Introduction
Few mechanical alarm watches have a history as purpose-driven as the Vulcain Cricket Nautical. Developed with pioneering diver Hannes Keller, filmmaker and explorer Max-Yves Brandily and diving instructor Arthur Droz, the original arrived in 1961 as a genuine underwater instrument. Its mechanical alarm could signal when it was time to surface, while a rotating decompression table built into the dial helped calculate the necessary stops during an ascent. A distinctive triple case back acted as a resonance chamber, amplifying the Cricket's famous alarm sufficiently for it to be heard underwater.
Released in 2024 and limited to just 25 pieces, the Nautical Legacy by Massena LAB takes Vulcain's modern recreation of this remarkable watch and pushes its appearance further into vintage territory. A brushed chocolate-brown dial is paired with beige luminous material and an entirely new handset designed specifically by Massena LAB, including a broad arrow minute hand and red alarm hand. Mechanically, however, its purpose remains unchanged: the hand-wound Cricket calibre V10 powers both the timekeeping and alarm functions, while the rotating decompression table and 300-metre water resistance preserve the unusual functionality that made the original Nautical so technically ambitious.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, guarantee, booklet and hangtag
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Vulcain
Dimensions
42mm x 17.5mm
Model
Nautical Legacy by Massena LAB
Movement
Manual-wind Vulcain Cricket calibre V10
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
Black rubber strap
Year
2024
Condition
like-new
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Box, guarantee, booklet and hangtag
Dial Color
Chocolate brown
THE DIAL
Massena LAB gives the Nautical an appropriately aged aesthetic through a brushed chocolate-brown dial, beige luminous material and a unique handset comprising a baton hour hand, broad arrow minute hand, red alarm hand and lollipop seconds. Beneath it, a rotating decompression table allows required stops at nine, six and three metres to be calculated according to dive depth and duration.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The substantial 42mm stainless steel case combines 300 metres of water resistance with an ultra-domed sapphire crystal and Vulcain's distinctive triple case back. Designed as a resonance chamber to amplify the mechanical alarm underwater, the construction explains much of the watch's considerable 17.5mm thickness and remains fundamental to the Nautical's unusual identity as a true alarm-equipped diving instrument.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall like-new condition. The steel case shows light signs of wear, with a couple of light swirl marks and a scuff to the non-crown side of the case. Comes with inner and outer boxes, guarantee, booklet, and hangtag.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
The original Cricket Nautical was not merely styled as a diving watch; its alarm, resonating case and decompression calculator were developed to solve genuine problems underwater. Massena LAB wisely leaves that fascinating mechanical architecture intact while giving the watch an especially convincing vintage character. With only 25 pieces produced, the Nautical Legacy combines an important piece of Vulcain history with one of the smallest-production Massena LAB collaborations.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
