Introducing: The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 In White Gold (And A Platine Limited Edition!)

Quick Take With its distinctive square case, unique corner-set crown, and cockeyed dial, Vacheron Constantin's Historiques American 1921 line has long been an interesting vintage-inspired design that captures the roaring twenties with personality to spare. Now, as part of the brand's Watches & Wonders 2021 announcements, the Historiques American 1921 is celebrating the centenary of its inspiration with a new trio of precious-metal models. Left to right: The 36.5mm Historiques American 1921 (white gold), the 40mm Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine (platinum), and the 40mm Historiques American 1921 (white gold). With a pair of new white-gold models in 36.5mm and 40mm, and a special limited edition platinum 40mm version for Vacheron Constantin's Collection Excellence Platine , the Historiques American 1921 line continues to connect casual sprezzatura with the old-world language of luxury. Initial Thoughts While arguably very similar, these new Historiques American 1921 watches are separated by more than the metal used to form their cases. In white gold, with painted markers and a warm brown leather strap, the 1920s shine through in a manner most Carraway. Conversely, in full platinum with a sandblasted platinum dial set with white-gold Arabic numerals – the Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine? That's full Gatsby, my dear. A vintage Vacheron Constantin ref 11677 from 1921 (left), and the new Historiques American 1921 in white gold (right). I recall the first time I ever saw an American 1921 in person. It was as though Vacheron Constantin had seen a Panerai Radiomir and said, "hold my gin, old sport." The reality is that the design pre-dates any Panerai by a good measure, and it is one that has been in VC's stable for a century, confidently sitting outside the brand's usually reserved character to offer something with a pre-war sporty flair that hasn't forgotten the era of giant glittering sports cars, socialite romance, and the promise of the American dream. And, like the quiet call of an ethereal green light across the bay, the Historiques American 1921 has a special charm all its own, especially in white gold. As previously mentioned, these ritzy new models from Vacheron Constantin include two non-limited production versions in white gold (36.5mm and 40mm), and a 100-piece limited-edition model in platinum (which is also part of the brand's growing "Collection Excellence Platine" that includes models from most of VC's family delivered in a specific and very-platinum format – see additional examples here ). For the white gold, the two models are largely identical, save for the difference in sizing. As is common to the modern interpretation of this design, the crown is set in the two o'clock corner of the case and thus aligns with the 12 o'clock marker on the offset dial design. Interestingly, and also not seen on the original models, the sub-seconds display is not tilted to match the dial. Instead, it orients in a traditional manner, aligned with the true "north/south" of the dial relative to the case. It's a weird design element that further invests in the quirky personality of these watches. With painted numerals on a grained silver-tone dial, the vintage effect is especially strong and the largely monochromatic execution looks especially lovely on a dark brown leather strap. If indeed you want to flex as hard as possible on all of the gatecrashers and flat tires who have come to sip on free giggle water and swim in your pool, no one is going to call bunk at the endlessly spiffy Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine, which matches its 40mm 950 platinum case with a sandblasted platinum dial and white-gold applied markers. Carrying the same movement found inside its white-gold siblings, the 1921 Platine takes things in a decidedly swanky direction with production being limited to 100 numbered examples. Fitted to a dark blue alligator strap, it's nothing short of the bee's knees. All three models use the same movement that is common to the other entries in the American 1921 family, Vacheron Constantin's hand-wound calibre 4400 AS. Seen through a wide display caseback, with 65 hours of power reserve supporting hours, minutes, and sub seconds, the 4400 AS ticks at 4 Hz, measures just 2.8mm thick, and carries the Hallmark of Geneva. As an esoteric derivation within the greater range of watches they produce, the Historiques American 1921 remains an attractive offering and a welcome home for white gold. Pricing starts at $29,600 for the 36.5mm, with the 40mm white gold listed at $35,900 and the limited edition in platinum topping out at $49,700. But, if you're keen – I raise my glass to you – you're worth the whole damn bunch put together. The Basics Brand: Vacheron Constantin Model: Historiques American 1921 Reference Number: 40mm white gold – 82035/000G-B735 | 36.5mm white gold – 1100S/000G-B734 | 40mm Collection Excellence Platine – 82035/000P-B748 Diameter: 36.5 and 40mm Thickness: 7.41mm (36.5mm case), 8.06mm (40mm case) Case Material: White gold or platinum Dial Color: Grained silver tone (white gold models), sand-blasted platinum (platinum model) Indexes: Black painted (white gold models), 18k white gold applied Arabic numerals (platinum models) Water Resistance: 30 meters Strap/Bracelet: Brown calf leather (white gold), and blue Mississippienisis alligator (platinum). Both with matching precious metal buckles. The Movement Caliber: Vacheron Constantin 4400 AS Functions: Hours, minutes, sub-seconds Diameter: 28.6mm Thickness: 2.8mm Power Reserve: 65 hours Winding: Hand-wound Frequency: 4 Hz Jewels: 21 Additional Details: Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece Pricing & Availability Price: $29,600 (36.5mm white gold), $35,900 (40mm white gold), $49,700 (platinum) Limited Edition: The Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine is limited to 100 units and available exclusively via Vacheron Constantin boutiques. Shop Talk As you may know, the HODINKEE Shop is an Authorized Dealer for Vacheron Constantin, so if you're looking to pick up a white-gold Historiques American 1921, you can register your interest now in the Shop .A youthful white-metal salute to a century-old design.