1960s Vulcain ”Cricket” with original box, buckle and strap. Near NOS. *SERVICED*

The Watch

Ever since President Harry Truman wore one during his time in office, the Vulcain Cricket has graced plenty of presidential wrists. Almost every single President in the past 60-odd years has received a Vulcain Cricket for their inauguration or as a special post-Presidency gift.

Vulcain introduced the Cricket in 1947—the first alarm wristwatch of its kind. While not technically the first alarm watch to the market, the Cricket was certainly the loudest. It was the product of a separate caseback to allow the alarm function to ring loud and clear with a sound not unlike the chirp of a cricket. It’s been the company’s flagship model ever since.

The Cricket that started the whole “President’s watch” business belonged to President Harry Truman. He received his Cricket as a gift from the White House Press Photographer’s Association in 1953, and of all his watches, this is the one he is most closely associated with. His successor, President Dwight Eisenhower, also sported a Vulcain Cricket well before he took the office. He even inspired a Vulcain advertising campaign touting the connection. President Lyndon Johnson, however, was probably the biggest Vulcain fan of any US President. He gave away plenty of Crickets as gifts, Vulcain even has a letter of thanks from Johnson stating that he felt “somewhat less than dressed without it.” Same goes for Richard Nixon, who received a Cricket from after a speaking in front of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. Since then, Vulcain has gifted most presidents of the US.