In the Vulcain Cricket Titan, the President’s Watch Finds a New Voice

Few mechanical alarm watches enjoy the iconic status of the Vulcain Cricket. Since its debut in 1947, the model has been celebrated as a pioneering and practical wristwatch alarm, earning a reputation that extended all the way to the White House. Worn by several U.S. presidents, it became known as “The President’s Watch.” Now Vulcain reinterprets this historic timepiece with the new Cricket Titan, a limited edition of 100 pieces that combines traditional watchmaking with modern materials engineering.

A New Generation of the Cricket Caliber

At the heart of the watch is the in-house Cricket Caliber V14, assembled entirely at Vulcain’s manufacture in Le Locle. The major innovation lies in the use of titanium for the movement’s structural components, including the mainplate and bridges — a rare solution in fine watchmaking due to the material’s complexity in machining and finishing. Developing the titanium architecture required extensive technical adjustments throughout the movement. 

The hand-wound Cricket Caliber V14 consists of 157 components and beats at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. It delivers a power reserve of 52 hours, while the mechanical alarm sounds for approximately 20 seconds when activated. As with previous Cricket movements, the caliber features two independent mainspring barrels—one dedicated to timekeeping and the other exclusively powering the alarm mechanism, ensuring reliable performance for both functions. Vulcain's proprietary Exactomatic system further enhances precision by regulating the flow of energy delivered to the balance wheel.

Refining the Famous Cricket Sound

Titanium’s role extends beyond reducing weight. Vulcain has also leveraged the material’s acoustic properties to enhance sound transmission within the alarm mechanism. For the new model, both the alarm anvil and the signature Vulcain “V” attached to the caseback are crafted from titanium. This allows vibrations to travel more efficiently through the watch, producing a refined interpretation of the traditional Cricket alarm. The familiar chirping sound remains instantly recognizable, but now appears lighter, smoother, and more nuanced while retaining its distinctive character.

A Fully Titanium Design

The modern approach continues on the exterior. The 39mm case, bezel, and dial are all made from Grade 5 titanium, contributing to exceptional wearing comfort. The gray titanium dial features a mesmerizing guilloché-style pattern and is paired with fine hour markers and crisp white printed scales. Blued skeletonized hands indicate the hours and minutes, while a black central seconds hand adds contrast. The nickel-plated alarm hand, tipped with a black arrow, completes the functional display. The dial is framed by a slim bezel and protected by a box-style sapphire crystal. Paired with the signature mushroom-style alarm pusher and prominent crown, these elements underscore the Cricket’s sophisticated vintage aesthetic, blending mid-century charm with contemporary refinement.

The Vulcain Cricket Titan is limited to 100 pieces worldwide. It is fitted with a black calfskin strap featuring a quick-change system and is priced at $7,670.

To learn more, visit Vulcain, here.