Vulcain - Any idea?

Posts
19
Likes
14
hi everyone, my first post on this forum (so my apologies if this is not appropriate).

I just started collecting vintage watches and like most beginners I started researching and bidding on ebay watches. I saw this Vulcain and it had few minutes remaining and I bid on it without even finding out much information (I know it was careless). I won it at a cheap price but now I'm scrambling to find out whether if it's even worth cleaning/overhauling it at all.

Anyone knows the history of this watch? it's definitely not an expensive watch for sure.

Thank you in advance.

Dennis

s-l1600.jpg


s-l1600.jpg
 
Posts
24,372
Likes
54,232
I don't know, but that's an FHF movement, probably cal 96, marked Vulcain. Is the case also marked Vulcain? If so, it's probably legit. My main concern is that the movement holder looks a bit home-made, so there's a chance that the movement and dial have been re-cased. I'd look for similar examples using google images.
 
Posts
2,449
Likes
7,052
Case looks like the chrome-plated variety.
 
Posts
19
Likes
14
I don't know, but that's an FHF movement, probably cal 96, marked Vulcain. Is the case also marked Vulcain? If so, it's probably legit. My main concern is that the movement holder looks a bit home-made, so there's a chance that the movement and dial have been re-cased. I'd look for similar examples using google images.

Thank you very much for the reply! I just cross checked the case and it's show WMR which is actually a Hong Kong case. I researched a bit and I believe when Vulcain was hit by the crisis in the 70s, they started sourcing cases from Hong Kong which could mean why it ended up here. The watch probably isn't worth much so I'll be learning to dismantle and try to "fix" it myself!

Thank you again!

Dennis

s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg
 
Posts
19
Likes
14
Case looks like the chrome-plated variety.

@Deafboy , thank you. I would say it does. Truly appreciate the feedback. It's what makes collecting vintage watches fun, i.e. you win some you lose some.

Dennis
 
Posts
1,175
Likes
2,461
Found one that Hodinkee sold somehow for $900 😲 not so sure that it is worth that much but as @Dan S said it looks to be FHF cal 96 and its a chrome case. No pictures of the movement however.
 
Posts
19
Likes
14
Found one that Hodinkee sold somehow for $900 😲 not so sure that it is worth that much but as @Dan S said it looks to be FHF cal 96 and its a chrome case. No pictures of the movement however.
@Nepomuceño , it does look quite similar to what I have, even with the casing at the back. I actually got this for around $60....so if it's really $900 then you really just made my day. haha.

Dennis
 
Posts
24,372
Likes
54,232
Found one that Hodinkee sold somehow for $900 😲 not so sure that it is worth that much but as @Dan S said it looks to be FHF cal 96 and its a chrome case. No pictures of the movement however.

That's a good find. Apparently it's legit.

@Nepomuceño , it does look quite similar to what I have, even with the casing at the back. I actually got this for around $60....so if it's really $900 then you really just made my day. haha.

Dennis

It's hard to imagine why anyone would pay $900. We have learned that if some dealers don't sell a watch and send it back to the consignor, they post SOLD on the website. Seems a bit dishonest. But who knows. Anyway, at $60, I think you did just fine if you like it and it's a runner.
 
Posts
1,175
Likes
2,461
@Nepomuceño , it does look quite similar to what I have, even with the casing at the back. I actually got this for around $60....so if it's really $900 then you really just made my day. haha.

Dennis
Maybe Hodinkee will buy it off you 😉 also if you're interested this thread could be right up your alley. Lots of bargains and fun watches like yours to be had for cheap.
 
Posts
19
Likes
14
That's a good find. Apparently it's legit.



It's hard to imagine why anyone would pay $900. We have learned that if some dealers don't sell a watch and send it back to the consignor, they post SOLD on the website. Seems a bit dishonest. But who knows. Anyway, at $60, I think you did just fine if you like it and it's a runner.

I hear you! I hoard my watches so will just keep this as my daily beater! haha.
 
Posts
19
Likes
14
Maybe Hodinkee will buy it off you 😉 also if you're interested this thread could be right up your alley. Lots of bargains and fun watches like yours to be had for cheap.

Haha, thank you! will check it out.
 
Posts
19
Likes
14
Hey guys, so I thought I give everyone an update about what happened with the Vulcain. It needed quite a bit of clean up and service, but overall it turned out pretty decent! I kept most of the scratches and dent as what's the point of calling it vintage if it doesn't show those glory.

Take care and happy new year everyone!