Vacheron Constantin has gently updated one of its most distinctive time-only watches, the Historiques American 1921. Now kitted out with a silver grained dial, the 1921 retains its characteristic dial layout, along with blue Breguet numerals and hands.

Like its predecessor, the new 1921 is also available in two sizes, 36.5 mm and 40 mm, but only in pink gold for now.

Initial thoughts

Ordinarily, cosmetic variations would not be that interesting, but the 1921 has not been iterated upon too often, despite being almost 20 years old. In fact, the 1921 is a fixture in the VC catalogue, yet has varied little given its tenure. As a result, the facelifted model is appealing and also arrives in a timely manner.

Though the changes are subtle, namely to the dial texture plus hand and numeral colour, they give the dial a little more life. The updates also make the watch feel a little more modern, but the result still sits comfortably with the historical design.

A driver’s watch

Sometimes known as a “driver’s watch” for its off-the-vertical dial layout, the 1921 was modelled a small number of watches made by VC in 1919 and subsequent years. The unusual dial alignment was reputedly to improve legibility while driving, or while preaching at the pulpit for one of the owners of the 1920s originals was an American clergyman.

The latest version retains the same design and layout as past iterations, with the dial 45 degrees off the vertical and the crown at two o’clock.

Instead of a matte satin dial with black markings as before, the new 1921 has a finely grained silver dial, matched with blue markings. Completing the look are blue hands, which are actually blue-treated 18k gold rather than blued steel. The applied Maltese cross logo at 12 o’clock is also solid gold, but left in its natural colour to match the case.

The cushion-shaped case is 18k pink gold, and offered in 40 mm as the ref. 82035/000R–H114 or 36.5 mm as the ref. 1100S/000R–H115.

Both share the same movement, the cal. 4400 AS, a large-diameter hand-wind movement that is simple but finely constructed and finished. And like most mechanical VC movements, the cal. 4400 AS bears the Poinçon de Genevè hallmark of decorative and functional quality.

Key Facts and Price

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 
Ref. 82035/000R–H114 (40 mm)
Ref. 1100S/000R–H115 (36.5 mm)

Diameter: 40 mm/36.5 mm
Height: 8.06 mm/7.41 mm
Material: 18k pink gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 4400 AS
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Hand wind
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 hz)
Power reserve: 65 hours

Strap: Calfskin with pin buckle

Limited edition: No 
Availability: At boutiques and retailers
Price: 

For more, visit vacheronconstantin.com.