Vacheron Constantin

Photos of the American 1921

There have been numberous photographic posts with the American 1921 as the subject. Now it is my turn to contribute to the genre! I'm certainly not tired of seeing this watch, either in person or in photos.

When "Les Historiques" was introduced in the 1990's, VC more or less made exact modern copies of watches from the archives. With the American 1921, VC has made a contemporary classic informed by a vintage watch, now with a 40 mm case appropriate for today's tastes. When it came to the original line of Historiques watches, I found myself preferring to own fine vintage examples rather than the recreations with their outsourced movements. With the American 1921 I would rather own this watch than one of the 12 rare examples from 1921(-1931), regardless of value.

VC launched its new in-house caliber 4400 with this watch. In a previous post I expresed a few complaints about it, but I am making peace with the design and absolutely would not let a few quibbles prevent me from buying either this watch or the new Patrimony Traditionnelle that house it.

Bill
This message has been edited by WHL on 2009-08-04 11:19:06

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Thats my favorite current VC...

By: Dino944 : August 4th, 2009-09:48

Hi Bill, I'm glad to hear that the 1921 is growing on you. Its a design that I liked from the moment it was released, but then again I tend to favor non-round watches for dress wear. I had an opportunity to try one on in NYC, this past May and its a lovel...

Very interesting watch, Bill

By: amanico : August 4th, 2009-11:02

Trying it was a revelation, for me. It has somenting really charming, appealing. I would prefer it in white metal, but even for a non colored gold guy like me, I'm tempted. As for the movement, this is not the mpost fantastic VC has ever made, of course, ...

The Original American...

By: Tick Talk : August 4th, 2009-16:54

The 1921 originated as the so-called "American" of 1921, with a lepine-type pocket watch movement with sub-seconds at 6 o'clock and the crown at 12 o'clock. V&C cleverly offset the dial and crown to allow it to work as a wristwatch. A similar case design ...

WOW! Love the one in PLATINUM! [nt]

By: rubysky : August 4th, 2009-19:28

It is nice...

By: WHL : August 4th, 2009-19:51

VC made in only twenty examples of this QP and they are/were only available at the Geneva, Moscow, and Shanghai boutiques. Bill

Thanks a lot for the pics.

By: amanico : August 4th, 2009-22:16

Well, I think I prefer the modern to the original, too, because of the lugs... As for the Perpetual Calendar, I'm less fan, due to its busy dial. It doesn't have the simplicity, the sobriety of the 1921... BUT, to be seen in the flesh, before any final ju...

QP

By: iceheller 1945 ✌️ : August 4th, 2009-22:19

That QP is really one hack of a nice watch. It very unique in it display for date moon phase and etc. It it really have the traditional american track style design encircling the number.

A closer cousin

By: WHL : August 5th, 2009-08:41

I think the VC team was working off of this particular layout when designing the American 1921: Photo courtesy of Alex Ghotbi I wonder if VC has thought about using the automatic caliber 2455, where the subseconds can be placed at 9 o'clock, to give the l...

QP

By: Bakili : August 22nd, 2009-10:00

Would you happen to know the list price of the QP?

The platinum is really cool

By: Geo : August 4th, 2009-22:05

but I must say that I found this new pink gold version, one of the strongest watches of the last SIHH. Beautiful concept, just like their discontinued Asymetrique. GEO

Love this watch, and definately somewhere on top of my wish list (nt)

By: alex : August 5th, 2009-07:02

A truly elegant watch...

By: MiniCooper : August 5th, 2009-12:03

Thank you Bill for posting. The side of the case reminds me of the side of Quai de l'Ile.... Cheers

Side of the QdI

By: WHL : August 5th, 2009-12:29

A photograph for comparison: I would say that Vacheron Constantin has two very distinct takes on the cushion concept right now with the American 1921 and the Quai de l'Ile, and that both look great. I see what you mean about the side, with the upper edge ...

that was fast.......

By: MiniCooper : August 5th, 2009-12:31

I assume that you own the titanium one..... Have you written a review previously? Cheers

I am taking my sweet time writing this review....

By: WHL : August 5th, 2009-12:36

but I have a lot of pictures ready to go. This is the titanium model with day-date-power reserve. VC was kind enough to loan me the watch for an on-the-wrist review. Bill

Thanks for sharing the pics Bill! [nt]

By: DRMW : August 5th, 2009-13:58

No message body

most tempting Vc yet

By: lien : August 6th, 2009-13:33

i have to agree that tilted movement placement doesn't quite justify high price over its sisters...Nevertheless, its a beauty! THx for the pics~

The Word is Joy

By: bigdave : August 8th, 2009-03:05

I have taken the plunge and own an American 1921. I feel very silly, but the operative word is joy. It is probably overpriced. Even though I have always liked the Toledo I have often told myself that the thinking behind the Historiques line is derivative ...

I'm glad to hear that you like this watch so much....

By: WHL : August 10th, 2009-12:45

I find it to be satisfying on an emotional level, a feeling that few watches can match. It is quite expensive for a three hand watch, but not many three hand watches can supply that feeling of joy like the American 1921. Bill