Vulcain
Cricket 50s Presidents' Watch
Ref. 100150.158L
2017–present · 42mm · caliber Vulcain Cal. 120: manual-wind alarm, 18,000bph, 42h PR (time) + 20h PR (alarm); alarm powered by independent second mainspring; vibrating hammer strikes caseback; original architecture from 1947; worn by Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Johnson
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Movement tier: unclassified
Medium-large: suits wrists 6.5 in+ (16.5 cm+)
42 mm case. Wears confidently on average to larger wrists. May overhang on slender builds.
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Authentication
The Vulcain Cricket 50s Presidents Watch is the modern version of the alarm watch worn by US Presidents from Truman to Nixon. Its authentication centers on the mechanical alarm function, which is the defining characteristic of the Cricket movement architecture.
Known issues in the market
- The mechanical alarm must function; a Cricket that does not alarm is either faulty or has a non-Cricket movement.
- The crown has two positions: the lower position winds the main timekeeping movement, and the upper position sets the alarm hand and also winds the alarm mainspring. A crown with only one functional position is wrong.
- The alarm tone is a distinctive buzzing vibration produced by a hammer striking the caseback from inside; it is audible in a quiet room and felt on the wrist.
| Area | What to check | What is correct | Red flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| crown | Two-position crown for time and alarm | Crown has a lower position for winding the main movement and setting the time, and an upper position for setting the alarm hand and winding the alarm mainspring; both positions engage and disengage cleanly | Crown with only one functional position; no distinct click or engagement difference between positions; crown that screws down (wrong for this mechanical alarm reference) |
| movement | Alarm function: audible buzz | When the alarm hand is set to the current time and the alarm is armed, the watch produces an audible buzzing alarm that lasts approximately 20-25 seconds; the vibration is also felt on the wrist | No alarm function; alarm that produces a single click rather than a sustained buzz; alarm that runs shorter than 15 seconds (depleted alarm mainspring) |
| movement | Dual mainspring architecture visible through caseback | Cal. 120 has two mainspring barrels visible through the caseback: one for the timekeeping train and one for the alarm mechanism; both barrels should be present | Only one mainspring barrel visible; movement architecture inconsistent with a dual-barrel design |
| dial | Alarm hand and dial text | Separate alarm-set hand (typically a triangle or pointed indicator); "VULCAIN" and "CRICKET" text on dial; hour markers and proportions consistent with the 50s Presidents reference | Missing alarm hand; incorrect or absent brand text; dial proportions inconsistent with known references |
| case | Case proportions and material | 42mm case diameter with appropriate thickness for the dual-barrel movement; steel or gold case with correct hallmarks for declared material | Case dimensions inconsistent with 42mm specification; missing hallmarks; case thickness inconsistent with the dual-barrel Cal. 120 height requirement |
Common legitimate replacements
- Strap and bracelet replacements are common.
- Crystal replacement after impact is common; confirm correct Vulcain specification.
Expert resources: Vulcain authorized dealers can authenticate via serial number. The Vulcain collector community at WatchUSeek has members with extensive Cricket experience. For vintage Cricket references, the National Watch and Clock Museum archives contain Presidential presentation records useful for provenance.
Authentication guide
Last reviewed June 2026
The Cricket is Vulcain's defining piece: the first wristwatch alarm, introduced in 1947. Two mainspring barrels are visible through the caseback. The alarm must vibrate the caseback; an alarm that only sounds but does not vibrate is not functioning correctly.
Sources: Vulcain official.
