Press release
The Swiss watch brand Vulcain made its debut appearance at the Inhorgenta in Munich this year. The trade fair, which opened its gates for the first time in 1974 was supported this year by 30,000 participants from 85 countries – a two per cent increase on last year, with a noticeably more international profile. The independent watch manufacturer Vulcain exhibited its collection in hall B1/stand 208/aisle B. The collection offered a particularly significant focal point: the legendary mechanical Cricket calibre with alarm function.
The ‘chirping of the cricket' was the key theme of Vulcain's exhibit, which was specifically designed for Inhorgenta Munich. The sound of the alarm wristwatch remains fascinating to watch specialists and enthusiasts. Alongside a number of manually-wound and self-winding models in the successful 50s Presidents' Watch collection, some ultra-thin three-hand watches within this range were also featured, while steel or rose gold mono-pusher chronographs featuring different coloured dials provided a very appealing complement. As a special feature, Vulcain presented a rose gold or stainless steel Limited Edition in honour of the famous jazz pianist Herbie Hancock. Both versions display a brilliant blue sunray finish dial making a smooth match with the sultry tones associated with the world of blue notes. Another classic on show was the Nautical diver's watch with its alarm that is audible under water due to its triple case-back serving as a resonance chamber.
Vulcain'S CEO Bernard Fleury sees the company's participation at Inhorgenta as a further step in its systematically heightening its market profile in Germany. “In 2012 we reached our goals, such as a significant increase in market share, the reactivation of key clients, and a cautious beginning of increased distribution. This is providing a solid base for spreading our products more widely in the German marketplace. For this purpose Inhorgenta provides an excellent complement to our presence at Baselworld.” Oliver Dünkel of ‘Leading Brands' draws a positive conclusion: experience has shown that Baselworld leaves hardly any time for participants to engage with new or alternative products. In contrast, Inhorgenta provided valuable opportunity for our customers and interested parties to investigate Vulcain's products and marketing at leisure, without the pressure of large group brand schedules. That was of substantial advantage to both parties.
Technical data
The 50s Presidents' watch «Vulcain for Herbie Hancock»
Case
316L steel, sapphire case-back revealing the stylised «V» for Vulcain and engraved with the name of the celebrated musician in a limited edition of 250 pieces
Dial: blue sunray dial with rhodium indexes and Herbie Hancock signature
Diameter: 42.00 mm - Thickness: 12.40 mm
Glass: domed shape sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 50 meters or 160 feet
Calibre Vulcain Cricket Manufacture V-16
12-lignes mechanical hand-wound alarm calibre with date, 17 rubies, 191 parts, double barrel, equipped with the Exactomatic system, lift angle 48°
Functions: hour, minute, centre seconds, alarm, date window
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 42 hours
Alarm duration: 20 seconds
Strap
Louisiana Alligator, steel pin buckle
