The Vulcain Manufacture was founded in 1858 and is very well known for revolutionizing the watch industry by inventing the first mechanical alarm complication with the introduction of their Cricket calibre. This innovation made the Vulcain watches popular with American presidents starting with Harry S. Truman, earning the brand its reputation as “The Watch for Presidents”. Last year, Vulcain made a strong comeback into the watch world and this year at Baselworld 2014, the manufacture continues to position itself as a great option for inexpensive watches with a lot of character, good craftsmanship and traditional looking designs. To mark the grand opening of the first Vulcain Monoboutique in Beijing and to salute the Chinese 2014 Year of Horse, Vulcain announced its new 50s Presidents’ Cricket Cloissoné Pegasus model to be unveiled at Baselworld 2014. This outstanding new timepiece available in two different dials —Pegasus In the Sky or Pegasus on the Mountain— features a universal symbol of wisdom and knowledge to celebrate Vulcain’s watchmaking expertise. Pegasus is one of the best known mythological creatures in Greek mythology. He is a winged divine stallion usually depicted as pure white in color. Greco-Roman poets wrote about his ascent to heaven after his birth and his obedience to Zeus, king of the gods. He was captured by the Greek hero Bellerophon near the Perene fountain with the help of Athena and Poseidon. Pegasus allowed the hero to ride him to defeat a monster, the Chimera, before accomplishing many other exploits. Because of his faithful service to Zeus, he was rewarded by being transformed into the constellation Pegasus and placed up in the sky.
This new Vulcain 50s Presidents' Cricket Cloissoné Pegasus ref. 200 550.318L is fitted with the Cricket Calibre V-13 —alarm mechanical movement with 42-hour power reserve—, a highly polished 18K rose gold case measuring 42 mm in diameter, a black alligator strap and a delicately finished 'Grand Feu' cloissoné dial. The cloissoné is an ancient technique for decorating metal objects with vitreous enamel. The decoration is formed by creating compartments on the dial that are soldered in the shape of the final motif and then filling these out with enamel in different colors, leaving the top part of the gold wires exposed.
The Vulcain Pegasus is available in a limited edition of 18 pieces for each different dial —Pegasus on the Mountain featured here— and a watch that won't disappoint you, especially once you activate its unique cricket sounding alarm/reminder that will last for up to 20 seconds.
Sticker Price $55,560 USD. For more info on Vulcain click here.
