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 100th anniversary of this icon, with three new interpretations of the American 1921 model. A contemporary take on a legendary watch, honoring 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.
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 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.
Things to Know About the Watch
Three new versions of the American 1921 are presented to mark the 100th 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 case back, this calibre is offset from its usual axis, while its imposing barrel ensures an approximately 65-hour —3-day— power reserve. The watches are complemented by straps in patinated calf leather, crafted in Milan by Italian leather goods company Serapian. A third model is part of the Collection Excellence Platine in a 100-piece individually numbered limited edition.
With its cushion-shaped case, diagonal time display and crown positioned between 1 and 2 o’clock, the Historiques American 1921 model is one of the iconic watches in Vacheron Constantin's heritage. Produced for the American market between 1919 and 1921 as a very limited number of models, this avant-garde watch embodies the boldness and creativity characteristic of the Roaring Twenties. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this legendary design, the Maison is reinterpreting this historic watch in three variations, powered by in-house manual-winding Calibre 4400 AS.
The chic retro look of this watch for the vintage-loving dandy adorns the wrist with its generous 40 mm 18K white gold case with 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. The 40 mm model in 18K white gold is reference 82035/000G-B735.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the manual wound 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.
The watch is also being released in a 36.5 mm version also in 18K white gold with a grained silver-toned dial and a burgundy patinated Serapian leather goods strap under reference 1100S/000G-B734. Lastly, a third model in 40 mm is released as a 100-piece limited edition version in platinum with a platinum dial and silk thread stitching on a dark blue alligator strap as reference 82035/000P-B748.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 in white gold wears true to its size and with unparalleled wrist presence. A great piece to celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of the most iconic watches in the world and for sure a legendary watch at Vacheron Constantin. The limited edition platinum piece will be sold exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
Sticker Price $35,900 USD for 40 mm white gold, $29,600 USD for 36.5 mm white gold and $49,700 USD for platinum. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
