A Twist Of Glamour
Vacheron Constantin celebrates the 100th year of the inspiration behind its Historiques American 1921 collection.
THERE WAS ALWAYS something quirky and oddly confident about the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921. The collection arrived in 2008, an anachronism teleported from its namesake year. The cushion-shaped case with the crown positioned between one and two o’clock was strange enough, but the 45-degree rotated dial was what really made it stand out.
The reason for this twist is not known. Many suspect that the original watch, which debuted in 1921 (sort of – there was another similar model from 1919), was intended for drivers. There is also the legend of Samuel Parkes-Cadman, a clergyman and pioneer of radio-broadcasted sermons. The American 1921, it is said, was his timepiece of choice during his many hours standing with his hands placed on the pulpit, which put the watch face at just the right angle.
What is definitively known is that the original watch arrived during an optimistic and prosperous interwar period. It was the roaring twenties, the time of art deco and surrealism, the genesis of the jazz age, and when Hollywood’s silent films were taking the world by storm.
Sandrine Donguy, product marketing director at Vacheron Constantin, calls it a “trend towards liberalism”. Watches of that era were transitioning from pockets to wrists and shedding formal
traditionalism for bold, audacious styles. “It’s also connected to what people were living at the time,” she says of the concurrent societal changes. “There’s this dimension of freedom, originality, boldness, that is expressed also in fashion… all the different industries had changed their direction and the way they talked to customers at that time.” The American 1921 reflects this. It is not a trench watch, navy diver or meant for a bomber pilot – it has an urban glamour to it that radiates still today.
The 100th anniversary of that watch is marked by two white gold models joining the line-up, in 40mm and 36.5mm, as well as a 100-piece edition in platinum. The latter is part of the maison’s Collection Excellence Platine (€52,000), featuring a sandblasted platinum dial that is a counterpoint to the polished 40mm case. The numerals are not printed as they usually are, but are applied white gold, polished as well to maintain the contrast of textures. Even the dark blue alligator strap participates in the platinum theme, with stitching in a thread made out of silk and platinum.
The American 1921 looks as effortlessly stylish today as it did in 2008 and in 1921. There is certainly something timeless to the curves of the case and the simplicity of the dial, but with a flair not found in more traditionally bound timepieces. It is, as Vacheron Constantin likes to say, classic with a twist.
The American 1921 looks as effortlessly stylish today as it did in 2008 and in 1921.