Hello everyone. After investing in my first few vintage pieces (Omega Seamaster and Constellation,)I have become increasing interested in the Vulcain cricket and have to decided to add one to my collection. Particularly the "Truman" version or something similar (circa 1950-1960s.) I've come across two 'contenders' that are supposedly 100% authentic without redial or anything and both look to be decent quality. Not certain about last servicing but both cal. 120 look decent.

This link (Vulcain Watches - History - Presidents watch) shows the Truman era cricket that I very much like the aesthetics of. The series of pictures are the two that I am considering. Any opinions on what decent offers for either of these should be? The gold one is 14k solid gold, not gold plated.

Thanks, and appreciate the feedback!

 

I have never seen the last one with black dial. Cool

 

Great watches!

 

I prefer the black one; it's amazing and really uncommon.

This is my Cricket

 

I'd buy them both...

 

They are both nice but case material affects desirability from a collector's perspective. On the black watch, it's not clear if the case is stainless steel or chrome plated. What does the back say? Shown below are two pictures taken from the internet.

Also, did you check out Eric Wind's informative article on the Cricket?

The movement on the black example looks good but I would have the movement serviced as of any vintage watch. The movement on the gold sample is too small to assess.

 

Here is my Cricket, which has the same black dial as your second option, but with gold hands and in a gold capped case with unusual lugs:

 

The black dial version states stainless steel on the back not Chrome. So I think that's definitely a positive. I can pick each up under $1K (maybe $~800ish) but really am only in the market for one. Most of my watches are stainless steel as that is what I prefer so was leaning toward the gold case as I don't have any gold watches. My collection is mainly to wear so I don't like to double up on styles too much as I think I'd just have watches sitting around unworn.

 

I would grab the black one. Very unusual and fantastic condition - gorgeous lume. Truly a collector-quality watch. The gold one is less interesting to me, and it has some flaws on the dial that make it less desirable.

@bubba48 has my favorite Cricket dial.

 

Also here's a better picture of the movement on the gold case option

 

Interesting though, there are so many dials with the crickets that it's hard to tell if on the black one the dial has been swapped from a watch with Gold case and gold hands. I've seen this black dial with the gilt numbers and hour markers in gold cases with gold hands before but never before in combination with steel.

I think it's probably impossible to know though since there are so many dial/case variations and these early cal. 120's didn't necessarily match movement/case/dials.

 

The Black Dial kicks me, verry nice watch

 

That gold one looks like it might have a restored dial. Some inconsistencies with the font.

 

Crickets are awesome! Here is my soon-to-come cricket:

Dibs were honored by @slique12

 

If it’s the alarm feature that intrigues you, don’t forget the

 

The chrome version would not say "chrome" it would say "stainless steel back"

 

Both looks great!

Note that the movement of the gold one is missing one of the ratchet screw, which is weird.