VULCAIN Nautical Heritage - Black White Luminova

An underwater icon re-experienced

The Vulcain Cricket Nautical is more than a classic diver's watch – it is a technical instrument with historical depth and a fascinating story. With its striking 42 mm stainless steel case and a substantial height of 17.35 mm, it embodies the robust presence expected of a professional diver's watch. Its meticulously polished 316L steel case creates an elegant contrast to the functional purpose of this timepiece.

Design meets function

Behind the domed sapphire crystal, which is equipped with an anti-reflective coating, a semi-matte black dial is revealed – featuring integrated decompression tables that are not only visually fascinating but also an essential aid in practice underwater. The polished silver hands and indices give the watch a subtle vintage aesthetic that simultaneously appears modern.

Mechanics with Signature

Inside the watch beats the manual-winding caliber V-10, a complex movement with a total of 165 components. It is a classic alarm movement with a double barrel and the so-called Exactomatic regulation. The frequency is 18,000 vibrations per hour, and the power reserve of 52 hours underlines the endurance and precision of the movement. Particularly noteworthy is the alarm function – with a duration of around 20 seconds – which reliably sounds not only in the air but also underwater.

The sound of the depths

This audible alarm function is made possible by the so-called Triple Case Back – a three-part case back system that functions as a resonance chamber. This construction allows the alarm sound to remain perceptible even underwater – a true unique selling point. Alternatively, the watch is also available with a sapphire crystal case back, embellished with Vulcain's stylized "V," allowing a view of the movement without compromising aesthetics.

Legacy of an adventure

The original Cricket Nautical emerged from a unique collaboration of three pioneers: Hannes Keller, a visionary deep-sea diver and mathematician from Switzerland, filmmaker and researcher Max-Yves Brandily, and certified diving instructor Arthur Droz. Together with Vulcain, they developed the first diver's watch that combined both a decompression table on the dial and an acoustic alarm function – a milestone in the history of watchmaking.

A moment of recognition

Vulcain's tribute to Hannes Keller, who passed away on December 25, 2022, is particularly touching. His legendary diving mission on November 3, 1966, off Toulon, where he reached a depth of almost 250 meters – with a Cricket Nautical on his wrist – was even witnessed by Jacques Cousteau himself. This watch was not just a tool, but a loyal companion on one of the deepest documented dives of its time.

Technology for connoisseurs

Two superimposed dials – one fixed, the other rotatable – form the heart of the decompression system. An additional screw-down crown at 4 o'clock allows the scale to be individually adjusted. Depending on the diving duration and depth, the necessary decompression stops at 9, 6, and 3 meters appear in a rectangular window. A mechanical solution that still sets standards in its sophistication today.

Tradition and innovation united

Vulcain Manufacture, whose origins date back to 1858, remains one of the most significant houses in Swiss watchmaking. Its headquarters in picturesque Le Locle – in the heart of the Neuchâtel Jura – is not only historically significant but also a symbol of the craftsmanship that goes into each of its watches. The Cricket Nautical is a worthy heir to this long history – a combination of timeless technology and modern demands.

More than a watch

The Vulcain Cricket Nautical is not just a timepiece – it is an instrument for professionals, a collector's item for enthusiasts, and an expression of decades of engineering. Its unique profile, its acoustic functionality underwater, and its deeply rooted history make it a true milestone. Whether as a reminiscence of past heroic deeds or as a tool for new adventures – this watch is ready for whatever comes next.

Specifications

• Movement: Manual winding, Caliber V-10 (Cricket alarm caliber)
• Components: 165 parts
• Double barrel
• Exactomatic System
• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations/hour
• Power Reserve: approx. 52 hours
• Alarm Duration: approx. 20 seconds (±5 seconds)
• Functions:
• Hours, minutes, central seconds
• Mechanical alarm (audible underwater)
• Adjustable decompression table via crown at 4 o'clock
• Case:
• Material: 316L stainless steel, polished
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Height with Triple Case Back: 17.35 mm
• Water Resistance: 30 ATM (300 meters)
• Case Back:
• Choice of:
• Triple Case Back (resonance chamber for underwater alarm)
• Sapphire crystal case back with engraved Vulcain "V"
• Dial:
• Black, semi-matte
• Integrated decompression tables
• Indices: white SuperLuminova
• Hands: Polished silver
• Crystal:
• Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Optional: Domed Plexiglas
• Strap:
• Width: 22 mm at the lug, tapering to 18 mm
• Clasp: 316L stainless steel with engraved Vulcain logo