Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Gets new Dials
Vacheron’s Roaring Twenties icon returns with matte grained dials and vivid blue accents.
The Historiques American 1921 is one of Vacheron Constantin’s most recognisable heritage revivals: a cushion-cased, asymmetrical wristwatch inspired by early-1920s designs. Made for the American market in 1921, the distinctive wristwatch, with its 45-degree-rotated dial and unconventional crown placement, made it practical for motorists who could read the time without taking their hands off the wheel. Driving back into the limelight, the Historiques American returns this year in 36.5mm and 40mm cases with grained dials and blue accents.
The aftermath of WWI heralded a decade of optimism and excess known as the Roaring Twenties. Sleek curves, geometric shapes and streamlined profiles were the bywords of the Art Deco style that infused the unconventional case shapes of many Vacheron watches of the early 1920s – including the 1919 predecessor of the American 1921. Moreover, with the advent of affordable cars like the Ford Model T and the rise in popularity of the wristwatch, Vacheron’s American 1921 was the right product at the right time.
As part of the Historiques line, which Vacheron Constantin launched in 1991, the American 1921 features the crown on the right side of the case and the small seconds repositioned to 3 o’clock. Launched in 40mm cases, it was followed by more compact 36.5mm editions.
For 2026, the Historiques American 1921 continues the successful roadmap of this model while respecting its iconic profile and soul. Powered by the manual-winding calibre 4400AS, the two versions, in 36.5mm and 40mm polished pink gold cases, have slim profiles of 7.41mm and 8.06mm, respectively.
The novelty of the American 1921 lies in its grained, silver-toned dial and bright blue accents. The subtle, contemporary grained texture provides a matte background for the vivid blue Arabic numerals and blued 18k gold hands. Decorated with different finishes, the peripheral railway minutes track has a smooth circular finish, while the recessed running seconds sub-dial, tucked between 2 and 4 o’clock, is snailed.
While the style is manifestly vintage, the case is fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals front and back to view the in-house calibre 4400AS. Developed in 2008, the movement is offset by 45 degrees from its usual axis. With its generous 28.6mm diameter, the calibre is just 2.8mm thick, and its barrel can store up to 65 hours of power reserve. Bearing the Poinçon de Genève hallmark, which applies to the movement and watch, the movement is finely finished with Côtes de Genève, perlage, bevelled edges and brightly polished screw heads.
Matching the vivid blue numerals, inscriptions and hands, the blue patinated calfskin strap has a gradient effect with darker borders and a lighter centre and is attached to the wrist with an 18k pink gold pin buckle. The 36.5mm model retails for CHF 32,300; the 40mm for CHF 39,200. More information at vacheron-constantin.com.
