Today, Vulcain celebrates another major milestone in its resurgence with the highly anticipated reissue of the Grand Prix, a watch that embodies a unique piece of history and prestige. Once again, Guillaume Laidet infuses the brand’s design with a modern sensibility while honoring its rich heritage.
More than a watch, the Grand Prix is an appreciative nod to timeless elegance. It was originally introduced in the 1960s to commemorate Vulcain’s winning the top watchmaking award at the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. The Grand Prix returns with a diameter of 39mm and a disarming price point of 1,400 CHF.
Building on a watchmaking heritage spanning over 165 years, Vulcain is in full swing, reaffirming its mark on luxury watchmaking with every new reissue. Since 2022, under the stewardship of Guillaume Laidet, Vulcain’s CRO (Chief Revival Officer), the revered brand has been gaining momentum by reinterpreting iconic timepieces of its storied history, setting the tone for each season with the strategic launch of emblematic collections:
- Vulcain Cricket: Autumn 2022
- Vulcain Skindiver: January 2023
- Vulcain Chronograph 1970: March 2023
- Vulcain Nautical: Autumn 2023
- Vulcain Monopusher: November 2023
Always a perfect fit
Drink Scottish, smoke Cuban, drive German, kiss French and, wear Vulcain. Sober and elegant, the Vulcain Grand Prix on your wrist signals Kennedy more than Kardashian. This watch whispers when others shout; it expresses discreet luxury. Sophistication. Good taste. Its comfortable elegance ensures it is a subtle yet distinguished presence on the wrist – a personal statement of taste that is nobody else’s business. Transcending trends, it spells style and chic simplicity.
‘Old money’ vibe
The Vulcain Grand Prix 39mm embodies elegance in its purest form. Slim and uncluttered, it tells time in the same manner, with precision both in terms of looks and functionality. Equipped with a Swiss Landeron automatic movement, the time-only watch features a domed crystal over a domed dial in true vintage style – details that place the Grand Prix squarely in the sights of those who appreciate refined watches. Its classic design and versatility make it the perfect complement to carefully curated outfits: double-breasted blazer, loafers, rakish scarf, Vulcain Grand Prix. The detail that makes the outfit perfect, anytime, anywhere.
With its brushed/polished steel case, the Grand Prix offers a balanced, sophisticated aesthetic. Its domed dial – in Champagne, Light Grey or Black with a semi-glossy sunray finish – is enhanced by polished hour markers, adding a touch of timeless refinement that catches the eye. With a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 12.70mm, the watch is perfectly balanced. A vintage touch: the Grand Prix is equipped with a double-dome sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal legibility. It is water-resistant to 5 ATM or 50 meters, underscoring its versatility, not just in formal settings. The choice of brown or black leather strap with topstitching adds a touch of subtle style. The watch is powered by a Landeron L24 Swiss automatic movement for exceptional precision with a 40-hour power reserve.
Availability
On Vulcain’s website and at selected retailers: https://vulcain.ch/pages/point-of-sales
Vulcain Grand Prix Technical Specifications
Versions (dial)
- Champagne
- Light Grey
- Black
- Retail price: 1290€ /1120£/ 1310$ /1190 CHF (excluding VAT, exchange rates at time of writing)
Movement
- Polished 316L steel; diameter 39mm; thickness 12.70 mm
- Dial: Domed, sunburst, semi-glossy dial in Champagne, Light Grey or Black
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Water-resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
Case & Dial
- Landeron L24 Automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour
- Power reserve: 40 hours
Strap
- Brown or black leather,
- Pin buckle
About Vulcain
Since its foundation in 1858, Vulcain has been a family-run company excelling in the development and production of complicated timepieces. It is the story of two talented watchmakers, the Ditisheim brothers, and a brand that takes its name from the Roman god Vulcan, the god of fire, volcanoes and the forge. In 1858, the Manufacture, located in the Neuchâtel mountains, the cradle of Swiss precision, quickly made a name for itself with minute repeaters, large and small chiming watches and perpetual calendars; horological masterpieces that won awards at numerous international exhibitions.
Vulcan, or Hephaestus as known to the Greeks, is a god from Roman mythology, specifically the deity of fire, volcanoes, and the master of blacksmiths. There’s no quelling the fiery spirit that fuels the rebirth of this age-old brand. On the contrary, it is upon the glowing embers of a rich past that tomorrow is being forged.