On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the American 1921 watch, the "Classic with a twist" exhibition celebrates the creative freedom of Vacheron Constantin at the dawn of the 20th century. From the 1910s to the 1930s, Vacheron Constantin was particularly renowned for its extraordinary artistic effervescence. The wide range of different-shaped ‘form’ cases and special displays on show in this exhibition reflects an exciting chapter in the history of Vacheron Constantin.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 100th Anniversary Edition
In 1921, Vacheron Constantin created a watch with an avant-garde design produced primarily for the American market. This year, commemorating the 100th anniversary of this icon, three new interpretations of the American 1921 model were released a few months ago. Now, in reality, the origin of the Vacheron Constantin American 1921 can be even traced back to 1919 when few pieces were manufactured. Two years later, Vacheron Constantin produced another small series for the United States of America hence named American 1921, which defined the re-design of the current Historiques model.
From the Archives: Rare Bird Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Monticello Motor Club
Vacheron Constantin was 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.
Things to Know 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.
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 & Price
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 if you find one.
Last Known Sticker Price $34,000 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
News: Vacheron Constantin North American Flagship Opens in New York City's 57th Street
Vacheron Constantin is delighted to announce the opening of its North American Flagship in the heart of New York City, at 28 East 57th Street. The boutique pays tribute to the Maison’s deep roots in the United States and commitment to outstanding client service. The selection of New York for the location of Vacheron Constantin’s North American Flagship carries powerful symbolism for the Maison.
Breaking News: Vacheron Constantin Announces Alexander Schmiedt as New President for the Americas
Vacheron Constantin is pleased to announce that Alexander Schmiedt —a native of Austria— will become the new President of Vacheron Constantin Americas, as of July 1, 2021. Mr. Schmiedt will oversee offices in New York and Miami and will be taking over the role that was previously held by Ms. Leslie Kobrin who was appointed President of the Americas on April 1, 2017. Ms. Leslie Kobrin left Van Cleef & Arpels to replace Vincent Brun at the time.
News: Vacheron Constantin American 1921 Unique Piece. An Exact Reproduction of the Reference from 1921.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American 1921, Vacheron Constantin has faithfully created this emblematic model while safeguarding its original attributes. This exceptional unique piece creation symbolizes the Manufacture's commitment to the transmission and enhancement of traditional skills. To create this piece unique, Vacheron Constantin has delved into its archives and its horological expertise to offer a faithful reproduction of the timepiece emblematic of an era.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart Leo Constellation
Vacheron Constantin presents the Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart Leo Constellation Jewellery watch, a single-piece edition adding an artistic dimension to the technical prowess of its Calibre 2755 TMRCC. The Manufacture's craftsmen, gem-setters and guilloché specialists have adorned an extraordinarily complex timepiece with a creative and original evocation of the Leo constellation.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar. Levels in So Many Ways.
acheron Constantin presents the Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar unique piece for Watches & Wonders 2021. Just as if the new Les Cabinotiers ‘Planetaria’ wasn’t impressive enough, the oldest watch manufacture in the world drops this impressive complication cloaked in 18K white gold with a 42 mm case and a bezel set with 44 baguette-cut diamonds —approximately 2.9 carats.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon 18K Pink Gold ref. 6000V
After a steel version in 2019, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas tourbillon model now is cloaked in 18K 5N pink gold. A tourbillon, a blue lacquered dial with a sunburst satin finish and an interchangeable bracelet/strap system accompany this material that is both refined and modern. This new model, presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, is part of the theme of the Maison for 2021 entitled Classic with a Twist.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers
They evoke a time when the world had yet to be discovered. They retrace the famous epic journeys of the great 15th century explorers who braved the seas and oceans to discover distant horizons. Vacheron Constantin celebrates the spirit of adventure of Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, and Pedro Álvares Cabral through a new series of three ten-piece limited editions, the Métiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers. Crafted in Grand Feu enamel, each dial depicts selected portions of a 1519 map from the Miller Atlas. These three masterpieces of miniaturization and expertise are driven by the Manufacture 1120 AT movement.
