Examining The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Watch

As you may know, the Historiques collection is home to modern interpretations of iconic Vacheron Constantin vintage models. Introduced in 2008 and presented at Baselworld the following year, the Historiques American 1921 watch takes design cues from early-20th-century cushion-shaped timepieces from the brand’s archives. Keep reading as we examine all the details about the quirky yet elegant Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 watch.
 

The Original Timepieces - A Brief History

In 1919, a time of great experimentation at Vacheron Constantin, the Maison designed the reference 11032 wristwatch, which sported a cushion-shaped case. Remember, pocket watches were still prevalent for men during this era but then-novel men’s wristwatches were becoming increasingly popular. Aside from the novelty of being worn on the wrist, the reference 11032 wristwatch offered a few other quirks. For instance, the crown was positioned at the top right corner of the case and the dial was rotated slightly to the right whereby the 12 o’clock marker sat under the crown. Therefore, the dial is slanted in position, with the small seconds subdial placed at where we would traditionally think of as 8 o’clock but wedged in between 5 and 7 o’clock on the askew dial. 

Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin | Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 reference 11032, ca. 1919
 

Two years later, a similar but updated piece, the reference 11677, was made specifically for the U.S. market  (hence the name American 1921). While this piece also featured a rotated dial and unique crown position, the crown was placed at the top left of the case and the dial was rotated to the left. This dial layout served a very specific purpose – to allow drivers to easily read the time while their hands were on the steering wheel. It was perfect timing since the adoption of automobiles in America, and therefore drivers on the road, exploded in the 1920s.

It’s been reported that only 12 pieces of each of these references were made. 

The modern Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 clearly borrows design details from both these century-old timepieces but with plenty of updates to cater to a modern audience. 

Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359

Since the debut of the Historiques American 1921 in 2008, Vacheron Constantin has expanded the collection with several editions ranging in sizes, materials, and strap colors. However, the Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359 was the first of the line. 

The watch features a pink gold cushion-shaped case that measures 40mm in diameter and a slender 8.06mm thick. The crown is placed at the top right corner and the diagonal dial layout has the 12 o’clock rotated to the right – just like the reference 11032. 

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359 - The Case 

However, the gracefully painted black Breguet-style numerals and the position of the running seconds sub-dial are similar to that of the later reference 11677. However, note that the running seconds indicator is read upright and not askew. Around the periphery of the finely-grained silver-toned dial is a bold rail-road minute track and at the center are a pair of Breguet-style hands with hollow moon tips. 

The dial is shielded by a convex sapphire crystal, emphasizing the curviness of the case. Meanwhile, the vintage-style short and straight lugs, punctuated with carriage bolts, add some rigor and a touch of flourish to the overall style of the timepiece. Attached to the lugs is a brown alligator strap, furnished with a pink gold tang buckle decorated with the famed Maltese cross emblem of the brand. 

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359 - The Maltese Cross Buckle

The time-only watch is powered by the manual-winding Caliber 4400 AS, comprising 127 components and 21 jewels. In true Vacheron fashion, the movement, which is visible from the exhibition caseback, is beautifully decorated, complete with the Hallmark of Geneva. Caliber 4400 operates at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour and supplies the Historiques American 1921 with three days of power reserve. 

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359 - The Movement

Elegant and refined but also creative and unconventional, the Historiques American 1921 is one of Vacheron Constantin’s most unique designs in its current catalog. It offers a window into the company’s centuries-old archives but with the benefit of modern materials, proportions, and horological mechanics. 

Twain Time is proud to offer an excellent example of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359 for sale. For more information, please see the listing here.