OH MY! a CRICKET in my SOCK drawer!

[JohnInNH]

I found a Cricket in my sock drawer!!

I had it there for years and thought it was just an old piece of junk... Then after coming here and getting interested in mechanical watches. I don't know the history other than my grand father was into fine watches and his Patek was sold to cover the costs of his estate settlement. Sooooo maybe I got it from him in a box of his garage junk I have all over.

Apparently a Vulcan Cricket was given to all of the US Presidents and reportedly, John F. Kennedy was the only one who wore his.

I Googled it and found some that sold to close to $1000. What a prize! (and it works and keeps time)

[yamahaki]

looks to be in pretty good shape. had a chance to pop the caseback off yet?

[JohnInNH]

yep, but did not want to pop it off again .. it's MUCH better inside! You can tell it;s been opened up a lot. the tool marks are pretty bad from someone using a jack knife to do it. :-(

[LadyWis]

when did you buy it? because I've seen a bunch like this on ebay and they didn't look as real as other cricket sales at the same time.

[JohnInNH]

I did not buy it.. I got it in a box of junk from my grandfather.. that Junk included some amazing old mint firearms. .. So I use the term Junk in a less than literal way. It most probably was from the 50's

VULCAIN - Cricket Alarm
Style:
Early Stainless Steel Cricket Alarm Watch with Original Silver Satin Dial.
Shape:
Round
Serial: 400346

Circa:
1950s
Metal:
Stainless Steel
Case:
Good Condition, Original: Crown;
Movement:
Excellent Condition, Manual, 17 Jewels, Caliber# 120, Capped Escape Wheel,
Dial:
Original, Excellent Condition, Arabic Numerals Luminous Markers, Natural Patina, Silver Satin,
Hands:
Original, With Luminous, Arrow
Strap/Attachment:
18mm

Dimensions:
34mm x 42mm lug to lug, 1.33 X 1.67 Inches.

Information:
Early stainless steel Cricket alarm watch with original dial with a fine tune alarm track. A fine dependable triple signed Swiss watch.

[kevinc1001]

Nice find what does that pusher do at the 2'o clock do.

[LadyWis]

it should be out if the alarm is set, in if it's not.
like an old alarm clock.
some of the old alarm watches also control the alarm hand with it.
some control it with a different position of the main crown.

[Widows Son]

Nice find, I have a similar one in gold. It was called the "President's" watch because Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon wore them. Don't know about JFK. Johnson bought a whole bunch at one time and gave them away as gifts. PS, what type of firearms did you find???

[Widows Son]

PS, you wind the alarm by winding the stem AWAY from you, the watch is wound by winding it towards you.

[scottw44]

ah yes, the US President's Watch...a very nice find indeed!!! Here's what I remember from my grandfather the watchmaker as well as my own history.

1. Truman was first and he wore it! The buck stopped with the alarm on the Cricket ;)

2. Ike liked 'em before he was even elected and was fond of wearing one.

3. LBJ was such a fan that he would gift them. How cool is that!

4. As a recently graduated History/Poli Sci major with focus on Soviet Studies, how about Gorby wearing one on Time Magazine around 89/90 or so.

I bet it would clean up wonderfully...what a great legacy watch.

W was not presented with one...Clinton was. George HW was presented with one as well. Clinton was the last.. Every Prez from Truman to Clinton received one. As for Clinton, I'm not sure if he ever wears his, but the man is a serious WIS.

ok, I'm out...next.