What We Know
One of Vacheron Constantin’s most iconic timepieces is also probably their longest-lived: the Historiques American 1921. Originally made in 1919 as a watch cased on an offset 45 degree angle, with crown in the corner of the cushion-shaped case, and adopted by everyone from drivers to American writer and clergyman Samuel Parkes-Cadman (a story rarely told with this watch), the watch now known as the American 1921 relaunched in 2008 in 40mm, then in 36.5mm in 2017, and finally revised yet again in 2021 for the centennial of its namesake year. Through that time, it’s gone through a number of case and dial variations, but the new blue numerals, blued hands, and grained silver dial contrasts against a pink gold case in two sizes, refreshing the lineup.
Still available in 40mm (by 8.06mm) and 36.5mm (by 7.41mm) cases that feel like conversion-style pocket watches, the watches have a new vibe because of their ornamentation, but should be very comfortable to anyone who’s tried one of the watches before but has been looking for just the right variant. They also now complement the white gold versions that are the only other option in the catalog at the moment. Inside the case is the Caliber 4400 AS, a 2.8mm-slim manual-winding movement with a 65-hour power reserve while running at 4Hz.
While not painted (they appear to be pad-printed and raised), the blue numerals look nice and raised, matching the hands while offering a bit of softness compared to the black numerals on the white gold versions. The watches are delivered on a patina’d dark blue calf leather strap with an 18k rose gold pin buckle. While you probably wouldn’t be inclined to go swimming with this watch, it still has 30m of water resistance. The prices are $45,000 (40mm) and $37,200 (36.5mm). Neither is limited.
What We Think
The American 1921 is a watch that always appeals to the more eclectic crowd, so part of the question will always be what kind of eclectic you are and whether the brand’s current selection appeals to you. This one is very elegant, very soft, and very classic, which is exactly what I’d look for in a model if I were shopping for myself. It reminds me a bit of the 2016 platinum edition, but a little more cohesive between the case and the single dial-printing color.
The Basics
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Historiques American 1921
Reference Number: 82035/000R–H114 (40 mm size); 1100S/000R–H115 (36.5 mm size)
Diameter: 40mm; 36.5mm
Thickness: 8.06mm; 7.41mm
Case Material: 18k 5N pink gold
Dial Color: Grained, silver-toned with snailed small seconds
Indexes: Blue Arabic numerals and minutes track; Applied Maltese cross in polished 18K 5N pink gold
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap/Bracelet: Patina dark blue calf leather, Calf lining, 18K gold pin buckle
The Movement
Caliber: Caliber 4400 AS
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Diameter: 28.6mm
Thickness: 2.8mm
Power Reserve: 65 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 21
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Geneva Hallmark
Pricing & Availability
Price: $45,000 (40mm) and $37,200 (36.5mm)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
For more, click here.
