Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 43045
    Movement No: 862'098
    Case No: 1'134'873, caseback further stamped N°7
    Model Name: American 1921
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum pin buckle signed Vacheron Constantin
    Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity, Certificate of Origin, Geneva Seal certificate, product literature, fitted watch winder and cleaning cloth.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Contrary to popular belief, the Vacheron Constantin American 1921 is not a drivers’ watch but can be considered a “montre à tact” in its literal form as the wearer can clearly see the time thanks to the rotated dial without turning his/her wrist, thus remaining “tactful”. Originally made for the American market in 1919 (crown on the top left of the case) and in 1921 (crown on the top right of the case) the American 1921 was made in 2008, in Vacheron Constantin’s “Historiques” collection as a time only piece which became an instant success with waiting lists of over a year.

    The same year, Vacheron Constantin released an über exclusive perpetual calendar version in platinum housing the automatic cal 1120. Limited to 20 pieces, this model was available only in the Vacheron Constantin boutiques of Geneva, Moscow, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

    Contrary to the original model, the dial of the present lot is not slanted but straight. The watch maintains its Art Deco essence but is resolutely a 21st century timepiece as if it was put in a time machine and going from 1921 to 2010.

    The dial is a fabulous gem of design with a cavalcade of subtle graphic details adding up to a spectacular result. The subdials evenly set up in the centre feature each a lovely wavelike guilloche pattern, the touch of color from the red leap year indicator and the blue lapis lazuli background on a white moonphase are symbols of exquisite elegance and style.

    The movement giving life to this elusive piece is the Vacheron Constantin ultra slim calibre 1120. Launched in 1968 it measures a mere 2.45 in thickness making it one of the world’s thinnest automatic movements. The particular version found in this lot features a Gyromax balance and is stamped with the prestigious Geneva seal, attesting of the high quality and superlative finish of the movement.

    The present Vacheron Constantin American 1921 is both edgy and sophisticated; it bears the lucky number 7 and would be the perfect addition to a collection of contemporary haute horlogerie from one of the most prestigious makers.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.

    Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.

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Σ109

Ref. 43045
A highly unusual and extremely rare limited edition perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases, fitted box and guarantee

2008
40mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€25,900-43,200
$31,000-51,700

Sold for CHF57,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017