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The Vulcain Golden Voice: Awakening a Forgotten Gem
While Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox prices soar towards €8,000, the Vulcain Golden Voice slumbers peacefully in the shadows. Yet, it shares the same prestigious DNA: a manufacture movement with a double barrel, a mechanical alarm complication, and a precious metal case. Even more perplexing: it is a direct descendant of the Cricket, the legendary watch that woke up American presidents.
Why such a discrepancy? It’s a simple matter of perception. The Golden Voice suffers from a historical misunderstanding. Labeled a “women’s watch” due to its 22mm variations, its 34mm men’s version has flown under the radar. A collective amnesia that now benefits the most discerning connoisseurs.
The awakening is near. Trends are shifting towards smaller, dressier watches. Interest in mechanical complications is being reborn. And Vulcain is releasing a flurry of reissues, drawing attention back to its exceptional heritage.
The question is no longer if this revaluation will happen, but when.
Context: The Cricket’s Legacy and the Forgotten Golden Voice
The history of the Golden Voice is deeply intertwined with that of the legendary Vulcain Cricket. When it debuted in 1947, it was a true revolution: the first-ever wristwatch with a genuinely functional alarm, loud enough to wake its wearer. It solved a horological puzzle that had been a dream for decades. Vulcain, a Swiss manufacture founded in 1858, had spent five years of intense R&D to achieve it. The result? A shrill chime reminiscent of a cricket’s song—hence the name “Cricket.” Its success was immediate, and the watch earned its stripes when it graced the wrists of several U.S. presidents (Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Nixon…). The Cricket became “The Watch for Presidents,” an enviable nickname that would cement Vulcain’s place in history.
However, this presidential fame had an unintended side effect: it overshadowed certain variations of the Cricket that, lacking a compelling narrative, went unnoticed by collectors. Such is the case of the Vulcain Golden Voice. Officially launched in 1964 as a women’s version (with typical 22mm ladies’ cases), the Golden Voice is based on a specific caliber created back in 1958, the Cricket 14’’’ known as the “406 Golden Voice.” The name is more than just marketing fluff: this caliber features a unique acoustic trick—a gold component as a resonator—to produce a warmer, more crystalline sound than the standard Cricket. In short, the Golden Voice literally has a “golden voice” that sets it apart.
Paradoxically, the market has long remained shortsighted about this subtlety. Most enthusiasts associate “Golden Voice” with small ladies’ models, unaware that a 34mm version exists, which is far more interesting for us vintage men’s watch aficionados. Why does this 34mm model remain under the radar? Likely due to its misleading name and vague marketing from the era. But it is precisely in this misunderstanding that the opportunity lies: the Golden Voice 34mm is a rare, innovative, solid-gold “dress” Cricket… yet it is valued far below its intrinsic worth.
Thus, this report is based on a simple conviction: the Vulcain Golden Voice 34mm (1958-65) represents an exceptional “smart-buy” in 2025. It combines a prestigious history (the Cricket’s presidential lineage), technical innovation (a double-barrel alarm movement, an 18k gold “Golden Voice”), and noble materials (a yellow or rose gold case)—all for under €1,800 today! Such an equation seems almost too good to be true. Is it just a temporal anomaly, or the undiscovered gem we’re all searching for? We’re here to show you it’s the latter.
Methodology: Market Status 2014→2025 & Sources
This analysis is based on concrete market data: auction results, classified ads, and professional listings. We have analyzed the price evolution between 2014 and 2024 for both the Golden Voice and its main rival, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox reference 855 (same era, same complication). The goal: to estimate the abnormal depreciation of the Vulcain and its potential for appreciation by the end of 2025.
The €1,800 ceiling was chosen because it’s the “max” price one would want to pay today for a gold Golden Voice in fine condition, making it ultra-competitive against the ~€7,000 or more for an equivalent gold Memovox. Furthermore, we compiled the annual volume of available listings (2018-2025) to illustrate the rarity of the 34mm Golden Voice on the market compared to the JLC.
