Vacheron Constantin - Historiques American 1921 36.5 mm

Vacheron Constantin created the Historiques collection twenty years ago to highlight the wealth of its technical and aesthetic heritage through contemporary reinterpretations.

Among the creations in this range is a model designed in the 1920s for the American market and accordingly named the American 1921. This avant-garde cushion-shaped watch stands out with its diagonal display and its off-centred ball-shaped crown.

This model is now offered for the first time in a smaller 36.5 mm pink gold case in addition to the 40 mm-diameter version.

Reading the time while keeping one’s hands on the steering wheel, or during a speech without having to twist the wrist. Such was the extremely practical historical vocation of this watch with its diagonal read-off, created by Vacheron Constantin in the 1920s for an American client with a passion for cars.

Its unique display was achieved by a 45-degree counter-clockwise rotation of the movement, with the result of positioning the crown between 1 and 2 o’clock, and the small seconds display between 4 and 5 o’clock.

Protected by a lightly domed sapphire crystal, the finely grained silver-toned dial features black painted Arabic numerals and minute track, slender open-tipped hands in black oxidised 18K gold, and a baton-shaped hand on the seconds counter.

This model houses the Vacheron Constantin 4400 AS manual-winding calibre, driving hours, minutes and small seconds indications while ensuring a comfortable 65-hour power reserve. The transparent caseback reveals the hand-crafted finishing of the movement.

The hand-stitched dark brown alligator leather strap with large square scales is fitted with a pin buckle shaped like a half Maltese cross, the historical emblem of the Maison. The watch comes with a second red alligator shiny leather strap to match a feminine style.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 small model (ref. 1100S/000R-B430) has a retail price of Euro 30,300 / US$ 31,000. vacheron-constantin.com