Vulcain Revives Its Legendary Cricket Nautical Timepiece

Vulcain has confirmed that it will be reissuing its legendary Cricket Nautical timekeeper, this time, as a permanent addition to its modern-day lineup.

First unveiled in 1961, the Cricket Nautical made its debut to the world as the watchmaker’s only timepiece that’s geared with an aquatic alarm — thanks to a triple caseback construction that doubled as a resonance chamber, which in turn allowed its chimes to be heard underwater. The brand’s consultant, Guillaume Laidet also touted it as “a mythical timepiece not just for Vulcain but in watchmaking history overall.”

Synonymous with its forebear, the revived Cricket Nautical is an attired stainless steel case, complete with a triple caseback. Its 42mm case size allows plenty enough room to house its two superimposed dials, which include a fixed one, as well as a rotating one. Dressed in a matte-finished black color, its decompression table graces the watch face.

For the first time, the timepiece is equipped with sapphire crystals, where its Manufacture V-10 caliber can be viewed from the caseback. An alternative version featuring a stainless steel caseback is also available. In addition, the watch is paired with a black leather strap, a woven-textured one, as well as a beige option made of leather.

Available in a Black White Luminova version, and a Black Beige Patina variant, the new Cricket Nautical will be shoppable via Vulcain starting September 21, 4 p.m. CEST/ 10 a.m. EDT for $4,862 USD.

In other watch news, Zenith reveals a boutique-exclusive Defy Skyline featuring a sapphire-set bezel.