Reference Guide
WHL presents a comprehensive survey of Vacheron Constantin's Historiques collection, a segment often less discussed but deeply cherished by collectors. This article serves as an essential guide, exploring the historical significance and unique appeal of models like the Chronometer Royal 1907 and the American 1921, making them accessible to new enthusiasts.
I read Vacheron Constantin’s catalog as if it were the menu at a very fine restaurant in which everything looks good. Sometimes you just have to pick one thing and then commit to coming back again (and again…and again) to experience other temptations. My serialized adventures in watch collecting, lovingly reported on this forum, certainly point to my coming back again (and again…) to Vacheron Constantin’s menu of fine watchmaking, and I know that I am not alone in this regard. 
That Contemporaine, Traditionnelle, and Overseas collections get the most consistent attention on this forum, while the pieces of the Historiques collection are less featured, though I know many hold these pieces dear. What follows is a quick survey of the Historiques collection as it is currently comprised.
Vacheron Constantin launched the Chronometer Royal 1907 for the 100th anniversary of that iconic model, with the first 100 pieces having a red 12. Production has continued with a black 12 on the white enamel dial, and a platinum cased model is available through Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
I especially like the nod to Vacheron Constantin’s heritage by including the ampersand in the signature on the rotor of the COSC-certified chronometer caliber 2460 SCC.
The American 1921 is probably the most popular piece from the Historiques collection, and with the whimsically tilted orientation of the dial it deserves to be. It was launched in 2008.
Standard production on the left with the NY Boutique Edition in yellow gold on the right
Vacheron Constantin’s impressive calibre 4400 was launched in the American 1921, and it is now used in the Traditionnelle (82172), Malte Small Seconds (82130), and the 2014 novelty Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées.
2009 gave us a pair of ultra thin timepieces celebrating Vacheron Contantin’s expertise in this specialized corner of haut horlorgerie. The manual winding Ultra Fine 1955 has employs the same caliber 1003 that Vacheron Constantin launched that year, though now with gold plates and bridges:
The watch is a mere 4 mm thick!
The Ultra Fine 1968 uses the ultra thin self-winding calibre 1120, which was first seen in a Vacheron Constantin that year.
The Aronde 1954, nicknamed “Lips” due to the curvaceous shape of the case around the crystal, was introduced in 2011.
The linear guilloche that divides the dial into four sectors becomes so alive as the watch moves in the light. The manual winding calibre 1400, Vacheron Constantin’s first in-house basic movement, sits inside the case.
The 1972 Prestige was shown in 2012, and was temporarily placed in the Historiques collection, but Vacheron Constantin now considers this model and the other 1972 timepieces to be a distinct collection that highlights the brand’s expertise in design.
Last but not least, the Historiques 1951. I teased a photo last week and still plan a full review, but a pair of new photos is always nice to see.
I have repeatedly claimed that the American 1921 was on my short list for a new VC for my wrist, but after a week of living with the Toledo 1951, I may well put it at the top of my wish list of pieces from the Historiques collection. What is your favorite?
Bill
VC Forum Moderator
The Patrimony Contemporaine Bi-Retrograde reference 82172 represents Vacheron Constantin's interpretation of retrograde complications within the Patrimony Contemporaine series. This reference distinguishes itself through its bi-retrograde function, offering dual retrograde displays on the dial face.
The watch features a 42.5mm case crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel configuration. A silver dial sits beneath sapphire crystal, while an automatic movement powers the complications. The case offers 30 meters of water resistance, positioning it for dress watch applications rather than sports usage.
Reference 82172 appeals to collectors seeking complicated dress watches with traditional precious metal construction. The 42.5mm case size accommodates contemporary sizing preferences while the rose gold case material and silver dial combination provides classical color coordination. The bi-retrograde complication adds mechanical interest beyond standard time display functions, targeting collectors who appreciate visible complications in formal timepieces.
Of these and at the risk of being labeled a me too, here I would vote for the American 21 although the boutique edition, simply because of the hands and lume. Fun post. Thanks for sharing.
it is not actually a luminous material in the numbers and hands! Bill
Among those you mentionned, the Chronomètre Royal, without hesitation. Best, Nicolas
marvelous jewel would pop-up;) I am with you on this one Nicolas, Historique Chronograph and Chronometre Royale but with the RED 12 . Cheers Francois from Down Under
I love the salmon dial on this one. It's very high on my dream watch list.
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