Vacheron Constantin American 1921 Reference Guide
Reference Guide

Vacheron Constantin American 1921 Reference Guide

By quattro · Nov 6, 2024 · 40 replies
quattro
WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum
40 replies7969 views43 photos
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quattro's meticulous compilation of Vacheron Constantin American 1921 references offers an unparalleled visual journey through this iconic model's evolution. This article serves as a definitive guide, showcasing the diverse iterations of a timepiece celebrated for its distinctive tilted dial and rich history. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the subtle nuances and significant variations that define the American 1921 across its many forms.

Here are the many faces of the American 1921.

Enjoy!


1/ YELLOW GOLD

Vintage 32mm ref. 11032 circa 1919 (only 12 pcs produced)





credit: hodinkee 


Non tilted dial 31 mm reference circa 1920







Movement: 16-jewel manual winding bar pattern lever, five adjustments, bimetallic balance with flat spring, no. 366976 (credit: bonhams) 


40mm New-York Boutique Edition ref. 82035/000J-9717 limited to 64 pcs (2011)







credit: prestige time 


40mm ref. 82035/000J-9964 (2014)







credit: themarinvault 


Vintage 31.5mm ref. 11677 with crown and dial tilted on the left from 1921



credit: reddit 

Piece unique - exact recreation of ref. 11677



credit: VC 


2/ ROSE GOLD

40mm Monticello Motor Club limited edition of 15 pcs ref. 82035/000R-B277 (2016)







credit: watchcollectinglifestyle




credit: k2luxury


40mm ref. 82035/000R-9359 (2008)



credit: carat & co


36.5mm ref. 1100S/000R-B430 (2017)







Caliber 4400 AS (credit: monochrome)




Modern rose gold 36.5mm ref. 1100S/000R-B430 with vintage yellow gold ref. 11677 (credit: monochrome)


3/ WHITE GOLD

40mm White Gold ref. 82035/000G-B735 (2021)



credit: monochrome




credit: watchcollectinglifestyle


36.5mm White Gold ref. 1100S/000G-B734 (2021)



credit: 41watch







credit: hodinkee 


4/ PLATINUM

Collection Excellence Platine 40mm ref. 82035/000P-B748, limited to 100 pcs (2021)







credit: fratello 


Platinum 40mm ref. 82035/000P-B168 (2016)




credit: watchonista 




credit: k2luxury 


40mm Platinum perpetual calendar variant with crown on the left and non tilted dial - piece unique (date?)



(credit: eclecticum)


40mm perpetual calendar ref. 43045  with crown on the left and non tilted dial  (2008)







credit: phillips

About the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ref. American1921

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is a distinctive reinterpretation of a cushion-shaped watch originally produced by the manufacture for the American market in the 1920s. This reference is characterized by its unique diagonal display, with the crown positioned at the 1 o'clock position and the dial rotated 45 degrees clockwise. This design was historically intended to allow drivers to read the time without removing their hands from the steering wheel, offering both a functional and aesthetically unconventional presentation within the Historiques collection.

This particular iteration of the American 1921 features a case crafted from precious metal, often rose gold, with a polished finish that highlights its cushion shape and stepped bezel. The watch is typically fitted with a manual-winding mechanical movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, providing a power reserve suitable for daily wear. The crystal protecting the dial is also sapphire, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance.

The American 1921 appeals to collectors seeking pieces with historical provenance and an unconventional design. Its distinctive orientation and vintage inspiration make it a conversation piece and a unique offering within Vacheron Constantin's contemporary lineup. Various sizes have been produced, catering to different wrist preferences while maintaining the core design principles of the original 1921 model.

Specifications

Caliber
Caliber 4400 AS
Case
18k rose gold
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AR
Arronax
Nov 6, 2024

The platinum model with blue numbers is quite striking! Now I wonder why they called the reissue the 1921 and not the 1919....

QU
quattro
Nov 6, 2024

Same numerals and Breguet hands.

QU
quattro
Nov 6, 2024

in the Historiques collection, I personally prefer the Cornes de Vache. That's why I never considered acquiring a 1921.

TI
Tick Talk
Nov 6, 2024

they didn’t tilt the dial with those calendar models? Love the 1120 movement! The rotated dial has a fascinating history. It began as a very pragmatic means of using up unfashionable lepine-type movements which, over the course of time, has evolved into this iconic VC design. There was a determined attempt to cast the original as a novel response to the new class of automobile drivers but the real, and far more interesting, story can be found here: www.watchprosite.com

KM
KMII
Nov 6, 2024

One of my favorite lines from VC and a handful of versions I did not know about 👌🏻👍🏻

MR
mrds
Nov 6, 2024

I love the 1921 in all pictures and in many variants (best of all the Pt with blue printed numerals) but as soon as I put it on my wrist, everything seems to fall apart. My wrist must be cursed…

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