Spoiler alert: the numbers confirm the hunch. An 18k gold JLC Memovox E855 in good condition currently trades for €6,500 to €9,000 (with peaks of €12-14k for perfect examples), while an 18k gold Vulcain Golden Voice can still be found for under €2,000. Yes, that’s a factor of 3 to 5 in favor of JLC, which is completely unjustified given the respective qualities of these watches. It’s all the more striking considering that in 2014, steel Memovox models could be found for around $2,500—to think that today, even the most basic gold Memovox exceeds $7,000…
Technical Analysis: The Crystalline Song of an Exceptional Caliber
The Golden Voice houses the same mechanical heart as the original Cricket, with a few notable refinements. Vulcain chose its manual-wind caliber 120 (17 jewels, 18,000 vph), in its 14’’’ version introduced in 1958 (also known as Cal. 406). This movement is famous for its double-barrel architecture: one for the timekeeping gear train, and the other dedicated to the alarm. This allows for an alarm duration of ~20 seconds without impacting the watch’s timekeeping, a luxury few alarm watches of the era could afford. For comparison, Vulcain later released a caliber 401 (with date) with a single barrel, whose alarm lasts only 15 seconds and slightly depletes the mainspring… Suffice it to say, purists overwhelmingly prefer our good old Cal. 120/406, dateless but 100% optimized to sing loudly.
In terms of regulation, the Caliber 406 Golden Voice benefits from Vulcain’s patented Exactomatic system. What is it? A clever design on the Incabloc shock-absorber jewels that equalizes the balance staff’s friction in all positions, improving regularity. Aficionados will note that some high-end vintage Vulcain watches had a balance with gold screws, but no source confirms this for our 1960s Golden Voice models. However, the blued screws on the caliber’s bridges are a distinctive finishing touch found on modernized versions.
But let’s get back to the main event: the alarm and its famous golden voice. Vulcain achieved a particularly clear and melodious sound thanks to a double caseback system. Inside, a hammer strikes a pin to create the sound vibration. This is amplified by an outer caseback that acts as a resonance chamber. On the Golden Voice, this external resonating back is made of 18-karat gold. Since gold is denser than steel, it produces a warmer, more sustained tone. The result is a crystalline chime, less “shrill” than some steel Crickets. Honestly, the sound of a well-adjusted Golden Voice is a delight: a miniature dzing dzing dzing that never fails to surprise. On the subjective scale of “pleasing sounds,” it even rivals some pocket watch minute repeaters!
The downside is that this gold caseback is much thinner and more malleable than steel. As a result, many Golden Voice watches have suffered: backs dented by impact or thinned by polishing. This fragile component determines the sound quality. So, a word of caution: you must absolutely prioritize a model with a healthy caseback (a sharp “VULCAIN – GOLDEN VOICE” engraving, no dents). This is vital to maintaining a chime of over 90 dB.
Finally, let’s talk looks. The 34mm case (excluding the crown) is right on trend with today’s neo-vintage style. This size, considered “standard men’s” in the 1960s, is now beloved by fans of discreet dress watches. In 18k yellow or rose gold, the Golden Voice boasts a sober style: silvered or champagne dials, applied indices, dauphine hands. The domed plexiglass crystal adds to its charm. And of course, the double “cricket” crown at 2 and 3 o’clock is the watch’s visual signature. On original examples, these crowns feature Vulcain’s “V” logo—an essential detail for verifying authenticity.
Market: The Value Proposition of a Luxury Alarm for Under €2,000
Why all the excitement about this Golden Voice? Because the price gap with the genre’s benchmark (the JLC Memovox) is simply enormous and undeserved. The Memovox, an icon born in 1950, is undoubtedly a marvel. But is it worth three to five times more than a Vulcain? Clearly not—it’s the brand’s aura that makes the difference. Jaeger-LeCoultre has successfully kept the flame alive, while Vulcain has had a tumultuous history: the quartz crisis, a period of dormancy, and a timid revival. The result: on the secondary market, JLC’s “brand premium” amounts to several thousand euros, whereas Vulcain is inexplicably undervalued.
