Horological Meandering

Alarm watches, to me one of the most practical complications as I use it on daily basis when wearing one of these pieces.

Actually I often use this function twice over 24hrs, once for wake-up and then I like to wind it again and set it for the afternoon without concreting too much the time…and I just let it surprise me (and eventually others) during the day. It’s like a reminder that she’s there, under your shirt. I normally let it ring at all its length, unless unappropriated circumstances.

I recently posted about the GP Traveller II alarm and a fellow Purist mentioned that it would be cool to compare with the JLC Memovox which I happen to own among other few alarm watches. That made me realize that I had never done a proper comparison exercise between the 6 of them!

I started taking a few pictures and then understood that I would contribute better to this forum by complicating a bit and making a video. This is my first one so please disregard the quality, still haven’t figured how to keep the original quality while cutting, pasting and converting…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqdM-B2O9U

To complete the exercice I would have needed a decibel reader, well that was a bit too much

This are the main differences that I noted:

-JLC Memovox: Ring length of 18 seconds approx.; high pitched tone with great resonance and volume.

-Breguet Reveil du Tzar: 19 seconds approx.; high pitched tone with good resonance and volume; very similar to the JLC, a bit lower tone.

-GP Traveller II: 10 seconds approx.; deep low tone. Does not really sound like metal strike, it’s more like a buzz (or a big fly).

-Vulcain Cricket: 20 seconds approx.; vigorous low tone without much resonance but high volume.

I have been trying to establish a winner, without success I am afraid, not an easy task as they are quite different.

If I had to I would say that JLC and the Breguet would win under the “harmony” category, and the Cricket under the “Energy” one. 

I could be biaised biased as the SS cricket is definitely the one that has gotten more wrist-time, not only of this 6 watches but of my entire collection; and still does!

Enjoy!

Alex

To complete our list, there is also an Omega to be mentionned.

Best,

Nicolas

We are many here to cherish this complication. I agree with you on the Vulcain Cricket. I was surprised by the " punch " of the alarm.

Panerai released one, too, if I remember well, it shared the same movement than in the Vulcain, or was it a JLC movement, Inside, or, chronologically, both?

Blancpain doesn't have to be forgotten, here, as it is a cousin of the Reveil du Tsar.

And of course, the Kings of the category, the Ulysse Nardin Sonata, and the Harry Winston Z6.

Yes, these Alarms are fascinating watches!

Best, and thanks for your post.

Nicolas