Description

The interesting historical note about this piece is the fact that Vulcain, who produced their own legendary “Cricket” mechanical wrist alarm movement opted to use an ebauche movement from A. Schild on this reference.  While I’m not normally a fan of ebauche movements–I’d always prefer an in-house movement–the idea that Vulcain, who certainly knew their way around the alarm complication, decided that the AS 1475 offered a superior diving package is amazingly cool.  Vulcain also produced a diver version of their Cricket movement and, as any connoisseur of the alarm complication knows, it required not only two crows, but also a push button at 3 O’clock.  Needless to say, two crowns and a push button means that there are no less than five openings in the case–five separate ways for water to enter the movement: the crystal, the caseback, 2 crowns, and the push button.  While I can’t prove it, it stands to reason that Vulcain’s own cricket movements proved too troublesome to maintain the water resistance of the watch.  Hence, they switched to an ebauche movement.  Now you see why I’m so excited about this piece.  It is hugely, historically significant.  Not to mention the fact that this is only the third example that I’ve seen in the last ten years… and this one, in particular, is in amazing condition.  This is a super collectible and valuable example that belongs in the collection of any true dive watch enthusiast.  Indeed in the past few years, Vulcain has tried to capitalize on their incredible dive watch heritage by releasing a series of special edition re-issues.  Our friends at Hodinkee covered it here, here, and here.

Age: 1970s

Maker: Vulcain

Case: Stainless steel screw back case.  “C” case is in original condition with much of the radial graining intact.

Rotating diver’s countdown bezel with yellow inverted triangle at 12 O’clock

Caseback marked Vulcain Watch Co-Swiss.  Stainless Steel Back- 17 Jewels- Incabloc.  H.99.102

Crown: Original dual crowns, unsigned.  The top crown the blue alarm hand.  The bottom crown handles the date and time setting functions.

Dial: Factory finished dial is in excellent original condition; the bullseye diving gauge design is really stunning, and the colors are extremely bright and vibrant.  Signed “T Swiss Made T” at 6 O’Clock.

Original lume in handset and square hour marker plots with a lovely yellowed patina.

Crystal: Recently replaced acrylic crystal.

Movement: It contains the legendary A. Schild 1475 movement, a manual wind movement with alarm complication.   The AS 1475 movement was found in the highest quality watches of the day, including models by Tudor, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bulova, and others.

Fully serviced by our master watchmaker.

Dimensions: 47mm x 41.75 mm without crown(s).  21mm lugs, though I’ve been able to fit a more common 22mm strap.

Band:  Pictured on a navy leather strap, which complements this watch’s bold colors perfectly.

Shipping: Domestic shipping  via Fedex 2nd Day Air, fully insured. International orders, will ship via Fedex International.  Please select these options at checkout.