Some concrete figures from late 2024: a Memovox E855 in 18k gold in good condition sells for between €6,000 and €9,000. On the other hand, what do we see? Solid gold Golden Voice models still selling for around €1,500! A US eBay listing recently sold a 1950s gold Vulcain alarm for $2,999, and on Chrono24, 1960s 14k gold Crickets are listed for €3,000. Better yet: in late 2023, a 34mm rose gold Golden Voice sold at auction for only ~$1,800. Suffice it to say, our target of under €1,800 is realistic. And if you’re looking to optimize, a gold-plated version can easily be found for under €800.
Why such a valuation gap? Simply because of JLC’s marketing firepower. The Memovox has been featured in full-page ads and product placements (it’s seen on Don Draper’s wrist in Mad Men). Vulcain failed, or was unable, to capitalize to the same extent—aside from its connection to US Presidents. The Memovox enjoys a near “blue-chip” status, while the Golden Voice is still perceived (wrongly) as a minor historical footnote.
This is the entire investment thesis: perception will eventually change. The Vulcain brand is active again, releasing numerous reissues, and the recent trend towards smaller, dressier watches could shine a spotlight on these undervalued models. If hype takes hold—say, from a viral TikTok or a mention in Hodinkee—Golden Voice prices could close 70% of their gap with the Memovox. In practical terms, this would mean jumping from a baseline of ~€1,500 to ~€2,500 in a matter of months.
While waiting for this correction, the current value of the Golden Voice is simply incredible: a complicated, in-house, solid-gold wristwatch from a golden era—for the price of a common 1980s steel Rolex Datejust… Frankly, I don’t say this lightly: it’s unparalleled on the vintage market.
“Smart-Buy” Selection: Five References for a Great Purchase
It’s time to switch to practical buying guide mode. We’ve identified 5 types of Golden Voice examples that are particularly interesting. All are expected to stay below the €1,800 threshold (for now, at least!).
- GV-101: The Classic Yellow Gold, Silver Dial – This is the most common and versatile iteration. It features an 18k yellow gold case with a satin or sunburst silver dial. Understated and elegant, it’s the ideal entry point. You can still find them for around €1,300-€1,600 in good condition. Low risk, decent liquidity. Moderate but steady appreciation potential.
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GV-102: The Original Rose Gold, “Linen” Dial – Rarer and more subtle. Rose gold was less common for Vulcain at the time, so hunting for a rose gold Golden Voice is a challenge. Some feature a very refined linen-textured dial. This combination will appeal to lovers of vintage nuances. Expected price: slightly higher (perhaps €1,800), but exclusivity is guaranteed.
Example of a rare Vulcain Golden Voice in rose gold. -
GV-104: The “Two-Tone” Steel/Gold-Capped – For stress-free daily wear. Some Golden Voice models have a steel case with a gold cap. This offers the aesthetic of gold at a lower price point, with the durability of steel. It’s the ultimate practical choice. Budget: ~€600-€800 is sufficient. Clearly the best value for money to experience the complication.
A “Two-Tone” version in steel and gold, ideal for daily use. - GV-105: The Black “Gilt” Dial – A potential grail. Black dials with gilt printing are highly sought after in the vintage world. On a Memovox, a black dial can increase the price by +50%. A black Golden Voice might exist. If you ever find a 34mm GV with an original glossy black dial: go for it. It’s likely a one-of-a-kind piece, or close to it.
- GV-106: The Tropical Brown – The collector’s jackpot. A black dial that has turned a “tropical” brown over the years is the kind of insane patina that makes vintage watches so desirable. Imagine a Golden Voice whose black has turned a uniform chocolate brown… it would be the most beautiful dressy Vulcain piece possible. The probability of finding one is very low. But sometimes, life is full of surprises.
