

Vulcain’s most significant milestone came in 1947 with the introduction of the Vulcain Cricket, the world’s first wristwatch equipped with a mechanical alarm function. The Cricket’s loud and reliable alarm quickly earned it international fame and made Vulcain a household name among watch enthusiasts. The watch became famously associated with political leaders, earning the nickname “The Presidents’ Watch” after being worn by multiple U.S. presidents, including Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Vulcain continued to innovate, expanding its range of alarm watches and chronographs, including a dive alarm, while maintaining a strong focus on traditional Swiss craftsmanship. Like many Swiss brands, Vulcain faced challenges during the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s. Despite periods of reduced visibility, the brand’s legacy and technical achievements preserved its reputation.

In recent years, Vulcain has experienced a revival, returning to its roots by emphasizing mechanical movements, vintage-inspired designs, and the iconic Cricket alarm complication. Today, Vulcain remains a respected brand, valued by collectors for its rich heritage and enduring contributions to Swiss watchmaking.

Vulcain Collections

Today, Vulcain’s catalogue consists of designs that draw on their heritage but are built to modern standards using contemporary materials. With chronographs, GMTs, time-only models, and iconic alarm watches in both dressy and sporty formats, Vulcain offers a watch for any occasion.

Monopusher

The Monopusher collection is a modern reincarnation of a design from the 1950s. With a manually wound 30-minute chronograph movement in a 38.9mm case, it is available in classic dial colors as well as vibrant modern options, with multiple strap and bracelet choices.

Skindiver Nautique

Based on a 1960s design, the Skindiver Nautique is Vulcain’s dive watch. It features a 38mm case, 12.2mm thickness, 200 meters of water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel insert.

Skindiver Nautique GMT

The Skindiver Nautique GMT adds multi-timezone functionality with a Soprod C125 automatic GMT movement and a rotating 24-hour ceramic bezel.

Skindiver Nautique Chrono

Inspired by a 1970s Skindiver Chrono, this model uses a Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph movement with a 39.3mm case and rotating bezel.

Grand Prix

The Grand Prix is Vulcain’s most dress-oriented watch, a 39mm stainless steel time-only model available with small seconds or three hands, powered by a Landeron L24 automatic movement.

Cricket

The Cricket is Vulcain’s most iconic model, featuring the legendary alarm function. Modern versions are available in 36mm and 39mm sizes and powered by the manufacture Vulcain Caliber V10.

Chronograph 1970’s

This limited-edition chronograph collection features a stepped case design and a manually wound Sellita SW510 movement, with dial colors limited to 50 or 100 pieces.

Nautical Heritage

The Nautical Heritage revives the famous Cricket Nautical dive alarm watch, featuring an internal decompression bezel and alarm function, available in vintage-correct or modern configurations.

Table Clock

The Vulcain Table Clock is inspired by the TWA Flight Center Clock and features three independently adjustable dials for tracking multiple time zones.

How Much Do Vulcain Watches Cost?

Vulcain watches range from approximately $1,540 for entry-level models to over $6,000 for complex alarm dive watches. Most models fall between $2,000 and $3,500, with alarm watches typically priced higher.

Best Selling Vulcain Watches

Skindiver Nautique

A compact dive watch with vintage proportions and modern 200-meter water resistance.

Cricket President

The iconic presidential alarm watch, available in 36mm and 39mm case sizes.

Skindiver Nautique GMT

A versatile GMT watch with rotating bezel and date function.

Nautical Heritage

An alarm-equipped dive watch with decompression timing functionality.

Vulcain Movements

Vulcain uses Swiss automatic and manual movements from suppliers such as Sellita, ETA, and Landeron, as well as in-house alarm movements for the Cricket collection.

Vulcain Watch Colors

Vulcain offers classic dial colors as well as vibrant modern hues, including green, blue, and purple, along with vintage-inspired tones.

Vulcain Watch Materials

Materials include stainless steel, PVD-coated cases, sapphire crystals, and straps in leather, rubber, and alligator.

Vulcain Watch Types

Vulcain produces dress watches, sport watches, chronographs, GMTs, and alarm watches with vintage-inspired proportions.

Vulcain Partnerships & Brand Ambassadors

Vulcain does not utilize traditional brand ambassadors but has released special collaborations, including a limited edition with André Didisheim.

Buying Vulcain Watches

Vulcain watches are available through authorized dealers such as Exquisite Timepieces, both online and in-store.

Caring for Your Vulcain Watch

Exquisite Timepieces can assist with servicing and maintenance, either in-house or directly through Vulcain.

Vulcain FAQ

Where are Vulcain watches made?

Vulcain watches are made in Le Locle, Switzerland.

Who is the founder of Vulcain?

Vulcain was founded by the Ditisheim brothers in 1858.

Is Vulcain a luxury watch brand?

Yes, Vulcain is a Swiss luxury watch brand.

Who makes Vulcain watches?

Vulcain manufactures its watches using both supplied Swiss movements and in-house calibers.

Find your new Vulcain watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized Vulcain retailer offering full manufacturer warranties, free insured shipping, and expert assistance online or in-store.