W&W 2021 | Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 White Gold and Excellence Platine Editions

In 1921, Vacheron Constantin seized the powerful momentum of the Roaring Twenties to create a watch with an avant-garde design produced primarily for the American market. In 2021, the Maison is celebrating the anniversary of this icon, particularly appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs of Haute Horlogerie, with three new interpretations of the American 1921 model.

Historiques American 1921 in 18k white gold – 36.5 mm

A contemporary take on a legendary watch, honouring the visionary boldness of the Manufacture. These novelties presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, as well as the historical models epitomize the Maison’s ‘classic with a twist’ theme for 2021. They embody Vacheron Constantin’s creative energy, guided by an identity that celebrates heritage and dares to deliver the unexpected.

Historiques American 1921 in 18k white gold – 40 mm

It is distinguished by its elegant and classic yet quirkily original appearance. More than just a watch, it is a symbol, an emblematic expression of Vacheron Constantin's creativity. Introduced exactly a century ago, the American 1921 model is one of the most outstanding landmarks in the heritage of the Manufacture, which celebrates its avant-garde spirit through three new variations dedicated to vintage watch collectors and connoisseurs. A cushion-type case, the diagonal display, the crown positioned between 1 and 2 o’clock are all visual twists testifying to an aesthetic that appeals as much by its offset design as its timeless nature.

Historiques American 1921 in 18k white gold – 36.5 mm and 40 mm

Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine - 40 mm

Three new versions of the American 1921 are presented to mark the 100^th anniversary: two models in 18k white gold and a 100-piece limited edition from the Collection Excellence Platine, powered by the in-house manual-winding movement, Calibre 4400 AS. With its generous 28.50 mm diameter magnified by the transparency of the sapphire caseback, this calibre is offset from its usual axis, while its imposing barrel ensures an approximately 65-hour (three-day) power reserve.

In-House Calibre 4400 AS

A Roaring Twenties icon

The origin of the watch can be even traced back to 1919. At the time, the Maison experimented with numerous case shapes, always in small series. The wristwatch became then a genre in its own, which found its style notably in the shapes it adopted, especially the cushion one. Few pieces were manufactured in 1919. Two years later, Vacheron Constantin produced another small series for the USA, hence named American 1921, which defined the re-design of the current Historiques model.

Vacheron Constantin Heritage Ref. 11032F circa 1919

Behind the unusual design of the 1920s creation lies the quintessence of the Roaring Twenties, which for nearly a decade brought a wind of renewal to the United States and Europe. Synonymous with artistic and cultural effervescence, the period was a time for boldness and overturning conventions. Economic growth was in full swing; a scantily clad Josephine Baker danced wearing a barely-there banana skirt; clubs and dance halls throbbed to the sound of Charleston dance music and jazz; the surrealists took centre stage on the art scene...

Vacheron Constantin Heritage Ref. 11667F circa 1921

In Vacheron Constantin's workshops, the powerful inventive surge of these years also gave rise to new perspectives. At a time when pocket watches were beginning to give way to wristwatches, the miniaturisation of watch movements paved the way for a burst of creativity. All kinds of fanciful touches were permissible on the wrist, as witnessed by the vintage 1921 model, a clever blend of sobriety and irreverence in a classic with a twist.

The American 1921 model stands out first and foremost in terms of design, with an elegantly understated cushion-shaped case defining its look. It is also distinguished by a stage-setting approach to the path of time. Unexpectedly offset by means of a 45-degree counter-clockwise rotation, the calibre enables a diagonal reading of time, while the crown is placed between 1 and 2 o’clock in the upper right-hand corner of the case. The result is a watch that is as strikingly original as it is appealing.

Historiques American 1921 in 18k white gold – 40 mm

The initial versions produced were notably appreciated by driving enthusiasts who could thus read the time at a glance without having to take their hands from the steering wheel. The perfect gentleman driver's watch, it was also adopted by elegant and avant-garde circles. A look through the archives reveals that two such watches belonged to American writer and clergyman Samuel Parkes-Cadman.

Samuel Parkes-Cadman

Renowned for his fight for racial equality and the struggle against anti-Semitism, the man was a pioneer at heart. He is notably known to have been one of the first to use radio to broadcast his sermons to several million listeners; and is thought to have opted for this watch because it allowed him to read the time easily and discreetly while preaching. One of the two timepieces he owned is now part of Vacheron Constantin's heritage collection. This extremely rare model served as direct inspiration for the three new timepieces presented in 2021.

Historiques American 1921 – white gold 40 mm

With its 18k white gold case, offset dial and crown boldly positioned between 1 and 2 o’clock, this American 1921 model reprises the aesthetic codes first outlined 100 years ago in the Vacheron Constantin workshops. The chic retro look of this watch for the vintage-loving dandy adorns the wrist with its generous 40 mm proportions framing a finely grained silver-toned dial.

This extremely pared-down face bears Arabic numerals and a black-painted minutes track, along with slender 18k gold Breguet-type hands and a baton-type hand on the seconds counter – all three in black. This distinctive appearance is complemented by a brown calf leather strap crafted in the Milan-based workshops of Serapian, the Italian leather goods company founded in 1928.

Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the manual-winding Vacheron Constantin Calibre 4400 AS is offset from its usual axis. This reliable and accurate in-house movement, developed in 2008, drives the display of hours, minutes and small seconds while ensuring a comfortable 65-hour power reserve. It is graced with hand-crafted finishes reflecting the noblest Haute Horlogerie traditions.

