I wrote about 'grail watches' in previous posts. It took some time to get a few of these that I consider my grail watches. The first one I remember acquiring was a King Seiko manufactured during my birth month and year. That was followed by a major acquisition in the form of an Omega Moonwatch. And then there are the Le Coultre Futurematic and Memovox, and Glashutte Diver. The rest, as they say, is history, and part of a still growing collection.
Alarm watches likely became popular for the practicality of a portable, wearable alarm clock. You can set it up to remind you of the time for things like important appointments during the day. It helps that it is already on your wrist so you will feel the vibration if the sound doesn't notify you of the time. The Vulcain Cricket is perhaps the most iconic among alarm watches. It has the most distinctive (loud as others describe it) alarm among watches of the genre. It also helps that a Vulcain Cricket has been gifted to each U.S. President since the time of Harry S Truman.
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The watch features four hands - hour, minute, second and alarm. There are no day or date complications.
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Side view showing the signed crown and alarm button
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The other side view showing the condition of the case and dial
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Case back showing what appears as a serial number
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Signed original crown & alarm button
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Hallmark etching on the case indicating the watch to be gold-plated
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Close-up showing the pristine condition of the dial
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The original signed buckle on the original strap (deteriorated) that still came with the watch.
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The original strap came with the watch, which was already fitted with new leather straps.
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Wrist shot of the first time I wore the watch.
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Another photo of the watch showing the pristine dial
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This one's definitely a keeper and something to pass on to the next generation. I haven't timed the watch but will probably get to doing that soon. Meanwhile, I will just enjoy this watch, which is regarded as the best among the alarm watches. The wait for this watch was well worth it.
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