Insider: Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Platinum. Hands-on with a Watch that Offers a Very Unique Way of Reading the Time.

Now available in 950 platinum, the new Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000P-B168 is inspired by an original cushion-shaped model with its winding crown placed between 1 and 2 o’clock. The American 1921 was created by Vacheron Constantin in the 1920s for the American market, hence the name. Combining the daring style characterizing the era of its birth and the rigorous technical standards of a fine watchmaking creation, this contemporary reinterpretation of an icon from the remains loyal to the original version of this legendary and very unique looking timepiece.

The Dial & Case

Up until now, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 was only available in 18K rose gold and 18K yellow gold. For those that like an even more understated look, the new Historiques American 1921 is now available in platinum maintaining its cushion cambered-shaped and 40 mm x 40 mm case proportions.

Fitted with a silver grained dial with railway minute track and blue numerals —in a font almost identical to the 'Breguet' numeral font, this timepiece, features a very unique way of telling time in a diagonal time read-off. The dial, also features a seconds subdial with blue numerals in 10-seconds increments between what would be the 4 and 5 o'clock position in any regular watch —however, in the case of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, it is located in between the 2 and 4 o'clock position.

Rounding out the vintage and elegant look of this watch, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 in platinum, is equipped with blued 'Breguet' open-tip hands and an applied 'Maltese' cross at 12 o'clock. Fitted with a slightly domed sapphire crystal, the readability of the dial is unparalleled. 

Additionally, the winding crown on this watch, is also offset on the right top corner of the case and its ball-shaped construction includes the traditional Vacheron Constantin 'Maltese' cross.

The Movement

Turning the watch around, one can admire the beautiful Vacheron Constantin in-house manual wound movement calibre 4400 AS, powering this exceptional timepiece. This gorgeous movement with a mere thickness of 2.80 mm, is composed of 127 parts and 21 jewels to provide a power reserve of 65 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph.

On the Wrist & Pricing

On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 in platinum ref. 82035/000P-B168 wears true to its size and with unparalleled wrist presence. Equipped with a matte blue alligator leather strap with half Maltese cross-shaped pin buckle also in platinum, the watch wears extremely well with blue garments. 

While it might take some time to get adjusted to the diagonal time reading, this is a watch that for sure will be a conversation piece wherever you go. Next time you are attending Pitti Uomo in Florence, this is a watch that will bring your oufit a notch up.

Sticker Price $44,000 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.