Eye Candy: Live Pictures of the New Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 White Gold
Three new versions of the American 1921 are presented to mark the 100th anniversary: two models in 18K white gold and a 100-piece limited edition from the Collection Excellence Platine, powered by the in-house manual-winding movement, Calibre 4400 AS. With its generous 28.50 mm diameter magnified by the transparency of the sapphire case back, this calibre is offset from its usual axis, while its imposing barrel ensures an approximately 65-hour —3-day— power reserve.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split Seconds Chrono Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine
Mainly crafted from 950 platinum, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split Seconds Chrono Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine is released in an individually numbered 15-piece limited series. Through its blend of elegant design and technical excellence, the Traditionnelle collection embodies the spirit of haute horlogerie cherished by Vacheron Constantin. Combining the refinement of its style, the prestige of platinum and the performance of in-house Calibre 3500, the new model Traditionnelle split-seconds chronograph ultra-thin Collection Excellence Platine immediately finds its natural place at the very pinnacle of this watch line.
W&W 2021: Presenting the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers 'Planetaria' ref. 9820C
A highly technical single-piece edition, the Vacheron Constantin Armillary Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar ‘Planetaria’ watch stages sophisticated complications in a manner bearing a unique aesthetic signature. Equipped with a new Calibre 1991 in-house movement, this timepiece celebrates the astronomical function par excellence: the perpetual calendar with precision moon phases.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in White Gold and Two Different Dials
For the very first time the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin is presented in 18K white gold with two different dial variants. A skeleton version and another with a blue lacquered dial and sunburst satin finish. It’s incredibly slim case with a 41.5 mm diameter and just 8.1 mm thick embodies an art of diversity reflected in the three interchangeable bracelet/straps delivered with each watch.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 White Gold to Celebrate its 100th Anniversary (Live Pictures)
In 1921, Vacheron Constantin seized the powerful momentum of the Roaring Twenties to create a watch with an avant-garde design produced primarily for the American market. In 2021, the Maison is celebrating the 100th anniversary of this icon, with three new interpretations of the American 1921 model. A contemporary take on a legendary watch, honoring the visionary boldness of the Manufacture. These novelties presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, as well as the historical models epitomize the Maison’s ‘classic with a twist’ theme for 2021.
News: Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Day-Date Petrol Blue MR PORTER Limited Edition
Back in 2019, Vacheron Constantin released two pieces from the FiftySix collection sporting petrol blue dials. Today, December 16th, 2020 the FiftySix collection continues to expand this time with the FiftySix Day-Date featuring a petrol blue dial in a numbered 30-piece limited edition exclusively available on MR PORTER, the global online retail destination for men’s style. Cased in stainless steel and measuring 40 mm in diameter the watch is delivered on a sepia brown calfskin strap. In 2018, Vacheron Constantin embarked on a partnership with London's legendary Abbey Road Studios bringing together their shared values of Excellence and Craftmanship.
News: Vacheron Constantin to Auction a Les Cabinotiers Unique Piece in Collaboration with the Louvre Museum
A partner of the Louvre Museum since 2019, Vacheron Constantin is auctioning a Les Cabinotiers watch at the "Bid For the Louvre" sale organized online from December 1st to 15th by the Louvre Museum and Christie's, with the support of Drouot. More than a watch, this model represents a unique opportunity for its buyer to enjoy an unforgettable experience poised at the intersection of art and craftsmanship, between Paris and Geneva.
News: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Ultra-thin Skeleton Wins the 'Calendar and Astronomy' Prize at the GPHG 2020
The Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton was awarded the ‘Calendar and Astronomy’ prize at the GPHG —Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève— 2020. This timepiece is the perfect illustration of Vacheron Constantin’s technical and aesthetic know-how: it stands out for its contemporary design as well as for the complexity and sophistication of its ultra-thin open-worked movement which also houses a perpetual calendar.
News: Vacheron Constantin Timepieces to be Delivered with Blockchain Technology by 2021
In 2019, Vacheron Constantin introduced digital certification of authenticity using Blockchain technology. Vacheron Constantin was among the first watchmakers to integrate Blockchain technology as part of an innovative service to clients and an increasingly environmentally friendly approach to certification involving less paper. The watches in Les Collectionneurs collection are thus accompanied by a digital certificate of authenticity that is perfectly forgery-proof. Initially reserved for that collection, now all Vacheron Constantin timepieces will be delivered by the end of 2021 with a blockchain-based digital passport, secured by the Arianee technology.
Experience: Vacheron Constantin Highlights from the SIAR Mexico 2020
The year 2020 has been a challenging year, especially when it comes to watch fairs and watch events. After Watches & Wonders 2020 had to be conducted digitally, we were almost certain that the SIAR 2020 —Salón Internacional de Alta Relojeríia— in Mexico City would not be taking place this year. However, to our surprise, the SIAR 2020 still took place last week and we didn’t hesitate for a single minute to book our tickets and get down there for the first in-person watch event of the year.