Today, we all have smartphones. These mini marvels do everything. As a result, many can’t see the point of wearing a watch, but if you’re here, we doubt that includes you. But back in the 1950s, how about a watch that not only told the time but had an alarm function? The Vulcain Cricket was the first wristwatch with the ability to do just that.

This example comes from the mid 1950s. It is reference 303001 in stainless steel with a lovely silvered dial. At this point, we should point out the scratches on the dial around 9 to 10 o’clock. They aren’t good (blame a hamfisted DIY watchmaker from the past we think). Normally we would reject a watch with a dial in this condition, but two points made us change our minds. Firstly, you only notice the scratches with the watch turned at certain angles; so they aren’t visible that often. Secondly, the rest of the watch is in beautiful condition. The remainder of the dial, the hands including the red tipped alarm hand, the case, lugs, the caseback with its 6 portholes used to emit the alarm. So please take a careful look at the photographs and we think you will agree it’s still a lovely little watch. Sharp, sitting comfortably on the wrist on a new black leather strap, it looks good worn with a suit or with jeans and a T-shirt.

How does it work? In 1947, the “Fabrique de Montres Vulcain” presented the first genuinely operational alarm wristwatch. The idea of incorporating an alarm within a watch was not entirely new. But no watchmaker had ever succeeded in developing a standard-size movement capable of producing a sound powerful enough to awaken its owner. In rising to this challenge, Robert Ditisheim called upon the talents of the finest watchmakers and engineers. After five years of research and development, he presented the famous mechanical hand- wound Cricket calibre, equipped with two barrels, one for the movement and the other for the alarm, emitting a strident sound reminiscent of the shrill chirping of a cricket – hence its name. These watches also have an intriguing mechanism. Wind the crown forward to wind the watch, and winding it backward winds the alarm. Activating the pusher at 2 o’clock ejects the crown, which can then be rotated to set the alarm (arrow hand) to the desired time. There is an outer ring printed on the dial enabling you to be able to set the alarm time more accurately. Then push the crown back in and the alarm is set, ready to go.

Founded in 1858 by the Ditisheim brothers,it was in 1894 that the first Vulcain branded watches were sold. In 1900 Ditisheim registered the name ‘Vulcain’ as a brand name for his watches. Vulcain was highly regarded in in La Chaux-de-Fonds where they were made, but their finest hour was in 1947 when they created a horological milestone with the ‘Cricket’ alarm complication. The watch soon had a devoted following including US President harry S Truman. Subsequent Presidents Eisenhower and LB Johnson also wore the Cricket. Thus the watch acquired the name ‘The Presidents Watch’. Consequently, Vulcain has presented as a gift a Vulcain Cricket Alarm to every President since (we’ve yet to see it on the current incumbent’s wrist however).

So if it’s good enough for a raft of US Presidents it’s good enough for us. Will it make you feel presidential wearing it? Perhaps, perhaps not. But it’s a fun watch, the alarm is definitely a talking point, and like all good vintage watches, it makes you stop and glance at it again. When did you last do that with your smartphone?