Vulcain is a historic Swiss watchmaker specializing in mechanical wristwatches, celebrated for inventing the first commercial mechanical alarm complication. Known as “The Watch for Presidents,” the brand combines vintage-inspired design—such as mid‑century chronographs and diver models, with modern precision and reliable alarm mechanisms.
Their design philosophy centers on retro‑modern fusion: timeless case shapes (e.g., the 39 mm Skindiver and Monopusher Heritage chronographs) meld with contemporary materials and in‑house or Swiss movements. Their target audience includes horology enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate craftsmanship, mechanical complexity (especially the alarm function), and a sense of history, building loyalty through thoughtful functionality and an evocative legacy.
1858
The Manufacture Ditisheim is founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds
1889
Paris World Fair: Vulcain winms an award for a Grande Complication watch, La Vallee de l'Arve.
1893
Chicago World Fair: Vulcain wins an award for a high class work in complicated watches.
1898
Ditisheim & Cie becomes the Fabrique Vulcain.
1919
The new vulcain factory, a large manufacturing facility, is inaugurated.
1929
Barcelona World Fair:
1934
Vulcain establishes a partnership with the Real Madric at the Spanish Championship
1940
Launch of the Vulcain Chronograph wristwatch.
1946
Launch of the Exactomatic, a patented innovation.
1947
The manufactor presents Vulcain Cricket, first alarm wristwatch with a strident sound that astonished the world.
1951
Vulcain, The US Presendent's watch. On the right presedent Dwight Eisenhawer.
1953
Launch of Vulcain men's steel wristwatch, full calendar.
1956
Vulcain Cricket advert.
1958
Calibre 406 for the Cricket Golden Voice, a model designed for women.
1961
First dip for the Nautical, a driver's watch unique in its kind.
1964
President Lyndon Johnson
1966
Hannes Keller, who passed away on December 25, 2022, reached a depth of nearly 250 meters in Toulon, France, on November 3, 1966, wearing a Cricket Nautical Watch. legendary Jacques Cousteau.
2002
Rebirth of Vulcain, relocation in Le Locle.
2004
Launch of the V-11, the Cricket calibre enhanced with a date display.
2005
Imperial Gong, the first tourbillon alarm watch, a stunning Grande Complication.
2008
The voice of the jubilee, the anniversary Heart model, a tribute to the legendary Cricket calibre.
2009
The anniversary model for Barack Obama, 44th president of the USA.
2010
Launch of the 50's Presidents watch.
2011
Vulcain becomes the main sponsor of the Vulcain Trophy.
2012
Vulcain establishes a unique partnership with Herbie Hanchock.
2013
Return to the Baseworld Show
2014
Anniversary heart collection tourbillon
2015
Launch of the Vulcain for Heiner Lauterbach . A model based on the first Cricket watch from 1947.
2021
1947 Limited Edition
