Vulcain: The Ultimate Aviator (Aviator cricket GMT/Dual time collection)

By Timepiece Atelier on Feb 11

Since 1858, Vulcain has been making milestones in watchmaking history. However, it has always been understated and flying under the radar. The brand has been most identified by and associated with its distinguishable and iconic in-house mechanical ‘Cricket’ alarm wristwatch. Today, we will be reviewing one of Vulcain's most classic and fan-favored aviation timepieces- Aviator Dual time collection since their rebirth in 2002.

First, let’s take a closer look at the Vulcain Aviator cricket Dual Time collection. Designed with a sporty pilot theme, this unique timepiece exudes authority, elegance and power with a dynamic sunburst dial that reflects light beautifully. The Vulcain Aviator Cricket dual-time is meant for globetrotters and adventures constantly hovering across the world, flying from Paris to Sydney via Moscow, Tokyo or New York, the time around the globe will be brought within an easy reach. Playing on contrasts, the large three-dimensional Roman numerals reinforced with the textured sunburst dial, manifesting their distinctive style. The philosophy of the iconic Cricket calibre, its iconic alarm, is accentuated by a red and white-tipped hand adding a splash of colour to this exquisite timepiece.

The timepiece is naturally equipped with the famous mechanical hand-wound Vulcain Cricket alarm calibre- the exclusive in-house signature feature of the Vulcain brand- this timekeeper displays world time over 24 hours that is adjustable by a screw-lock crown at 4 o’clock. Sheltered in a robust 42 mm case in high polish or matt-brushed steel, it features a double barrel for increase power reserve and has a 100m/330 feet water resistance. It operates at 18’800 vibrations per hour, thus requiring less time to recover from shocks and provide more accurate time. The Vulcain Aviator cricket Dual Time comes with a choice of versions: black dial with silver brushed hands and hour-markers; silver dial with steel-coloured hands and hour-markers, or bronze-coloured dial with silver steel hands and hour-markers. It is also available in numerous straps: rubber, steel and even an alligator leather that encompasses a balance scale design, softer and thicker compared to ordinary leather that will surely feel comfortable on the skin.

Vulcain propriety Cricket Calibre V-10

Movement: Mechanical hand-wound, double barrel, 157 components, 18’800 vibrations per hour, 42-hour power reserve.

Function: hour, minute, centre seconds, alarm, world-time on 24 hours adjustable by a screw-lock crown at 4 o’clock.

Case: 18k pink gold, steel, 42mm in diameter

Water resistance: 100 metres/ 330 feet

Strap/bracelet: alligator leather, rubber, steel

Other iterations of the Vulcain Aviator Cricket dual-time include a more classic finish suitable for formal wear. The dial of this watch is contrasted beautifully with polished stylized Roman indexes and the Vulcain alarm signature is accented by the red and white-tip hand. This collection also displays an additional function of a date window at 6 O’clock.

The Vulcain Aviator Cricket alarm watch starts from a sale price of $4151. These Vulcain collections are not limited-edition watches, however, keep in mind that Vulcain only produces finite amount of watches every year, so these have become quite desired and rare with its in-house exclusive Cricket alarm movement.

Vulcain proprietary Cricket Calibre V-11

Movement: mechanical hand-wound, double barrel, 191 components, 18’800 vibrations per hour, 42-hour power reserve.

Functions: hour, minute, centre seconds, date window, alarm, dual time-zone display adjustable by a screw-lock crown at 4 o’clock.

Case: steel, 42mm in diameter.

Water resistance: 100 metres/ 330 feet

Strap/bracelet: Alligator, leather, rubber, steel