Pre-Owned Vacheron Constantin Historiques Americaine 1921 40990416/AS06000

WHY WE LOVE IT

Vacheron Constantin is one of the finest watchmakers in the world, with a history dating back more than a quarter of a millennium.

In the 1920s, the maison designed several watches for the American market featuring unique, angled dials and gorgeous Breguet numerals. In 2021, it released new watches based on this classical design — timepieces whose design is so close to that of the originals that it’s difficult to tell the two generations apart, despite a gulf of 100 years.

This particular Historiques Américaine 1921 features a 40mm 18k rose gold case, a sapphire crystal, a Maltese cross signed crown, a silvered-brass dial with Breguet numeral and matching handset, and running seconds at 3 o’clock — a reminder of a design that likely made use of pocket watch movements. It’s paired to a brown alligator leather strap with a matching rose gold Maltese cross signed pin buckle.

While you might look upon this Vacheron as merely a simple dress watch, it’s much more than that — indeed, it’s a reminder of the importance of the North American market to a thoroughly Swiss company, and a watch made in appreciation of the relationship to its clientele.

And it doesn’t hurt that it’s one hell of a looker, either!

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in excellent condition overall showing light professional refinishing and faint wear from gentle handling. Satin silver dial with printed 'Breguet' numerals is in as-new condition with with matching 'Breguet' handset. Signed crown.