Nautical Seventies Vulcain Trophy 2014
Vulcain Nautical Seventies: safe diving
This piece is an almost exact replica of the famous Vulcain Nautical from1970 that was produced in a limited series of 300 pieces. The piece seduced both aficionados of legendary watches and divers as it is a useful tool that is also audible underwater.
By Vincent Daveau
Contributor
When Vulcain launched the Cricket Nautical in 1961, the watchmaking world thought it was an exceptional product. For the first time in history, a wristwatch was able to endure a 300 m dive and to alert its wearer with sound when it was time to swim back to the surface. The function was enabled by the legendary alarm-clock caliber “Cricket” and its usefulness was enhanced by clear indications of decompression dives on the dial. The original instrument heralded diving computers, which were created some 30 years later, and thus seduced the safety-concerned divers of its time.
The evolution of an icon
Whilst the traditional case of the model was the key to its success, the new baby boomer generation did not find it convenient. Indeed, they expressed an interest in new watchmaking experiences through the 1968 revolution. Hence, in 1970, Vulcain produced a new version of the Nautical to draw their attention. The piece we are presenting here is an extrapolation of the 1970 model. It was produced in a limited series of 300 pieces in 2013 and in a 35-piece limited series with green dials in 2014. While state-of-the-art technical innovations were used in its production, the piece follows the model’s tradition and the original flair has been fiercely preserved.
The manual caliber Cricket V-10 is an iteration of the original and can make its alarm “chirp” like crickets for 20 seconds, even underwater. The movement is equipped with a double barrel – the first one to supply the necessary energy to the time functions and the second one to drive the alarm. It was manufactured following Vulcain’s traditional methods and has a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour as well as a 42-hour power reserve. The 42-mm piece is a visual replica of the original and alternates polished and satiny finishes.
The piece is water resistant to 300 meters, as was the original, and still features the very specific triple back that provides maximum water resistance and efficiency to both the alarm and the Plexiglas. Since enthusiasts could pick up on the slightest deviation from a historical detail, the Nautical Seventies 70 Limited Edition is consistent with the original. It is equipped with a PADI dive table with a peripheral side graduated on 60 minutes, which can be pivoted and activated via the crown situated at 4 o’clock. The 300 pieces of this rare watch (last year they produced only 35 pieces with a green back) is available in blue or orange and is attached to a water resistant leather strap. It can be bought online and will most likely meet the requirements of the silent world’s experts, even if silence will be interrupted when this reference is “chirping” away.
Small historical detail
A few illustrious names collaborated in the creation of this piece: Hannes Keller, multiple record breaker diver and mathematician, Max-Yves Brandily, explorer and director, and Arthur Droz, international swimming instructor and delegate of C.I.A.S (Centre d’Investigations et d’Activités Sous-Marines).
At the time, they all used their professional experience in synergy with Vulcain to develop the first watch to feature an alarm, a clear indicator of decompression dives and a guaranteed water resistance of up to 300m.
