Vintage Vulcain Grand Prix watch Manual 1950s gold plate

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Vulcain Grand prix
Movement: ETA 2390
Age: Circa 1950s
Case Size: 34mm
Case Thickness: 8mm
Lug to Lug: 41mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: Used Vulcain watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Gold plated
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS OF MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with some wear from use
• Case and bezel have some light scratches
  
• Gold plated case
• Dial has some age related patina
• Fully serviced manual movement
• Case back has some marks to the edge
  
• Non shock protected movement
• Paired with an unworn brown leather strap

THE WATCH

The Grand Prix range from Vulcain was primarily produced during the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1930s through the 1960s. Rather than being a single, technically distinct model line, “Grand Prix” functioned as a prestige designation used on a variety of Vulcain dress watches. During this era, many Swiss brands used the term “Grand Prix” to reference awards won at international exhibitions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Printing the phrase on the dial signaled quality, craftsmanship, and recognized excellence, serving as a marketing mark of distinction rather than indicating any connection to motor racing.

Grand Prix watches were typically classic manual-wind dress pieces. Most examples measure between 33 and 35 mm, reflecting the refined proportions of the period. Cases were produced in stainless steel, gold-plated, and solid gold versions. These watches were intended as sophisticated everyday timepieces, positioned below Vulcain’s more technically specialized offerings but still representative of solid Swiss watchmaking standards.

The movements used in the Grand Prix range varied depending on production year and market. Earlier examples often housed in-house Vulcain manual calibres, while later pieces sometimes used reliable Swiss ébauches from suppliers such as ETA like in this model, which has the ETA 2390 which was introduced in the 1950s, runs at 18,000 bph has a 17 jewel and 42 hour power reserve approx. There was no single dedicated “Grand Prix” movement; instead, the name appeared across a range of well-finished mechanical dress watches. 

In recent years, Vulcain has revived the Grand Prix name for a modern line of dress watches, though these contemporary models are reinterpretations rather than direct reproductions of specific mid-century references. Today, vintage Grand Prix watches are appreciated by collectors as elegant and relatively accessible examples of mid-century Swiss design, particularly when found in original condition with well-preserved dials and serviced movements.

OUR THOUGHTS