The cricket alarm watch is known as the “President’s Watch” after it was presented to President Harry S. Truman. This was a tradition that continued with all US presidents and the Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev receiving one too. The MSR holding company owned the patent on the movements, allowing both Vulcain and Revue Thommen to create Cricket watches. This continued up until 2001, when Montres Vulcain SA was founded, bringing the Vulcain and Cricket brans under the control of Vulcain.
This example was purchased in 2001, making it one of the last to be produced by Revue Thommen. It was a classic design of watch, produced since 1947, with only minor modifications. For the 50th anniversary of the Cricket, this model was launched in the 1947 style.
For sale we have the reference 801002 dating from the last year of production in 2001. It is a Stainless-steel model in the style of the 1947 design, but with the advances associated with the development of watchmaking in that time. The 35mm case is neatly designed with a horn lug design. The dial is a silver tone with a complex mix of textures and finishes. It has the original Tritium lume pips. It has the original signed crown and the case back is numbered 897. Inside is the RT80 manual wind alarm movement. The movement and alarm function work as they should. The watch comes complete with its full box and paperwork.
The neat case is well designed with a highly polished and curvatious finishes. The lugs add some sharper lines to the circular case. The dial is a standout aspect of the watch. It has a mix of textures which catch the eye. The outside of the dial has three-dimensional applied hour markers with a polished finish. These are arrow markers with roman numerals at 9,12,3 and 6. They have the original Tritium lume pips to the base which have aged to an orange tone. There is an inset chapter ring for the seconds/minutes with simple dash markers. The centre of the dial has an engine turned finish.
The hands are original and of luminous pencil style with a mirror polished finish which compliments the hour markers. The alarm hand has a deep blue painted tip which makes it clear, whilst blending it with the other tones.
The watch is presented on a new Geckota watch strap, made of genuine leather. It has the original Revue Thommen buckle. It will fit up to an 8” wrist diameter.
The movement is a Revue RT80 which is based on the original Vulcain Cricket cal 120 movement, with some modifications. The movement was serviced multiple times by its previous owner, up until 2018. It is keeping time to +13 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 302 degrees and a beat error of 1.3m/s.
The cricket movement is known for its two independent barrels for the watch winding and the alarm. To wind the watch, turn the crown towards you. To wind the alarm, turn the crown away from you.
To set the alarm, press down the pusher at 2 o’clock, which will make the crown at 3 pop out. Turn the crown away from you to set the alarm hand. Push completely down to set. To disable the alarm, press the pusher at 2 O’clock half way down.
This is a good example of a famous watch, with the benefit of being more modern allowing you to worry less when wearing it.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in very good condition with no visible marks or corrosion. It has original Tritium lume pips.
Hands:
The hands are original and of luminous pencil style, in very condition. The central second hand is also original and is in good condition, as is the alarm hand with deep blue painted tip. The lume is original and there are no notable signs of corrosion.
Glass:
This is the original acrylic crystal which is in good condition with only some very light marks.
Crown:
The crown is original and is made of Stainless Steel in good condition.
The alarm pusher is original and clean with light scratching.
Case:
The case is made of Stainless Steel and is in good condition. The polished bezel has some light surface scratching. The mid-section of the case and the lugs have a polished finish with light surface scratching. There is a some slight dings to the outer edge of the lugs.
Caseback:
The case back is in good condition. It has a brushed finish to the centre with clear engraving remaining. There is quite a bit of light surface scratching with no deep scratches.
Strap:
A new Geckota watch strap, made of genuine leather. It has the original Revue Thommen buckle. It will fit up to an 8” wrist diameter.
Movement:
The movement is a Revue RT80. The movement was serviced multiple times by its previous owner, up until 2018. It is keeping time to +13 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 302 degrees and a beat error of 1.3m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 35mm
Case width with crown: 37mm
Case length: 35mm
Case length lug to lug: 43mm
Case Depth: 12.25mm
Lug width: 18.5mm
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£700.00Price
Out of Stock
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