Vacheron Constantin - Historiques American 1921 Ref. 82035/00R-9359

Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Historiques - American 1921
Reference Number: 82035/000R-9359
Movement: Manual winding
Condition: Mint
Gender: Men’s
Time Period: 2011
Box: Yes
Papers: Yes

Caliber: 4400 AS
Jewels: 21

Case Material: 18K rose gold
Case Diameter: 40 mm x 40mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Waterproof: 100 ft./ 30 m./ 3 ATM
Bezel Material: Fixed 18K rose gold
Glass: Sapphire Crystal
Dial: Silvered
Dial Numerals: Black Arabic numeral hour indices, railway-track minute markers around the outer rim

Bracelet Material: Brown Leather
Buckle: Ardillon 
Buckle Material: 18K rose gold

Hours, minutes, subsidiary small seconds dial at 3 o’clock, 65-hour power reserve.

THE INTRODUCTION & DESIGN

Since the introduction of the Historiques American 1921 in 2008, Vacheron Constantin has expanded the collection with various editions differing in size, material, and strap color. The inaugural model, the Historiques American 1921 ref. 82035/000R-9359, remains a standout.

This watch boasts a 40mm diameter pink gold cushion-shaped case with a slim profile of 8.06mm. The crown is uniquely positioned at the top right corner, and the dial features a diagonal layout with the 12 o'clock marker rotated to the right, reminiscent of the reference 11032.

The black Breguet-style numerals are elegantly painted, and the running seconds sub-dial is positioned similarly to the later reference 11677, though the seconds indicator reads upright rather than at an angle. Encircling the finely-grained silver-toned dial is a bold railroad minute track, and at the center, a pair of Breguet-style hands with hollow moon tips complete the design.

A convex sapphire crystal enhances the curvature of the case, while the vintage-style short and straight lugs, adorned with carriage bolts, add a touch of structure and elegance. The watch is paired with a brown alligator strap, secured by a pink gold tang buckle featuring the iconic Maltese cross emblem of the brand.
 

THE MOVEMENT

Powered by the manual-winding Caliber 4400 AS, the watch comprises 127 components and 21 jewels. The beautifully decorated movement, visible through the exhibition caseback, proudly bears the Hallmark of Geneva. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, the Caliber 4400 provides the Historiques American 1921 with a power reserve of three days.
 

THE IMPACT & LEGACY

The Historiques American 1921 is a unique blend of elegance and innovation within Vacheron Constantin’s current catalog. It offers a glimpse into the brand’s rich archives, enhanced by modern materials, proportions, and advanced horological mechanics.

In 1919, Vacheron Constantin introduced the reference 11032 wristwatch, notable for its cushion-shaped case and slanted dial with the crown at the top right. This design paved the way for the reference 11677 in 1921, created for the U.S. market with the crown at the top left and a dial rotated for easy reading while driving. Only 12 pieces of each model were made, making them rare and highly sought after.

The modern Historiques American 1921 incorporates these century-old design elements, updated for today's audience. This watch embodies a perfect fusion of historical homage and modern watchmaking excellence, reinforcing Vacheron Constantin’s legacy as a pioneer in horology.