2015–present · 42mm · caliber Vulcain Cal. 120: manual-wind alarm, 18,000bph; same dual-mainspring Cricket architecture in a modern 42mm titanium case; aviation-spec rotating outer ring for elapsed-time tracking
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Movement tier: unclassified · caliber Vulcain Cal. 120: manual-wind alarm, 18,000bph; same dual-mainspring Cricket architecture in a modern 42mm titanium case; aviation-spec rotating outer ring for elapsed-time tracking
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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The Vulcain Aviator uses the same Cal. 120 Cricket alarm movement in a modern titanium aviation case with a rotating outer ring. Authentication follows the same dual-crown and alarm-function logic as the 50s Presidents Watch. The titanium case adds a specific weight verification point.
Known issues in the market
Alarm function must work correctly; same two-crown test as the 50s Presidents Watch applies.
Titanium case is noticeably lighter than a steel case of the same dimensions; a Vulcain Aviator that feels steel-weight is likely not titanium.
The outer rotating ring for elapsed-time tracking should turn smoothly with a positive click detent; a ring that is loose or spins freely without detent is a service issue or a substituted case.
Area
What to check
What is correct
Red flag
crown
Two-position crown
Same two-position crown architecture as the 50s Presidents Watch; lower position for time movement, upper position for alarm; both engage cleanly
Single-position crown only; no distinct difference between winding and alarm positions
movement
Alarm function with distinctive buzz
Same 20-25 second buzzing alarm as the 50s Presidents Watch; sound carries through the titanium case; vibration felt on the wrist
No alarm function; click-only alarm; alarm that does not sustain for at least 15 seconds
case
Titanium case weight and texture
Titanium is roughly 45% lighter than stainless steel of the same dimensions; the case has a characteristic matte or lightly brushed titanium surface finish; no magnetic attraction to a magnet
Case weight consistent with steel rather than titanium; magnetic attraction to a magnet (titanium is non-magnetic); surface that looks polished to a mirror rather than titanium matte
case
Rotating outer ring with click detent
Outer ring rotates in one direction (unidirectional safety design for aviation) with a positive click detent at each minute position; ring is secure with no wobble
Ring that rotates in both directions; loose ring with no click detent; excessive play in the ring that could allow accidental rotation
Common legitimate replacements
Strap and bracelet replacements are common.
Expert resources: Vulcain authorized dealers can authenticate via serial number. The alarm function is the definitive test for any Cricket-movement Vulcain.
Authentication guide
Last reviewed June 2026
The Aviator Mechanical is Vulcain's pilot-oriented piece in titanium at 42mm. Same two-barrel Cricket alarm architecture; titanium case is the material differentiator. Caseback vibration test applies.
Known reproduction risks
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LOW
Steel case presented as titanium, or single-barrel movement in Cricket-style case
Case weight inconsistent with titanium
Magnet attracting the case
Only one barrel through the caseback
No caseback vibration from alarm
Dial variants by era
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Era
Description
Identifiers
Aviator Mechanical production
42mm titanium case. Pilot dial with high legibility: large numerals, high contrast, luminous treatment.
Titanium case; noticeably lighter than steel for the same size
Two crowns present for time and alarm
Aviator dial with large Arabic numerals and legibility-first layout
Service part flags
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Case material
Original: Grade 5 or similar titanium; lighter than steel at the same dimensions.
Replacement tells
Case feels heavy for its size (steel rather than titanium)
Case lacks the faint grey matte finish characteristic of brushed titanium
Magnet attracts the case (titanium is non-magnetic)
Alarm mechanism
Original: Same two-barrel Cricket alarm as the Presidents' Watch.
Replacement tells
Only one barrel through the caseback
Single crown only
No caseback vibration when alarm activates
Case back markings
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All Aviator production
Vulcain markings
Cricket caliber designation
Titanium case material designation
Serial number
Movement tells
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All Cricket two-barrel movement checks apply.
Caseback vibration test applies; the Aviator should vibrate against the wrist when the alarm activates.
Titanium case: confirm with a magnet before purchase if case material is in question.