Horological Meandering

 

Contest closed.

A few weeks ago Vulcain, the famous maker of alarm watches (remember the buzzing Cricket watches?), celebrated its 150th anniversary with a dinner here in Singapore, organised together with its distributer Crystal Time. One of the door gifts was an excellent book on Vulcain's history, including how it ended up as part of Revue Thommen before becoming independent again. Crystal Time generously gave me additional copies to use as prizes on this forum.

 

The two copies offered as prizes have been signed by Bernard Fleury, Vulcain's CEO and the man responsible for its revival.

In addition, I also have two Vulcain card holders, each cardholder has the Vulcain logo in cast pewter relief on its cover.

The contest is simple, to enter all you have to do is a pick a Vulcain watch from the three models shown in the follow-up posts below and explain, in a single sentence, why you like it. 

Entries are to be made as reply posts in this thread. I will pick TWO winners at random from the posts in this thread, so each winner gets one copy of a signed book AND one cardholder!

All three models are part of the 2008 collection launched at Baselworld, I singled them out because I like them personally, especially the Anniversary Heart in rose gold with grey dial. The Diver X-treme has an x-tremely loud alarm, enough to make you uncomfortable; a lady sitting beside me at the Vulcain dinner remarked it was loud enough to wake the dead. I also like the Dragon cloisonne, but its drawback is that it is pricey, as all cloisonne dial watches are.

Closing date for entries is in a week, 12 October 2008. Contest closed.

- SJX

This message has been edited by SJX on 2008-10-12 01:52:13 This message has been edited by SJX on 2008-10-12 02:08:44

Vulcain Anniversary Heart

150th anniversary limited edition

 

In tribute to the 150th anniversary of its rich and fascinating history, the Vulcain Anniversary Heart model reveals the full measure of Haute Horlogerie expertise accumulated over the decades by the Manufacture in Le Locle. It also provides a glimpse of the legendary movement inextricably bound up with Vulcain’s reputation: a new interpretation of the Cricket alarm calibre.

 

What finer homage could one render to the history of Vulcain and its famous alarm calibre than to discreetly unveil its subtle mechanism? Through its partially openworked dial, the limited-edition Anniversary Heart model reveals Vulcain Cricket V-18, an advanced version of the legendary movement. This hand-wound alarm calibre is distinguished by its charcoal grey treatment and superb finishes, both signature characteristics of Haute Horlogerie at its most refined. Equipped with the Exactomatic system ensuring regular amplitude and enhanced rating precision, the Cricket Calibre V-18 is composed of 157 parts. Its twin barrels ensure a 42-hour power reserve and a 15 to 20-second alarm. Alongside the latter function, the movement drives central hour, minute and seconds hands.

 

Featuring bevelled hour-markers and surrounded by a dial ring, the partially openworked dial offers tantalizing views of the gear trains and the meticulous finishing of the charcoal grey movement. Available in steel or in 18-carat rose gold, the 42 mm-diameter case with its fluted motif along the middle is fitted with a sapphire crystal and case-back, the latter revealing the stylised “V” for Vulcain in steel or rose gold. It is guaranteed water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres.

 

The Vulcain Anniversary Heart model comes in limited editions for both the 18-carat rose gold and steel versions. The rose gold variation is issued in a limited series of 150, of which 50 in each dial colour (silver-coloured, black, charcoal grey). Also available in three dial shades (silver-coloured, black, copper-coloured), the steel Anniversary Heart model is issued in a limited edition of 450, of which 150 for each dial colour. The Louisiana crocodile leather strap is fitted with an 18K rose gold pin buckle or a safety-pushbutton folding clasp for the steel version.

