Watchatlas

Vulcain

Le Locle, Switzerland · Est. 1858

Founded by Maurice Ditisheim

Vulcain was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1858 and achieved lasting fame with the Cricket — the world's first alarm wristwatch, introduced in 1947. The Cricket became known as the Presidents' Watch after being gifted to every US president from Harry Truman to Lyndon B. Johnson.

Founded
1858
Headquarters
Le Locle, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Cricket — Vulcain Cricket is the historic Swiss alarm-watch family that defines the brand, now spanning Titanium, Tradition, Classique, and limited collaborative Cricket references. Key references: Cricket Titane, Cricket Tradition - Eggshell, Cricket Classique - Black & White/Blue.
  • 50s Presidents — Vulcain 50s Presidents is the brand's modern presidential-style Cricket branch, focused on 1950s-inspired Cricket President alarm watches in limited colour executions. Key references: Cricket President - Pale Salmon, Cricket President - Blue, Cricket President - Black.
  • Aviator — Vulcain's aviation-inspired alarm watch collection, combining the Cricket alarm function with a larger case and more legible dial suited to cockpit use. The Aviator features large Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and the distinctive two-crown design required to operate both the time-setting and alarm mechanisms separately. It represents the practical application of Vulcain's alarm expertise to professional aviation.

Timeline

  • 1858 — Vulcain is founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, entering the established watchmaking region of the Neuchâtel Jura.
  • 1947 — Vulcain introduces the Cricket, the world's first practical wristwatch alarm, using an acoustic membrane to make the alarm audible.
  • 1953 — US President Harry S. Truman receives a Cricket, beginning a tradition of American presidents wearing Vulcain watches.
  • 1960 — Dwight D. Eisenhower receives a Cricket during his presidency, cementing the brand's 'Presidents' Watch' identity.
  • 2002 — Vulcain is acquired by new investors and relaunched with a focus on its presidential heritage and the Cricket complication.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vulcain

Why is Vulcain called 'The Presidents' Watch'?
Vulcain earned this nickname because its Cricket alarm watch was worn and publicly associated with multiple American presidents, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and George H.W. Bush. The watches were often gifted to or purchased by these presidents, and photographs of them wearing the Cricket helped build the brand's presidential reputation.
How does the Vulcain Cricket alarm work?
The Cricket uses a second mainspring dedicated entirely to powering the alarm mechanism. When the alarm is triggered, a hammer strikes a membrane rather than a traditional bell or gong, creating a louder and more distinctive sound that Vulcain describes as resembling a cricket's chirp. This two-mainspring design requires two crowns — one to set the time and one to wind and set the alarm.

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