MODERN VINTAGE

Discover how Vacheron Constantin is using modern technology to replicate vintage techniques needed to recreate the original American 1921 Pièce Unique

RECREATING THE ORIGINAL American 1921 is not a simple matter of looking into historical blueprints. Only 24 pieces of the reference dated 1921 were manufactured, and only one of them have remained in Vacheron Constantin’s private collection, making it an extremely rare and sought-after timepiece for collectors and watch connoisseurs.

To mark the 100th anniversary of this horological icon, Vacheron Constantin parlayed its impressive body of watchmaking know-how and technical ingenuity to perform a nigh miraculous act of metaphorical time-travel.

Mobilising the remarkable expertise of the maison’s restoration workshop and heritage department for an entire year, the Geneva manufacture created a bridge between the past and future. Never before have these teams been called upon to rebuild a vintage calibre from scratch.

Since a vintage case could only contain an infinite number of components, all different in sizes and shapes, they began by disassembling and examining every single component of the original 11-ligne Calibre Nouveau powering the original model. The watchmakers took measurements of each of the 115 components of the original movement, a particularly delicate task requiring extremely complex sizing calculations.

Thanks to meticulous stock-keeping and records, the watchmakers had access to all the necessary blank parts to recreate the bridges and mainplate. And while the Restoration workshop is accustomed to replacing damaged jewels on very old timepieces, never before have they had to make the settings themselves. Successfully hollowing out the metal to the exact depth required to fit the stones to the nearest 100th required multiple trials. Not to mention the detailed research involved in developing the system for reproducing the unique ribbed pattern, alongside various manual engravings, in order to remake a movement authentic to that era.

To replicate the hand-crafted operations performed back in the day, artisans had to work with some historical tools from Vacheron Constantin’s heritage trove. These vintage machines were complemented by tools specially made for this project, enabling the artisans to work in a period-authentic manner by closely reproducing the operations and development techniques of the time.

The result is an exceptional one-of-a-kind timepiece, the American 1921 Pièce Unique is a symbol of the maison’s attachment to its heritage and to the continuous enrichment of traditional know-how.