« The alarm function puts a wake-up call on your wrist »
As simple as the idea is, the execution is demanding: more than 100 years ago, watchmakers created the wrist alarm, one of the most useful yet rarest complications in horology. The scarcity of these audible timepieces comes down to a simple problem of space - anything that wants to sound good needs room to resonate. Today, a select range of mechanical and electronic solutions stands out with a powerful sound and sets itself apart from the crowd in terms of function.
From the Spotlight to the Sidelines
The history of the alarm wristwatch dates back to 1914, when Eterna, the Swiss forerunner of ETA, introduced the Caliber 68, a revolutionary development at the time. Yet it did not prove to be a real breakthrough for the manufacturer: although technically advanced successors such as the Zenith Alarm appeared in 1920, demand remained low.
And that despite the fact that the early models already achieved respectable ringing times of more than 30 seconds.
The time simply wasn't ripe yet for so much horological pioneering spirit. It wasn't until 1947 that Vulcain would achieve the breakthrough with its legendary "President's Watch": the Cricket could count no fewer than four U.S. presidents as ambassadors - Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon.
The boom had begun. From the 1950s onward, small manufacturers such as Pierce and Venus, as well as major players like Junghans and Jaeger-LeCoultre with its popular Memovox, entered the business of portable alarms. By the time the Seiko Bell-Matic Ref. 4006-7000 arrived in 1966 at the latest, the complication had become a global hit, fueled by the affordable prices of the Japanese collection. Today, the heyday of the ringing wristwatch is over. Still, fans of the audible timepiece can breathe a sigh of relief: if you look around in 2020, you'll find exciting wrist alarms in every price range.
For Enthusiasts: The Mechanical Wrist Alarm
One of the best all-rounders in the entire industry comes from Oris, the traditional brand from Hölstein: the 42.5-millimeter Oris Artelier Alarm not only looks harmonious with its symmetrical dial, but also offers enough room for a powerful alarm sound.
Distinctive features such as the two large crowns, the understated central alarm hand, and the brand's signature red rotor beneath the exhibition caseback give it a character all its own. Perhaps the greatest advantage of the Oris Artelier Alarm, however, is its value for money: while the manufacturer's price of €6,180 is no bargain in itself, you'll search in vain for another mechanical alarm watch in this class with similarly high quality standards.
The Hublot Big Bang Alarm Repeater plays in a higher league: limited worldwide to 250 pieces each in gold and titanium, its entry price of around €40,000 is more than six times that of the Oris Artelier Alarm. Is the bold adventure from Nyon worth the premium? The powerful luxury watch certainly doesn't lack impressive specs: its hand-wound movement provides a power reserve of 72 hours, with the timekeeping and alarm functions each powered by a separate barrel.
When the alarm barrel is fully wound, the visible steel hammer at seven o'clock strikes for a full 16 seconds. The Hublot Big Bang Alarm Repeater also impresses with practical features, including a separate dial for the alarm and a clear on/off indicator to prevent unexpected ringing.
Efficient and Precise: Quartz Models Make Their Case
For all the love of classic mechanics, it must be said that integrating an alarm into such a caliber always involves considerable effort and substantial cost. The biggest challenge is the limited volume of a wristwatch:
Unlike in stationary clocks, sound has a much harder time spreading there, and the alarm risks being far too quiet. Special resonators, double casebacks, and a carefully chosen selection of materials are the most common solutions for ensuring that a mechanical alarm can be heard. But does it have to be so complicated and costly? Modern quartz watches prove that the fascination of the horological alarm can be had for far less.
The best example is the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Alarm. Priced at €1,250 according to the manufacturer, this sporty timepiece offers not only its namesake alarm function but also a panoramic date at six o'clock. The alarm is operated via a discreet pusher at four o'clock.
Strong arguments for the Swiss all-rounder include its water resistance to 200 meters, the comfortable fit of its 41-millimeter case, and convincing quality for its class. If you'd like to expand the versatile concept of the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Alarm with a whole range of useful additional functions, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected is the right choice.
The Ultimate Alarm Wristwatch?
Admittedly, at around €8,000, the technical marvel from Grenchen is worlds more expensive than the Formula 1 and - unsurprisingly - plays in an entirely different league. But if you're willing to part with the necessary cash, you'll be rewarded with a rich array of features:
Alongside an alarm, timer, and perpetual calendar with day-of-the-week display, the SuperQuartz caliber also offers a flyback chronograph, a battery level indicator, and Bluetooth connectivity with your smartphone.
The Exospace Connected packs all of this into an ultralight titanium case that keeps the 46-millimeter powerhouse at a mere 120 grams.
Does that make the Breitling the ultimate wrist alarm? Well, taste is famously a matter of opinion. But the technical precision and broad functionality of this luxury watch speak for themselves: if you want to get the most out of your portable alarm, you'll have to turn to the innovative line bearing the winged B.