 

In steel:

 

 

And in 18k rose gold:

 

 

 

applaud the water resistance to 50M. Vulcain is a very well made watch and the alarm is simply the best wake up alarm I have ever had on any watch, it actually has awakened people in the room next to me. In any case, nice work on the new pieces and very nice report and pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Tim

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All three are really interesting, well designed and a pleasure to look at. But for me the Anniversary Heart would be the top choice, especially in black and gold. It has enough skeletonization to make it interesting and to draw the eyes into the "heart" of the watch and yet not too much to distract from the overall design which is very elegant and still a little sporty; thus making it an excellent all occasion timepiece.
Joseph

Vulcain Cricket DIVER X-TREME

Songs of the abyss

 

Vulcain unveils the Cricket DIVER X-TREME, its new instrument for exploring the ocean depths. A complete measuring instrument, this new model is equipped with a bidirectional inner bezel and beats to the rhythm of the legendary Cricket V-10 alarm movement. In the wake of its famous Nautical model, the brand from Le Locle is confirming its presence in the maritime world.

 

Vulcain has built much of its legend on producing high-performance diving instruments. In 2008, the brand deepens and strengthens its command of the abyss by presenting the Cricket DIVER X-TREME, its new tool designed to explore the vast underwater expanses. Housing the famous V-10 alarm calibre, the model provides all the crucial information divers need. The dial is topped by a bidirectional rotating bezel adjustable by a screw-locked crown at 9 o’clock. Protected by a cambered sapphire crystal, this ring is held firmly in place once adjusted, thereby avoiding any risk of accidental handling. The alarm time is displayed on a small graduated scale on which hours are divided into twenty-minute periods indicated by the figures 10,30, 50.

 

The 44 mm-diameter case is fluted on the side and secured on the back by the legendary Vulcain triple case-back enabling the alarm to remain perfectly audible even under water. To withstand maximum pressure of 10 bars (equivalent to a depth of 100 metres), the middle case of the Vulcain Cricket Diver X-TREME is composed of several parts made from materials such as titanium, gold or steel. The crown between 3 and 4 o’clock serves to adjust the watch, while a push-piece just above between 2 and 3 o’clock is used to set the alarm.

 

The Vulcain Cricket DIVER X-TREME is available with a case in black-coated titanium and steel or in titanium and rose gold. The dials come in a choice of three versions: black and silver-coloured, black and yellow, or silver-coloured and black. Powered by Cricket Calibre V-10, the Vulcain Cricket DIVER X-TREME displays the hour, minute, seconds, alarm time and a graduated 60-minute counter activated by an inner rotating bezel adjustable by a screw-locked crown at 9 o’clock. It is endowed with a 42-hour power reserve as well as an alarm lasting from 15 to 20 seconds.

 

In titanium and steel:

 

 

In titanium and rose gold:

 

 

With a soft spot for diving watches, I chose this in titanium and steel for its striking color for serious divings.

... for it does most justice to Vulcain's heritage and it's unique functionality. Vulcain to me is a sports watch. Also its Cricket heritage and functionality suits a diving watch very well.

Rgds,
Jos.

As this one doesn't have a very evident Vintage look, I love this combo, which gives to the watch a very nice and interesting contrast and look.

Vulcain Rocks!

Did I win the watch? LOL

Best.

Nicolas

PS..This is a book to be given to a French Guy, as it is written in ..French...LMAO

Vulcain cricket Aviator GMT “The Dragon” limited edition

The Emperor’s watch

 

In Chinese mythology, the five-clawed dragon is the prerogative of the Emperor and his family. The finely enamelled dial of this Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” depicts this powerful symbol embodying cosmic energy and movement.

 

A fiery gaze, shimmering scales coating a long, supple body, a fierce mouth, a tapering crest: the dragon on the Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” undulates proudly over the dial of this exclusive limited-edition model. To honour the ancient culture of the “Middle Empire”, the brand from Le Locle calls upon the talent of the most skilled artisans.

