Introducing: Exciting Additions To Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques Collection

For nearly 20 years, Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques collection has been revisiting the iconic brand’s history, technicity, and aesthetics. Founded in 1755, the brand surely has a large collection of references to find inspiration. I became enamored in 2009, when the Historiques American 1921 driver’s watch was released at that year’s SIHH fair (or should we say, re-released).

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 36.5mm

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

Today, the brand is introducing some impressive new pieces to the Historiques lineup. Here’s the complete rundown:

American 1921 36.5mm

This unisex time only piece is shaped after the original 1921 Historiques and features a smaller 36.5mm pink gold cushion case with the recognizable 45-degree tilt of the case and dial. The watch is nearly identical to the earlier 1921s but has been adapted to fit smaller wrists. It’s nice to see that Vacheron Constantin recognizes the trend of smaller watches and therefore adapted one of its most popular models. 

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 36.5mm

Outfitted with Vacheron Constantin’s manually wound 4400AS caliber, the piece has a 65-hour power reserve. The watch is delivered with a brown alligator leather inner and outer strap. In a nod to the evolving fashion of interchangeable straps, the brand is including an additional red alligator strap. 

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 36.5mm

The Triple calendars

Starting in the early 20^th Century, the brand produced calendar watches. Throughout the roaring twenties and well into the flying forties these watches were made and sold throughout the world. Revisiting this history, the brand is introducing not one, but two Triple Calendars. For those unfamiliar with the complication, triple calendars display the day, date, and month. Vacheron Constantin has given these new models the designation of 1942 and 1948.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1948

At the Place Vendôme, Paris, with the new Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

The Historiques Triple calendrier 1942 takes its inspiration from the reference 4240, which was introduced in 1942. This piece is encased in a 40mm stainless steel case and features a new manual winding caliber that Vacheron Constantin has classified the 4400QC. Like the 1921, the movement also features 65 hours of power reserve. The movement is intricately finished to the same standard as Vacheron Constantin’s other calibers and is viewable through a sapphire case back.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

Closing out the collection is the Historiques Triple calendrier 1948. Which follows similar design cues to the 1942, but is encased in pink gold. The principle difference between the two references is that the 1948 features a moon phase in addition to the triple calendar. The 1948 is a near exact re-interpretation of the brand’s 4240L (L for lunar) reference which was introduced in 1948. The 1948 is limited to 200 pieces.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1948

Aesthetically, the 1948 may be my favorite of the lot. Its opaline silvered starburst dial is simply stunning. While the 1948 utilizes the 4400 QC movement, it has an added moon phase complication.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier caseback

Both complete calendars are home runs for a brand that has been re-defining itself lately to accommodate to market changes.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

Summary

Vacheron Constantin has introduced three new pieces to their Historiques collection. The 1921 small, 1942 Triple calendrier, and 1948 Triple calendrier. The 1921 is a smaller interpretation (36.5mm) of the brand’s earlier 1921 driving watch (which was 42mm). Both triple calendars feature a new Vacheron Constantin movement, the differentiator is the 1948 is a limited edition in pink gold with a moon phase. Whereas, the 1942’s has a stainless-steel case. All three pieces are extraordinary re-interpretations of legendary references and I feel each will be a hit for the brand.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 36.5mm

The newest additions to the Histories collection will be available in late November, early December 2017. The Triple Calendrier 1942 $19,500 USD, Triple Calendrier 1948 $35,000 USD, and American 1921 36.5mm $29,200 USD.