Might there be another “Roaring Twenties” at the end of the dreadful pandemic era that has ushered in this decade" It’s too early to say as of yet, but if so, Vacheron Constantin has created the perfect timepiece for celebrating. The Historiques American 1921 takes its Art Deco design DNA from a timepiece issued by the historic Swiss manufacture exactly 100 years ago, at the dawn of the 1920s, the last century’s first festive decade of economic prosperity and cultural boldness. The latest versions, which follow up the original Historiques American released in 2009, is offered in three precious-metal variations, two in 18k white gold and a third in platinum, as part of Vacheron’s haut-de-gamme Collection Excellence Platine.
The watch that directly inspired the Historiques American 1921 actually has its origins in 1919, during Vacheron’s period of experimenting with unconventional case shapes. Two years later, a revised version of that original model was produced in a small series specifically for the United States (hence the name “American”), and was distinguished by its cushion-shaped case, the 45-degree counterclockwise tilt of its dial, its crown between 1 and 2 o’clock, and its ornate Art Deco hour numerals. The popularity of this off-center design coincided with the rise of the automobile: drivers could check the time at a glance without moving their hands from the steering wheel.

The two whit...