A venerable model that was barely dormant for a few decade, Vulcain is form of a hidden gem that has lengthy been acknowledged because the specialist of the alarm watch – a distinct segment idea however one which needs to be stored alive. Nonetheless, for the previous couple of years, Vulcain has been revived and now has a transparent technique of bringing again most of its emblems of the previous. Take into consideration the Cricket watch or the extremely interesting Cricket Nautical dive watch. One watch that may not have the identical aura is a traditional bi-compax chronograph with hand-wound motion. Nothing particular, you would possibly say. However not all watches should be insanely particular. Generally, an excellent outdated compact chrono is all you want. Let’s test how good this may be with the brand new inexperienced Vulcain Chronograph Seventies.
This watch, the Chronograph Seventies, was introduced final yr and, as you good because it appeared at first, it isn’t the type of watch that might make us, spoiled watch editors seeing approach too many watches a yr, totally enthusiastic. Nonetheless, we generally have to come back again to actuality and have a look at watches in a barely totally different approach, from the angle of a watch fanatic who might be a consumer for a vintage-inspired, compact, properly executed and pretty priced chronograph. And guess what, the Vulcain Chronograph Seventies is precisely that!
Now we have lined this assortment on the time of its launch however by no means had the possibility to go hands-on with it. The discharge at this time of a brand new restricted version, fitted with a inexperienced dial, is the event to take action. And to take a look at it, for as soon as, with my ft on the bottom. As stated, this watch is a extremely traditional tackle a extremely traditional idea. A retro-styled manually wound chronograph with restrained proportions, outsourced however confirmed motion and total interesting seems. Such watches are a dime a dozen, however not all the time completed in the fitting approach.
The Chronograph Seventies by Vulcain instantly beneficial properties factors with its case and dimensions. For starters, it measures 38mm in diameter, which is about 3 to 4mm lower than most accessible chronographs available on the market. And I personally love a fairly sized chrono… I perceive that trendy actions are larger than what was completed within the Nineteen Fifties/60s (and they’re way more dependable too…), however this watch is proof {that a} sub-40mm with a Sellita inside is feasible. The case can be properly designed, traditional however with a stunning step profile. It’s a bit utilitarian, which must be seen as a praise right here. Glossy pump pushers and a double-domed sapphire crystal give a pleasant retro aptitude. And the 12.40mm thickness is appropriate. Not sensible, however actually by no means a difficulty. A closed again finishes the case, and I’m completely satisfied to not be capable of see the motion.
The dial of this particular model of the Vulcain Chronograph Seventies opts for a pleasant tone of inexperienced, paired with a sunray brushed sample and silver sub-dials. It’s framed by a tachymeter scale, options faceted and polished utilized markers for extra depth and refinement, and total has a sure busyness – counters near the tracks, markers nearly touching the counters, totally different shapes of fingers… Nevertheless it’s precisely why this watch is interesting. It has allure, it’s vigorous. Absolutely, there’s nothing groundbreaking nevertheless it all works nice.
Contained in the case is a Sellita SW510 M BH b-Handbook, a quite barbaric title to point a Valjoux-based structure and a manually wound motion. Stable, dependable, exact sufficient, it’s there to do its job and it’ll do it effectively. It even makes use of the most recent model supplied by Sellita and comes with a stable 63-hour energy reserve.
The mannequin now we have for this hands-on session was worn on a cognac-toned leather-based strap, providing a pleasant retro contact and a heat color mixture with the dial. Vulcain gives a number of different straps however don’t look any additional. This combo works like a allure. Launched as a restricted version of 100 items, now obtainable from vulcain.ch, the Vulcain Chronograph Seventies Inexperienced is priced at EUR 2,500, CHF 2,500 or USD 2,650. It’s not the most cost effective watch of its type available on the market nevertheless it stays a good value for a timepiece that has good particulars throughout, a stable development and an evergreen title on its dial. It’s good-looking, charming, and vigorous, and I personally love the compactness of the case. And ultimately, it’s all you want. I used to be completely satisfied to put on it and it’s nice sufficient to place a smile on my face!