 

As a Manufacture whose history is closely bound up with the finest watchmaking traditions, Vulcain confirms its expertise in the art of enamelling, a demanding technique calling for age-old know-how. A past master in this field, the brand uses the distinctive cloisonné enamel technique to create small partitioned receptacles in which the glass powder and metal oxides composing the enamel are placed. To bind this substance to the dial, the artisan heats the piece at an extreme temperature –a sensitive and risky operation in its own right. The partially uncertain and unpredictable nature of the process results a model that is totally unique in terms of its luminous reflections and the play on colours.

 

Behind this dial, a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship, beats the specially decorated and rhodium-plated Calibre V-13 alarm movement. The latter is endowed with a 42-hour power reserve thanks to its twin barrels. In addition to the hour, minute and seconds functions, the Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” displays world time on a 24-hour scale, adjustable by a screw-locked crown at 4 o’clock and a mechanical alarm which rings for 15 to 20 seconds. Once set off, the sound is effectively diffused by a double case-back acting as a resonance chamber. The 18-carat rose gold 42 mm-diameter case is guaranteed water-resistant to 100 metres. The Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” is produced in a limited edition of 30.

 

 

 

Unlike many cloisonne watches, this is not a piece of wrist art with a mechanism and hands, but a functional and well proportioned watch enhanced by a stunning decoration.

The rest looks great too but its hardly discerning from a lot of other offerings out there in terms of design. Now this dragon is worthy of more than a mention.  Why?

Not only because that there are very few companies that do enamel dials nowadays but this one also combines a alarm function with a GMT complication, another rarity in itself. IMHO, a true collectible and a masterpiece.

Thanks to Vulcain for sponsoring the giveaways and Jia Xian for the post.

Cheers!
Lionel

The beautiful dragon cloisonne, GMt and alarm are a winning combination.

This is an absolutely gorgeous watch with the cloisonne dragon. And useful too with the world time indicator. Love to have it!

because unlike so many decorated watches, the cloisonne of this dial relates to the rest of the design; the dragon is looking right at the hands saying "Roar, I am master of time and the world!"
A

I am always mesmerized by the high art of cloisonne enameling. It is a testament of both extreme artisanship and patience.

Whereas most cloisonne enamel watches only have simple 2-hand or 3-hand time only functions, Vulcain has integrated alarm and GMT complications - rare combinations in themselves, and much rarer with enamel dial. What a graceful combination of aesthetics and functionality!

Curious, the dragon on the dial looks quite familiar, I wonder which artist was commissioned to create the dial?...

Jon (Z3)

My favorite is definitely the Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” Cloisonne because of its dial of course ! A masterpiece !

Good luck to everyone !

Clement

True to heritage and an upgrade to Vulcain's original V10. A great fan of enamel works and world time watches.
This coupled with the double plate resonance chamber makes the watch a quadruple feat and sold this version for me.

Thanks to Vulcain, Crystal Time and your self for making this posible.


 

My favourite Vulcain watch by far - simple yet elegant, understated yet loud.

The Vulcain Anniversary Heart in 18k rose gold for me! The combination of the rose gold case, black dial outline and skeletonized internals are well executed! The watch is still readable unlike other skeletonized watches.

I choose the Anniversary Heart.

It is unique in its design, the other 2 look more like other watches, also I really like open or skeleton watches

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not use to this forum system.  Normally on v-bulletin.

I prefer the black & gold one.  The colors contrast better so the movement is more exposed.

First of all, thanks a lot for this great contest !

My fav is the SS Anniversary Heart because it's a perfect combo between the classic style of Vulcain and an "updated" design. A classy, nice and balanced watch.

Fr.Xavier

As a diver, I like the clarity of design, legibility and rugged good looks....very nice.

I am partial to the contrast of dark dials and RG cases and I love to glimpse aspects of the movement while wearing a watch.

 

Andrew

I had a Cricket from the RT days, a watch that i really love (it´s hard to wind, but who cares?). I liked the new extreme diver because its fresh look, very different from the RT Cricket ones and the tho other models presented by Vulcain. Flavio

I am always most attracted to a pretty face, and this watch is a looker.

Thanks for the contest and information, i see one of these watches in my future!