* There is a relatively unknown partnership and yet deep historical tie between Vulcain and Real Madrid FC; André Ditisheim, known as "Didixien" - the grandson of Vulcain founder: André Ditisheim - At age 18 moved to Madrid in 1907 to learn Spanish and - being a keen sportsman - before he knew it, was Madrid FC’s attacking midfielder! The club evolved into the renowned Real Madrid, and there he left a lasting legacy. Also, In 1934 Vulcain was appointed the official timekeeper for Real Madrid and that year the team triumphed in the Spanish Cup. It was also the season when coach Fernando Bru relied on a Vulcain to time the training drills. He noted, “We held our training sessions with an incredibly precise Vulcain chronograph and it was instrumental in our resounding victory in the 1934 Spanish Championship".
* To honour this piece of footballing history, Vulcain has re-issued its iconic 1950s Chronograph Heritage. This new iteration, named the 'Monopusher' is a faithful homage to the aesthetic of the original dial, the numerals and hour-markers remain identical to the iconic timepiece yet with a compact case diameter of 38.9mm, sapphire crystal glass and with a modified manually wound cal. SW510 M with single pusher chronograph operation, this is not merely a direct copy of a vintage watch but a modern and sophisticated Swiss watch influenced by the manufacturer's past collections.
Movement: Manual Wind Single Pusher Chronograph
Case Dimensions: 38.9mm x 13mm, Stainless Steel
Dial: Black with Khaki Numerals and Polished Steel Hands
Glass: Domed Plexi-Glass
Strap: 20mm x 16mm, Black Leather on Pin Buckle
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Reference: 650167A08.BAC201
The Vulcain watch manufacturer was founded in 1858 by Jacque Ditisheim and his three sons; Gaspard, Aaron and Maurice. Like many watchmakers during this time, Vulcain started out specialising in pocket watches before branching out into wristwatches.
One of Vulcain's most notable inventions was in 1947 with the release of the world's first mechanical wristwatch with alarm complication. This incredible piece of mechanical engineering won many plaudits and was awarded the International Chronometry Competition at the Neuchatel observatory. The watch was also adopted by a number of US Presidents, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson.
Based in Le Locle, Switzerland, Vulcain still today produce a collection of beautiful mechanical wristwatches, including chronographs, dive watches and their coveted Cricket model, which incorporates their in-house manufactured V10 mechanical movement with alarm complication.
With more than 150 years of history and innovation, Vulcain can be considered one of the unsung heroes of Swiss watchmaking and holds a distinctive place in the world of fine watchmaking thanks to its iconic models and unique mechanical movements.