Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Ref. 82015/000R-B318
Dress Watch (Drivers Watch Subcategory) · Vacheron Constantin (Richemont Group), Haute Horlogerie tier, part of the prestigious Holy Trinity of watchmaking
Period: Art Deco/Vintage Revival (1920s-1930s aesthetic reimagined in Modern Luxury era)
Type
Dress Watch (Drivers Watch Subcategory)
Brand
Vacheron Constantin (Richemont Group), Haute Horlogerie tier, part of the prestigious Holy Trinity of watchmaking
Movement
Manual-hand-wound, Vacheron Constantin Calibre 4400 AS, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 65-hour power reserve, 21 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter 40 mm, case thickness 8.06 mm, lug-to-lug distance 45.3 mm, lug width 22 mm
Description
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is an exquisite re-edition of a historical timepiece originally created for the American market during the Roaring Twenties. Its signature cushion-shaped case and diagonally offset dial were originally designed so drivers could easily read the time while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. The crown is uniquely positioned at the top-right corner of the case. With its warm 18k pink gold case, classic railway track, and traditional typography, it exudes vintage sophistication combined with modern mechanical excellence.
Key Features
Diagonally offset dial rotated 45 degrees, crown positioned at the 1 o'clock corner, cushion-shaped case geometry, ultra-thin manual-wind movement bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva
Dial Description
Silvered-grained opaline dial, applied 18k pink gold Arabic numerals and minute track, black painted railway track, slender baton hands in pink gold, offset dial orientation angled 45 degrees with small seconds subdial at the 4-5 o'clock position
Case Material
18k 5N pink gold with a high-polish finish throughout the stepped case
Crystal Type
Box-shaped scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside
Bezel Details
Fixed stepped bezel in matching 18k pink gold with a polished finish
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull onion-style crown positioned unconventionally at the top-right corner (1 o'clock position relative to the dial layout), engraved with the Maltese cross logo
Bracelet or Strap
Brown calfskin leather strap with a pin buckle shaped like half of the Maltese cross in 18k pink gold
Caseback Details
Exhibition sapphire crystal screw-down case back revealing hand-finished haute horlogerie movement with Geneva Seal
Movement Type
Manual-hand-wound, Vacheron Constantin Calibre 4400 AS, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 65-hour power reserve, 21 jewels
Water Resistance
30 meters (3 ATM / 100 feet), splash and rain resistant only; not suitable for swimming, showering, or immersion
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, featuring an in-house ultra-thin mechanical movement
Age Estimate
Modern production, circa 2010s to present
Cultural Significance
A masterpiece of asymmetrical watch design that represents Vacheron Constantin's deep heritage and willingness to revive daring historical designs from the Art Deco period for modern connoisseurs
Condition Notes
Appears to be in excellent to mint condition housed inside its presentation box, showing pristine polished case surfaces, unblemished crystal, and a clean strap with minimal to no wear
Value Estimate
Secondary market value generally ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 USD depending on condition, completeness of box and papers, and market fluctuations, with retail pricing typically higher
Care & Maintenance
Manual-wind movement requires careful winding until resistance is felt, approximately every 65 hours. Service recommended every 5 to 7 years by an authorized Vacheron Constantin service center. Keep away from water and strong magnetic fields due to lack of heavy water resistance and delicate traditional components
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Asymétrique, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute, Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse
Interesting Facts
The original 1921 reference was produced in an extremely limited run of only 24 pieces for the US market, making vintage models multi-million dollar holy grails. The offset crown and dial allow drivers to check the time naturally without twisting their wrist.