Alarm Watches: a test

Aug 22, 2014,13:46 PM
 

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 wink

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













































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Wow - great comparison, thanks!

 
 By: doobooloo : August 22nd, 2014-14:09
I've always been curious about alarm watches but never got around to handling one myself so the video clip was really informative for me! Great to hear and see the various styles in one video! Personally - my favorite is the Breguet as it seems to sound c... 

+1 (nt)

 
 By: cmclee : August 22nd, 2014-17:41
nt

Thanks, I enjoyed doing this little exercice!

 
 By: Alex83 : August 23rd, 2014-02:24
The GP's alarm is indeed in another category; I do not think it's thought to be used as wake-up alarm but rather as a daily reminder: a call to be made, pill to be taken, program to watch, etc.. I has the lower tone of all, which could also be helpful in ... 

More Alarms

 
 By: jml_watches : August 22nd, 2014-15:43
Hi Great post - thanks for the youtube clip it was really informative. I have to say I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a weakness for Alarm watches - here's a few of mine. Poljot alarm - fab blue dial Oris Lanco - all off a single crown Classic Seiko ...  

Thanks for your input, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : August 22nd, 2014-23:10
To complete our list, there is also an Omega to be mentionned. ;) Best, Nicolas

Thanks for adding those!

 
 By: Alex83 : August 23rd, 2014-02:16
Happy to see that you enjoy alarms too! I am curious how do these sound compared to JLC/Cricket?

Really great post...

 
 By: Dave G : August 22nd, 2014-19:05
Love the post with the video clip comparing the alarms...great idea. For me the JLC and Breguet with "tone" vs. "buzz" are more pleasing. Useful complication for sure. Dave

Great post and great video! Memovox and Reveil du Tsar are my winners!

 
 By: watchthatman : August 22nd, 2014-20:05
I"ve said elsewhere that I've "invested" lots of time watching alarms, minute repeaters, etc on youtube. Hopefully this investment will pay off on the day that I select my own alarm! Thanks!

Excellent post, Alex. Great idea you had to compare these Alarms.

 
 By: amanico : August 22nd, 2014-23:09
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... 

Thanks!

 
 By: Alex83 : August 23rd, 2014-02:39
Spent some interesting time preparing ;) The Cricket is a great watch and very emotional to me; besides being solid, practical and good looking, it's size and color made of it the only automatic piece that I would take to Africa; and it has been a great c... 

Oh! Nice "little" detail!

 
 By: Alex83 : August 23rd, 2014-03:05
Shame on me I didn't know that after all these years ;) Thanks.

Never read this before...

 
 By: social : August 25th, 2014-01:03
...thanks so much for this interesting test! If possible, hope you'd get one alarm watch from glashuette original for testing as well.

Thank you very much for the comparison!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : August 25th, 2014-03:02
It is very difficult to capture the sound in a good way. I always think the alarm sounds better in real. Impressive Alarm collection you have, Alex! :) As you might know I love alarm watches but I mostly have JLC + some vintage from other brands. Interest...