Vacheron Constantin is the official timekeeper of the Monticello Motor Club in Sullivan County, New York and as part of their partnership, Vacheron released a very special 15-piece limited edition of the iconic Historiques American 1921 to commemorate the occasion back in 2016. For those of you not familiar with the Monticello Motor Club, this is North America’s Premier Automotive Country Club and Private Race Track located only 90 minutes from New York City and which features 4.1 miles of smooth race-grade asphalt. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Monticello Motor Club is one of those rare birds that one dreams of running into one day, to our luck, we were able to see this one at the Vacheron Constantin Boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City. Hopefully it'll still be there after you read this article.
About the Watch
Inspired by an original cushion-shaped model with a winding crown placed between 1 and 2 o’clock, the American 1921 was created by Vacheron Constantin in the 1920s for the American market —hence the name. However, the new iteration of the American 1921 wasn't released until 2008 and is now available in 18K rose gold, 18K yellow gold and also in platinum. The case measures 40 mm x 40 mm and is exquisitely finished with a mirror polished finish throughout.
Just like its siblings, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Monticello Motor Club is cased in a precious metal case, this time in 18K rose gold and fitted with a gorgeous grained slate grey colored dial with cream colored Breguet numerals and with red and black accents on its seconds subdial, making it slightly sportier than the other American 1921 references.
With a grey alligator strap with red contrast stitching that makes the watch look very sporty, the strap is fastened by the usual half Maltese cross-shaped pin buckle. With a perfect match between dial and strap, the American 1921 Monticello Motor Club is simply a stunner in the metal and our second favorite American 1921 out there —by the way, the New York City Boutique edition is our all-time favorite one.
Turning the watch around, reveals the beating heart powering this exceptional timepiece. Fully visible via the display case back is the beautiful Vacheron Constantin in-house manual wound movement calibre 4400 AS. This gorgeous movement finished with Côtes de Genève is only 2.80 mm thick and is composed of 127 parts and 21 jewels to provide a power reserve of 65 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Monticello Motor Club limited edition wears true to its size and with unparalleled wrist presence. Considering the small number of pieces in this limited edition, this is a watch that if you like, you need to pull the trigger on it very fast. As a reference, last Friday May 12th, it was still available at the Vacheron Constantin Madison Avenue boutique.
Sticker Price $34,000 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
