This is a Nautical Seventies Dive Watch, which Vulcain debuted at Baselworld 2013.
The watch was inspired by a 1970s Vulcain Nautical model from the archives. In addition to 300 meters of water resistance, uniquely, the watch can indicate decompression stops (via the markings on the dial) and has a mechanical alarm that’s audible underwater.
While this Vulcain diver is aesthetically based on the 1970s watch, that timepiece was based on a 1961 Cricket Nautical diver, which was the first wristwatch capable of descending to 300 meters and audibly warning its wearer when to surface, all while indicating the various decompression stops.
The Nautical Seventies comes in a 42 mm by 17.60 mm stainless steel case, with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces. It has a crystal that protrudes well above the case, adding to the vintage feel. A special triple caseback construction acts as a resonance chamber and enables underwater use of the alarm function.
The 25-jewel manually wound alarm movement has 157 total parts and features twin barrels (one for the time and one for the alarm). It beats at 2.5Hz and has a 42-hour power reserve. The watch offers hours, minutes, central seconds, a diving alarm, a fixed dial with decompression-table indication, and a 60-minute graduated rotating inner bezel ring activated by a screw-locked crown at 4 o’clock. The alarm duration is approximately 20 seconds.
The Nautical Seventies diver was available in two dial variations, blue or orange, on a black water-repellent leather strap, with an orange or blue lining, as a limited edition of 300 pieces each for a retail price of $5,950.
