109.
A highly unusual and extremely rare limited edition perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, ftted box and guarantee
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 Perpetual
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
Estimate CHF 30,000-50,000 Σ $31,000-51,700 €25,900-43,200 Accessories Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certifcate of Authenticity, Certifcate of Origin, Geneva Seal certifcate, product literature, ftted watch winder and cleaning cloth.
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 Originally made for the American market in 1919 (crown on the top lef of the case) and in 1921 (crown on the top right of the case) the American 1921 was made in 2008, in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.
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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 colour 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 fnish 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.
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