Modern Vulcain Crickets...e.g., Cal V-11

[LittleWatchShop]

Due to my interest and ownership of four Vulcains, I was poking around on the web to see what Vulcain is selling these days.  They still sell the Cricket with various complications.  What is inside?  Well, here is a youtube video of a partial assembly.  It looks virtually identical to the original Cricket.  I cannot tell the difference other than shockproofing the balance wheel.

I wonder if the parts are back compatible.  Might be a moot point due to the Swiss cartel.

[jdm]

12 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

I wonder if the parts are back compatible.  Might be a moot point due to the Swiss cartel.

Not sure what cartel are you referring to or what would have do with Vulcain. With price list starting GBP 4,000 for a steel watch, they are well into luxury / niche segment. Assuming enough sales, they should have no problem in continuing and advancing their watches.

[LittleWatchShop]

22 minutes ago, jdm said:

Not sure what cartel are you referring to or what would have do with Vulcain.

The issue of the swiss not selling parts to independents.  The whole Cousinsuk lawsuit issue.

[nickelsilver]

I have a friend who worked there in development, I'll ask him about interchangeability and parts policy. I'm pretty sure they don't do the crazy conical cap jewels anymore !

[jdm]

 

30 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

The issue of the swiss not selling parts to independents.  The whole Cousinsuk lawsuit issue.

That's the Swatch group, not "the Swiss". There are other makers, component makers, doing differently, but these aren't as big and known as ETA, Omega, etc. Of course the Richemont brands and all the other big maisons do the same. However Vulcain and any other small indipendent can do as they please, they don't have to obey any cartel.

[LittleWatchShop]

Just now, jdm said:

That's the Swatch group, not "the Swiss".

I stand corrected.  Thanks

[maclerche]

As far as I know the parts are not backwards compatible. But there must be some parts that fit together. The new V-10 which was developed in 2002 has also later been changed from 17 to 25 jewels

[LittleWatchShop]

12 minutes ago, maclerche said:

As far as I know the parts are not backwards compatible. But there must be some parts that fit together. The new V-10 which was developed in 2002 has also later been changed from 17 to 25 jewels

They are nice looking...thinking maybe I need one. NOOOOOO--HANDS AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD!!!!