Firstly (for the first time ever) it had a water-resistance capability of 300 meters, the equivalent of around 30kg/cm2 of pressure, but more remarkably it featured an audible warning system that alerted its wearer when it was time to surface. It did this while precisely indicating the various decompression stops as indicated on its dial. For its day it was a revolutionary dive watch!
Developed by a team carefully chosen by the Vulcain Manufacture - that included three experts who would create the first divers watch equipped with an underwater audible alarm, the Cricket Nautical caused an immediate sensation in the world of scuba diving. It was endowed with the required technical characteristics that met diver safety requirements, but it was what was under its hood that made such an impact on dive watch horology, as it was powered by the already legendary Cricket alarm calibre.
Hannes Keller, a multiple record-holding diver and mathematician; explorer and film director Max-Yves Brandily; and Arthur Droz, national diving instruction and representative of the French C.I.A.S. (Centre d'Investigations et d'Activités Sous-Marines) drew upon their great wealth of knowledge and experience to help the Vulcain Manufacture create the first dive watch with an alarm, a clear indication of decompression steps, as well as a guaranteed water-resistance of 300m.
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Vulcain introduced a new version of its legendary Nautical watch in the 70s, which featured a redesigned display layout. This has been resurrected today in a 300 piece Limited series. Although the 2013 Nautical 70s LE has been made using the latest in technical innovations, it has faithfully maintained the original vintage character of the 70s model.
Features include: a manually-wound Cricket V-10 caliber capable of sounding its alarm in a clearly audible manner for up to 20 seconds underwater. It is equipped with twin barrels: one to supply the energy required for hours, minutes and seconds, and one to power its alarm function. It beats at a speed of 18,000 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
Just like the original, the 42mm watch case has a water-resistance of 300 meters. It features alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes, and is distinguished by its emblematic triple case-back, which acts as a resonance chamber for the alarm thus ensuring its maximum effectiveness. This intensity is further accentuated by a hesalite watch crystal of the type used by the original 1970s model - again serving to amplify the sound of the alarm.
The watch dial is an identical reproduction of the original dial from the 1970s Nautical model, the Nautical Seventies Limited Edition owes both its aesthetic and its technical features to its predecessor. The central dial indicates decompression details in orange . It remains fixed in place, while the 60-minute graduated rotating internal divers bezel is activated by a screwdown crown at 4 o'clock. Thanks to generously applied luminescent materiel the hands and square hour-markers will offer excellent readability of the watch, remaining optimal even underwater in low-lighting conditions.
Finally this magnificent watch is presented on a comfortable yet sturdy water-repellent leather strap - adding the finishing vintage touch to the Nautical Seventies!
Read up on the 2012 Nautical HERITAGE Limited Edition
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