Due Diligence: The Ultimate Authentication Checklist
Buying a vintage watch in 2025 is a high-stakes game. You have to be wary of frankenwatches, repainted dials, etc. The good news with Vulcain is that it’s a niche for enthusiasts, so scams are relatively rare. But still: be vigilant. Here is a simple checklist:
- Case & Hallmarks: Verify that it is solid gold (eagle head or owl hallmark for 18k). Measure the diameter: ~34mm (not 22mm). The lugs should be thick, not over-polished.
- Double Caseback: Essential. The Golden Voice always has a two-part snap-on caseback. The engravings “VULCAIN – CRICKET – GOLDEN VOICE” must be present and legible.
- Dial: It should say “Vulcain” and often “Cricket.” Beware of dials that look too new (redial). A light, even patina is better.
- Hands: The classic configuration is dauphine hour/minute hands, a thin central seconds hand, and a triangular alarm hand. If the alarm hand is missing: walk away.
- Crowns: Two crowns are mandatory. The one at 3 o’clock for the time, the one at 2 o’clock for the alarm. On original models, they feature a lovely stylized “V.”
- Movement: Ideally, ask for a photo. It should read “Vulcain Watch Co – 17 Jewels – Cricket” and ideally show “Exactomatic.”
- Alarm Function: Test it! It should ring loud and clear (often over 90 decibels) for 18 to 25 seconds. If it stops after 3 seconds, the spring is likely broken.
- Overall Condition: Don’t skimp on the quality of the caseback and the absence of moisture in the movement.
By following this checklist, you’ll avoid 99% of unpleasant surprises. Always apply the rule of “everything must be consistent”: if one detail seems off, something is wrong. Don’t let enthusiasm blind you.
Risk & Reward: Why the Game is Worth the Candle
The Risks: Unfindable Alarm Spring, Fragile Gold Caseback, Niche Market
Let’s be clear, investing in a Golden Voice is not without risks. First, maintenance: the Achilles’ heel of these watches is the alarm barrel spring. Finding a replacement is a miracle. Second, the gold caseback is delicate. An over-polished or dented back and the watch loses its charm, value, and acoustic performance. Finally, there is a liquidity risk. The vintage alarm market remains a niche for insiders.
The Rewards: A Unique Piece and Significant Potential for Appreciation
Let’s start with the intangible reward: the joy of owning such an atypical watch. Bringing out a Vulcain Golden Voice at a dinner of enthusiasts guarantees you’ll have The most original watch of the evening. Its exclusivity provides a thrilling feeling.
Next, the objective value: as we’ve said, no other complicated gold watch from the 1950s comes close to this price. You will literally be holding the same technology that woke up presidents. The Golden Voice is a story to tell.
Finally, the potential for appreciation is real. In a median scenario, we can estimate a +50% gain over 5 years. But if the “dressy alarm watch” hype takes off, we could be looking at +100% or even +200%. Sometimes, all it takes is a spotlight for a dormant value to soar.
Final Verdict: A Calculated Bet for the Astute Collector
The Vulcain Golden Voice combines understated superlatives: it’s a president’s watch, an ingenious little complication, a precious metal case, and an almost forgotten model. In 2025, it offers an extremely attractive risk/reward profile. The risk is measured (intrinsic value of gold, rarity), while the potential reward is twofold: financial and emotional.
In conclusion, this watch embodies the very type of opportunity that savvy collectors seek: unfairly undervalued today, but rooted in a rich history and endowed with undeniable horological quality. I’m willing to bet that in 2030, we’ll be saying the same thing about the Golden Voice: “What? You were able to buy that for under €2,000 in 2025? Incredible…” That’s why I encourage you, if you share this conviction, to take the plunge while these gems are still slumbering in the shadows.
Pour bien s'habiller, il faut comprendre le vêtement, mais aussi la marque et sa stratégie.