Vulcain, a name synonymous with horological excellence since 1858, continues to honor its rich heritage while embracing contemporary design with the release of the Grand Prix Small Second Green, reference number 690175A90.BAC207. This timepiece, a fresh iteration within the esteemed Grand Prix collection, breathes new life into a design that originally captured accolades at the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. The watch captures the true look of that era. This modern interpretation seamlessly blends vintage inspiration with modern mechanics, resulting in a watch that is both visually striking and technically sound. The watch has a classic, traditional design.
To fully appreciate the Grand Prix Small Second Green, one must first understand the legacy of its maker. Vulcain, founded in the heart of Swiss watchmaking, Le Locle, has a storied history spanning over a century and a half. Nestled within the Neuchâtel mountains, the brand's headquarters in a grand mansion serves as a constant reminder of its commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques.
Vulcain has always been known for its innovative spirit and the creation of iconic models that have left an indelible mark on the horological landscape.
Courtesy of Vulcain
One of Vulcain's most significant contributions to the watch world was the development of the first truly functional alarm wristwatch, the Cricket. This groundbreaking timepiece, launched in the mid-20th century, quickly gained popularity among prominent figures, including several US presidents, earning it the moniker "The Presidents' Watch." This legacy of innovation and association with influential individuals has solidified Vulcain's position as a revered name in the industry. The Cricket put Vulcain on the map. They continue to make the Cricket to this day.
The Grand Prix Small Second Green immediately captivates with its vibrant, verdant dial. The color, a deep, rich green, evokes a sense of classic sophistication, reminiscent of vintage sports cars and lush landscapes. The sunburst, semi-glossy finish of the domed dial adds another layer of visual intrigue, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow as the watch moves. This effect is further enhanced by the polished, silver-toned hour markers and hands, which stand out against the green backdrop.
Examining the watch more closely, one notices the subtle details that elevate its design. The small second subdial, positioned at 6 o'clock, is a nod to Vulcain's vintage designs from the 1950s and 60s. This feature not only adds visual interest but also enhances the watch's functionality, allowing for precise timekeeping. The subdial features a classic railroad track minute scale and is elegantly recessed, adding depth to the dial's overall composition. The watch looks like a piece out of history and is very well made.
Courtesy of Vulcain
The polished 316L stainless steel case, measuring 39mm in diameter and 12.7mm in thickness, strikes a perfect balance between presence and wearability. Its proportions are well-suited for a variety of wrist sizes, ensuring that the watch remains comfortable and stylish throughout the day. The polished finish of the case reflects light beautifully, complementing the dial's sunburst effect and contributing to the watch's overall polished appearance. The case has sharp edges.
A double-domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, protects the dial and ensures optimal legibility from various angles. This feature is not only practical but also adds to the watch's vintage charm, mimicking the look of acrylic crystals found on older timepieces. The crystal's subtle curvature enhances the dial's three-dimensionality, creating a captivating visual effect that draws the eye inward.
The watch is paired with a brown leather strap that features contrasting topstitching. This choice of strap adds a touch of rugged elegance, complementing the watch's vintage-inspired design while providing a comfortable fit. The strap's warm tone harmonizes with the green dial, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing aesthetic. The solid stainless steel 316L buckle, measuring 20x16 mm, ensures a secure closure and adds a touch of refinement to the overall package.
Courtesy of Vulcain
Beneath the Grand Prix Small Second Green's stunning exterior lies a reliable and precise mechanical movement. The watch is powered by the Landeron L24 Swiss automatic movement, a testament to Vulcain's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This movement, known for its robustness and accuracy, features a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and a power reserve of 40 hours. It looks to be very well made and keeps excellent time.
The Landeron L24's automatic winding mechanism ensures that the watch remains powered as long as it is worn regularly. The movement's smooth operation is evident in the sweeping motion of the central seconds hand, a hallmark of a well-crafted automatic movement. The watch's 5 ATM water resistance, equivalent to 50 meters, adds to its versatility, making it suitable for everyday wear and light water activities, although it's not intended for diving.
The Grand Prix Small Second Green boasts a range of specifications that underscore its quality and attention to detail. The polished silver hands, designed with clarity in mind, provide excellent legibility against the vibrant green dial. The case, constructed from polished 316L stainless steel, is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. This type of steel is known for its corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic properties, making it an ideal choice for a watch case.
The case-back, also made from polished 316L stainless steel, is solid and securely fastened, protecting the movement from external elements. The domed, sunburst, semi-glossy dial in green is the centerpiece of the watch, its color and finish creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The dial's dimensions, combined with the case's 39mm diameter and 12.7mm thickness, result in a watch that is both substantial and comfortable on the wrist.
Courtesy of Vulcain
The double-domed sapphire crystal, with its anti-reflective treatment, is a crucial element of the watch's design. It not only protects the dial but also enhances its legibility by minimizing glare and reflections. The crystal's durability ensures that the watch will maintain its pristine appearance even after years of wear. It's a very clear crystal as well, easy to see the dial through.
The water resistance of 5 ATM is a practical feature that adds to the watch's versatility. While not intended for deep-sea diving, it provides peace of mind during everyday activities that may involve exposure to water, such as handwashing or light rain. The watch's 20x16 mm dimensions refer to the lug width and buckle size, respectively, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of straps.
The solid stainless steel 316L buckle is a testament to Vulcain's attention to detail. Its robust construction ensures a secure closure, while its polished finish complements the case's aesthetics. The Landeron L24 automatic movement, with its 40-hour power reserve and 28,800 vibrations per hour, is the heart of the watch, providing reliable and accurate timekeeping.
The Grand Prix Small Second Green is a testament to Vulcain's ability to reimagine its historical designs for a modern audience. This watch pays homage to the original Grand Prix model that won accolades in 1929, while incorporating contemporary materials and technologies. The small second display at 6 o'clock is a direct reference to Vulcain's vintage models from the mid-20th century, adding a touch of nostalgia to the watch's overall aesthetic.
Courtesy of Vulcain
By blending these vintage elements with modern features, such as the automatic movement and sapphire crystal, Vulcain has created a watch that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of horology. The Grand Prix Small Second Green is a bridge between the past and the present, a tangible link to Vulcain's rich heritage. It would make for a great addition to a watch collection. It's a special piece that can be worn often.
The Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second Green, with its reference number 690175A90.BAC207, is available for purchase at a regular price of $1,420.00. This price point positions the watch competitively within the market for Swiss-made timepieces of similar quality and heritage. The watch can be purchased directly from Vulcain's website or through authorized retailers worldwide. It is currently available.
Case: Polished 316L stainless steel. Diameter of 39mm. Thickness of 12.7mm. Polished stainless steel 316L case-back. Water resistance of 5 ATM. Double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
Movement: Landeron L24 Automatic. Functions include hours, minutes, and center seconds. Frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). Power reserve of 40 hours.
Dial: Domed, sunburst, semi-glossy dial in Green. Polished silver hands.
Strap: Brown leather with topstitching. Buckle is solid stainless steel 316L. Dimensions are 20x16 mm.
Price: $1,420.00
Reference Number: 690175A90.BAC207
Notes: The Grand Prix Small Second Green pays tribute to the watch that earned the prestigious Grand Prix at the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. Features a small second display at 6 o’clock, an homage to Vulcain’s vintage designs from the 1950s and 60s.