Just released at Watches & Wonders are three new iterations of the fake Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, celebrating 100 years of this quirky off-center timepiece. The Historiques American is one of Vacheron's most recognizable designs with its cushion case, diagonal display replica watches and crown at 1 o'clock and was intended for the American market (hence the name). Designed to be easy to tell the time while driving, I've always found myself drawn to this creatively elegant collection for its whimsy – something we don't get much of at this level of Swiss watchmaking.
I learned an interesting fact about the early history of this watch from Vacheron Constantin. American author and clergyman Samuel Parkes-Cadman had two of these replica watches because he found that the diagonal dial made it easy to subtly read the time while giving a sermon or preaching. Parkes-Cadman was referred to as "the foremost minister of Congregational faith" by the New York Times, but his strongest legacy is his vocal opposition to anti-Semitism and support for racial equality. According to Vacheron, one of the two works he owned served as the inspiration for this new trio of Historiques American 1921 pieces. The first two are very similar with different case sizes and are essentially white gold versions of two existing red gold models. There is a 40mm model and a smaller 36.5mm model, both finished in white gold cases with grained silver dials, scalloped seconds hands, black painted Arabic numerals and blackened 18k gold hands. Oh, and the Vacheron Maltese Cross is also made in polished 18k gold.
There is a slight difference in case thickness, with the 40mm model measuring 8.06mm thick and the 36.5mm model measuring 7.41mm thick. Both are water resistant to 30M.And then there is the limited edition Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine. Made in a platinum 950 case (40mm wide, 8.06mm thick), this joins an existing Historiques American 1921 platinum model but takes the blue down a notch and improves the look drastically, in my opinion. Crafted in a sandblasted platinum dial with matching omega replica sandblasted small seconds dial, it uses 18k white gold on the hour and minute hands, as well as Arabic numerals. It uses blue sparingly in the way of a simple blued steel small seconds hand. This one is just perfection. All three use the manual wind caliber 4400 AS which measures a slim 2.8mm thickness. With the Geneva Seal, the 4400 AS has an operating frequency of 28,800 vph and a 65-hour power reserve. I have not seen any of these specific three in the metal, although I have worn or tried Historiques American 1921 pieces on several occasions, and they are just a delight. Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 in 36.5mm white gold case (ref. 1100S/000G-B734) is priced at $29,600, 40mm white gold (ref. 82035/000G-B735) is priced at $90, exclusive, $35 edition of 100 in platinum (Ref. 82035/000P-B748) is priced at $49,700.