Green is the new black, and
Vulcain is embracing the trend with the release of their latest timepiece, the Chronograph 1970s Green. This watch is more than just a splash of color; it’s a testament to Vulcain’s rich history of watchmaking excellence and their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
The Vulcain story begins in the Swiss mountains, in the cradle of precision watchmaking, the Neuchâtel mountains. In 1858, the Ditisheim brothers, skilled watchmakers, founded the company and named it after the Roman god of fire, Vulcan, the patron of blacksmiths. Their passion and dedication to their craft quickly established Vulcain as a manufacturer of intricate complication watches. These early timepieces, including minute repeaters, grande sonneries, petite sonneries, and perpetual calendars, were celebrated at prestigious international exhibitions and embodied the pinnacle of watchmaking achievement.
Courtesy of Vulcain
Vulcain’s name reflects the company’s heritage. Hephaestus, the Greek equivalent of Vulcan, was the god of fire and metalworking. Like Hephaestus’s forge, Vulcain has never stopped burning brightly, fueled by the company’s innovative spirit. This unwavering commitment to progress is a constant undercurrent throughout Vulcain’s long history.
One of Vulcain’s most significant innovations arrived in 1947. In that year, Vulcain introduced the world’s first alarm wristwatch, the Cricket caliber. The Cricket’s unique and powerful mechanical alarm, loud enough to awaken its wearer with a determined chirp, was unlike anything the world had ever seen. This revolutionary timepiece quickly became a sought-after accessory, famously worn by American presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Johnson, earning it the nickname “The Presidents’ Watch.”
The new Chronograph 1970s echoes the groundbreaking spirit of the Cricket caliber. This timepiece takes inspiration from the stylish and daring designs of the 1970s, but with a modern twist. The watch’s 38mm polished 316L stainless steel case is a classic size, perfectly suited for a variety of wrist sizes. The “Step-Case” design adds a touch of distinctive flair to the watch’s overall look.
Courtesy of Vulcain
The real eye-catcher of the Chronograph 1970s is its dial. It’s not just green; it’s a captivating canvas of intrigue. The semi-gloss sunburst dial shimmers with a radiant, yet mysterious quality, with hints of burnt undertones. Depending on the light, the dial appears to change, evoking images of British Racing Green or whispering tales of mystical depths. This dynamic and captivating quality ensures that the Chronograph 1970s will never go unnoticed.
A closer look at the dial reveals details that will delight watch enthusiasts. The applied indexes are baton-shaped and coated with luminescent material for low-light visibility. The chronograph subdials are snailed and feature contrasting black rings. A tachymeter scale is printed around the flange of the dial, adding to the watch’s sporty feel. The date window is discreetly positioned at the 6 o’clock position.
The heart of a mechanical watch is its movement, the intricate assembly of gears, springs, and jewels that drive timekeeping and complications. The Chronograph 1970s uses the SW510 M BH movement, a workhorse of a caliber known for its reliability and precision. This hand-wound mechanical movement boasts a generous 63-hour power reserve, ensuring consistent performance even if the watch isn't worn for several days.
Courtesy of Vulcain
The SW510 M BH beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, a rate that facilitates accurate chronograph readings. Its chronograph functions, activated by exquisitely shaped pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions, are smooth and responsive. The movement's intricate workings can be viewed through the exhibition caseback.
Like any fine watch, the Chronograph 1970s showcases a meticulous attention to detail. The double-domed sapphire crystal provides superior scratch resistance and clarity. The sapphire crystal also has an anti-reflective coating, which minimizes glare and improves readability in bright light.
Vulcain offers the Chronograph 1970s with either a leather or crocodile-pattern strap secured by a pin buckle. The straps complement the watch's retro-inspired vibe while maintaining a clean, modern feel. The buckle is signed with the Vulcain logo, adding a touch of brand prestige.
The watch's 38mm diameter makes it incredibly versatile, as it will sit comfortably on both smaller and larger wrists. At 12.4mm in thickness, the watch will slip under most dress shirt cuffs for a touch of sporty refinement when worn with more formal attire. Despite its dressier leanings, the watch is also water-resistant to 50 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and the occasional splash.
Courtesy of Vulcain
The Chronograph 1970s isn't just a watch – it’s a statement. By blending retro design elements with a contemporary flair, this timepiece showcases Vulcain's ability to honor its past while embracing the future. The enigmatic green dial is a reminder of the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to mechanical watches, the Chronograph 1970s has something special to offer.
While the Chronograph 1970s stands on its own as a stunning timepiece, enthusiasts of mechanical watches and Vulcain collectors in particular will appreciate the subtle details and the craftsmanship that went into this watch.
The Case Design: The "Step-Case" design is an unusual and eye-catching detail. The case sides drop off in stages, giving the watch a unique profile.
The Dial: The green sunburst dial is a standout feature of the Chronograph 1970s. Its color-shifting qualities will surprise and delight its wearer.
The Font: The typeface used for the numerals and the printing on the dial is clean and stylish.
The Movement: The SW510 M BH is a reliable hand-wound mechanical chronograph movement with a generous 63-hour power reserve.
Courtesy of Vulcain
A wristwatch is more than just a tool for telling time - it's an expression of personal style, and the Chronograph 1970s Green stands ready to make a bold statement. Its unique design, captivating green dial, and robust mechanical movement make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate individuality, quality, and a touch of vintage charm.
The Chronograph 1970s embodies this spirit of progress and serves as a reminder that even as trends and technologies evolve, true craftsmanship stands the test of time. As Vulcain continues to forge ahead in the world of horology, the Chronograph 1970s proves that this innovative brand isn't afraid to blaze its own trail, just as Vulcan would have done.