Historiques American 1921 – white gold 36.5 mm

With its 36.5mm case, the American 1921 fits even the slimmest of wrists. Sculpted in 18k white gold, its slender silhouette frames a grained silver-toned dial with black-painted Arabic numerals and a snailed small seconds counter with slender black 18k gold open-tipped hours and minutes hands. Adding a retro touch in tune with the original design, the circumference of the dial is accentuated by a minutes track. Beating off the hours, minutes and small seconds, the manual-winding Vacheron Constantin Calibre 4400 AS is also offset from its traditional axis and extended by a crown positioned at 1:30 am.

In addition to a comfortable 65-hour autonomy, this in-house movement features hand-crafted decorations visible through the transparent caseback and typical of Haute Horlogerie timepieces such as this new American 1921 watch. The finishing touch is set by two dark brown or burgundy straps in patinated calf leather, crafted by Italian leather goods manufacturer Serapian.

Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine

Entirely sculpted in 950 platinum, the American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine comes in a 100-piece individually numbered limited edition available exclusively in Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

The well-proportioned 40 mm case in 950 platinum frames a 950 platinum dial with a sandblasted finish, punctuated by applied 18k white gold hour-markers and a minutes track reminiscent of traditional watch designs. Sandblasting the dial is a particularly sophisticated operation on an inalterable material such as platinum. The crown and buckle also feature the unique brilliance of this rare metal, while the platinum and silk thread stitching on the dark blue alligator strap constitutes a final refined detail.

Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine - 40 mm. Ltd. to 100 pieces

Behind the scenes, watchmaking sophistication is the order of the day with a manual-winding Vacheron Constantin Calibre 4400 AS which, in addition to driving displays of the hours, minutes and small seconds, offers a comfortable 65-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire caseback, this movement reveals delicately hand-finished details representing the unmistakable signature of an Haute Horlogerie watch.

Vacheron Constantin’s creativity has always remained closely attuned to its time while evoking its memories. This byword for elegance, adopted by each watchmaker, artisan and designer throughout the years and centuries, celebrates heritage and dares to explore the unexpected. Poised at the intersection between technical virtuosity and aesthetic refinement, the enduring allure of Vacheron Constantin timepieces makes its way unscathed through passing eras. Because timelessness cannot be achieved merely by complying with the canons of traditional watchmaking, each creation is tinged with a touch of boldness revealed in the smallest details. Special displays, offset indications, specific chamfering of all components, hand-crafted finishing and the complexity of a mechanism are just a few examples of this expertise. The result is a very personal field of expression where technique and style converge in a subtle harmony between the conventional and the atypical.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 – 40 mm

Reference 82035/000G-B735

Case

• Material: 18k white gold
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Thickness: 8.06 mm
• Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Water-resistant to 30 meters (3 bar) 

Dial and hands

• Grained silver-toned dial
• Snailed small seconds counter
• Black painted Arabic numerals and minutes track
• 18k gold blackened hours, minutes and seconds hands
• Applied Maltese cross in polished 18k white gold

Movement

• Calibre 4400 AS
• Developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, manual-winding
• Diameter: 28.6 mm (12 ½ ‘’’)
• Thickness: 2.8 mm
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Number of parts: 127 components
• Number of jewels: 21
• Power reserve of 65 hours
• Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes
• Small seconds

Strap and buckle

• Dark brown calf leather with Serapian patina, calf leather inner shell, tone on tone stitching
• 18k white gold buckle
• Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

MSRP: EUR 36'100

---

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 – 36.5 mm

Reference 1100S/000G-B734

Case

• Material: 18k white gold
• Diameter: 36.5 mm
• Thickness: 7.41 mm
• Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Water-resistant to 30 meters (3 bar)

Dial and hands

• Finely grained silver-toned dial
• Snailed small seconds counter
• Black painted Arabic numerals and minutes track
• 18k gold blackened hours, minutes and seconds hands
• Applied Maltese cross in polished 18k white gold

Movement

• Calibre 4400 AS
• Developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, manual-winding
• Diameter: 28.6 mm (12 ½ ‘’’)
• Thickness: 2.8 mm
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Number of parts: 127 components
• Number of jewels: 21
• Power reserve of 65 hours
• Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes
• Small seconds

Strap and buckle

• Dark brown calf leather with Serapian patina, calf leather inner shell, tone on tone stitching
• Delivered with a second burgundy calf leather strap
• 18k white gold buckle
• Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

MSRP: EUR 29'800

---

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 – Collection Excellence Platine

Reference 82035/000P-B748

Limited edition of 100 individually numbered pieces. Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

Case

• Material: 950 platinum
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Thickness: 8.06 mm
• Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Water-resistant to 30 meters (3 bar)

Dial and hands

• 950 platinum, sand-blasted
• “Pt950” hallmark at 3 o’clock
• Sandblasted small seconds counter
• 18k white gold Arabic numerals, minutes track, hours and minutes hands
• Blued steel small seconds hand
• Applied Maltese cross in polished 18k white gold

Movement

• Calibre 4400 AS
• Developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, manual-winding
• Diameter: 28.6 mm (12 ½ ‘’’)
• Thickness: 2.8 mm
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Number of parts: 127 components
• Number of jewels: 21
• Power reserve of 65 hours
• Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes
• Small seconds

Strap and buckle

• Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched with platinum 950 and silk, saddle-finish, large square scales
• 950 platinum buckle
• Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

MSRP: EUR 50'000

For more information, please visit vacheron-constantin.com