Vulcain is a historic Swiss watch manufacturer founded in 1858 in La Chaux-de-Fonds by the Ditisheim family. Specifically, the brand was established by Maurice Ditisheim. The brand is most renowned for inventing the Cricket in 1947, the first functional mechanical alarm wristwatch, which utilizes a patented double case back to amplify a shrill, cricket-like sound. This innovation earned Vulcain the nickname The Watch for Presidents, as the model has been worn by numerous U.S. leaders including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Enthusiasts are often drawn to the brand for its deep horological heritage, mechanical excellence, and modern re-editions of its legendary tool watches and dress models that maintain its signature complications.
The brand’s catalog is defined by several key collections and models: – Cricket: The iconic alarm watch that established the brand’s reputation for technical innovation and presidential association.
– Nautical: A high-performance diver introduced in 1961 featuring an underwater alarm and a decompression scale.
– Chronograph 1970s: A collection that celebrates the brand’s heritage with vintage-inspired bicompax designs.
