From the Pitch to the Wrist: The Vulcain Monopusher Heritage Watch

In the rarefied air of Swiss horology, the name Vulcain immediately conjures images of presidential wrists and the unique, mechanical cricket alarm—a true piece of functional artistry. But to limit the brand’s legacy to a single chime would be to ignore a sporting heritage so compelling it involves one of the biggest names in world football.

The Vulcain Monopusher Heritage Watch is not merely a stunning re-issue of a 1950s classic; it is a direct nod to a fascinating period when the Le Locle manufacture became intrinsically linked with the powerhouse that is Real Madrid. This timepiece carries a sporting pedigree that few chronograph revivals can even attempt to match.

The incredible genesis of this partnership traces back to the early 1900s and a gentleman named André Ditisheim, the grandson of one of the Manufacture’s founders. Known as “Didixien,” he was an athlete to the core, excelling in tennis and skiing, but possessing a deep passion for football.

In 1907, Didixien travelled to Madrid, not just to learn Spanish—a necessity as South America became a crucial market for Swiss watches—but to lace up his boots. Before long, his attacking skills caught the eye of Madrid FC, the club that would evolve into the legendary Real Madrid, where he left an indelible mark on the pitch.

This unique, personal connection blossomed into an official partnership. By 1934, Vulcain was officially appointed the timekeeper for Real Madrid. That year culminated in a historic triumph in the Spanish Cup, a victory that, according to coach Fernando Bru, was achieved with the aid of precise horology. Bru noted that their training sessions were held with an “incredibly precise Vulcain chronograph,” which was instrumental in their resounding victory.

The Monopusher Heritage is a tangible salute to that era, encapsulating a time when elite sports performance was calibrated by the precise hand-wound mechanics of a brand with true conviction.

To honour this illustrious history, Vulcain has revived its iconic 1950s Chronograph Heritage, updating the form factor for the modern wrist. The new Monopusher features a compact, balanced diameter of 38.90 mm with a manageable thickness of 13.00 mm, fitting neatly into the modern appetite for smaller, more vintage-sized cases.

The aesthetic is faithful to the original, featuring a matte black dial offset by thick printed Arabic numerals and detailed markings in a subtle Khaki colour, lending the watch an unmistakable military-utility appeal. True to its technical legacy, the dial includes a pulsometer scale, annotated in the original French as “Graduated for 30 pulsations”—a nod to its original purpose as a professional measuring instrument for doctors and coaches alike.

Powering this vintage aesthetic is a thoroughly modern heart: the Sellita SW510 M MP b Manual Winding monopusher chronograph. This calibre is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality mechanics, offering a robust 58-hour power reserve and beating at a steady 28,800 vibrations per hour.

The “monopusher” designation means the chronograph’s start, stop, and reset functions are all controlled by the single, tactile push-button at two o’clock—an elegant, understated solution that elevates the watch’s sophistication. Though hidden beneath a polished 316L stainless steel case-back, the movement is beautifully decorated with blued screws, Côtes de Genève motifs, and subtle gold engraving.

The vertical brushed finish of the 316L stainless steel case, protected by a double-domed sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating, secures the watch’s status as a durable, dependable tool.

Available for £2850, the Vulcain Monopusher Heritage Watch is an investment in a piece of fine watchmaking with a truly unique pedigree—a celebration of technical mastery and sporting glory forged in the cradle of Swiss watchmaking in Le Locle.

---