Historiques American 1921

A classic with a twist

Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacture in the world with continuous production for over 260 years. Positioned at the top of haute horlogerie and sober elegance, it brings to life a unique heritage and celebrates iconic models with the Historiques collection, which continue to delight collectors and connoisseurs of antique watches.

In 1921, Vacheron Constantin was inspired by the powerful momentum of the Roaring Twenties to create an avant-garde design watch produced primarily for the American market. With an elegant and classic yet peculiarly original appearance, more than just a watch it is a symbol and one of the most remarkable landmarks of the Manufacture's heritage. With a cushion-type case, the diagonal dial, the crown positioned between 1 and 2 o'clock, features visual twists that attest to an aesthetic that appeals both for its disruptive design and its timeless nature.

Discover elegance from a different angle

The origin of this watch dates back to 1919, a time when Vacheron Constantin experimented with different case formats, always in very limited series. Two years later, it produced another limited series for the United States of America, called American 1921, which defined the new design of the current Historiques model. At a time when pocket watches were beginning to give way to wristwatches, the miniaturisation of watch movements paved the way for a veritable explosion of creativity. As the vintage model from 1921 shows, a clever combination of sobriety and irreverence in a classic model with a twist.

The first versions produced were particularly appreciated by driving enthusiasts, as they could see the time at a glance without having to take their hands off the wheel. The perfect watch for drivers, it was also adopted by fashionable and avant-garde circles.

The Historiques American 1921 (Ref. 1100S/000R-B430)

This watch reinterprets the model launched in 1921, with its diagonal reading, allowing the time to be seen without turning the wrist, or with its crown boldly positioned between 1 and 2 o'clock. The cushion-shaped 18k rose gold case, 36.50 mm in diameter, with cabochon-trimmed lugs, the dial with large Breguet type numbers painted in black, the railway minute scale and the black oxidised gold hands express the beauty of this piece inspired by the roaring 1920s.

Fitted with a hand-wound movement of the manufacture, Calibre 4400 AS. With its generous diameter of 28.50 mm, magnified by the transparency of the sapphire crystal case-back, this calibre is off its usual axis, while its imposing barrel ensures a power reserve of approximately 65 hours (three days). The Geneva seal guarantees the highest standards of quality and precision.

Supplied with two interchangeable straps in alligator leather, dark brown or bright red.

A watch suitable for both a sophisticated dandy wrist and a modern urban-chic wrist.