Vacheron Constantin is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic "American 1921" model, a symbol of the bold creativity that defined the 1920s. To mark the occasion, the brand is hosting "Classic with a Twist," an exhibition of its free-spirited archive pieces from the early 20th century, at the Vacheron Constantin Ginza Boutique until October 11, 2021 (Monday).

Vacheron Constantin is holding "Classic with a Twist," an exhibition of archive pieces, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the "American 1921," an iconic watch highly sought after by collectors.

From the 1910s to the 1930s, Vacheron Constantin was renowned for its dedication to extraordinary artistic creation. The diverse "Forme" cases (non-round cases) and special designs showcased in this exhibition reflect an exciting era in the brand's history.

"Classic with a Twist" – a blend of tradition and playfulness – demonstrates Vacheron Constantin's prolific creativity and unique style, evident in its unconventional shapes that boldly employed various forms, designs, and geometric patterns amidst the Roaring Twenties and the Art Deco movement, as well as in several special and off-center displays.

Until the end of the 19th century, wristwatches were considered mere accessories for women. However, with the dawn of the 20th century, their practicality and comfort for telling time on the wrist gained recognition, captivating men as well. Vacheron Constantin foresaw the potential of wrist-worn styles and created a women's bracelet watch in a bangle form in 1889. This is likely the oldest wristwatch manufactured within the Maison's archives.

Remarkable advancements in miniaturizing movements enabled an astonishing variety of avant-garde case shapes, leading to the creation of highly original watches in barrel, lozenge, rectangular, cushion, oval, and curved-from-the-side forms. "Classic with a Twist" features archive pieces created between the 1910s and 1920s, allowing visitors to admire all the iconic case shapes that continue to be developed today.

The "Ref. 10242," a square wristwatch manufactured in 1917, is crafted from 18K yellow gold. Its shape reflects the geometric design trends prevalent in architecture and art during the 1910s, marking an innovative departure from traditional round pocket watches.

The "Ref. 11144," produced in 1919, is a pointed lozenge-shaped wristwatch. The sleek lines of its 18K yellow gold case are complemented by bold Arabic numerals in black enamel and a finely grained silver-toned dial, creating a striking and original aesthetic. A supple 18K yellow gold bracelet wraps the wrist like fine jewelry.

The "Ref. 11507," a cushion-shaped wristwatch manufactured in 1919, is one of Vacheron Constantin's pioneering designs conceived for comfortable wear on the wrist.

Also from 1919, the "Ref. 12131" features a cushion-shaped case with the crown positioned between 1 and 2 o'clock. It is powered by the 11-ligne RA New American caliber, with the crown on the right side of the case. The small seconds subdial is located between 7 and 8 o'clock, diagonally opposite the crown.

The barrel-shaped "Ref. 10357," manufactured in 1922, exemplifies the growing trend of the wristwatch as a form of jewelry and an everyday accessory. Its curved 18K yellow gold case houses a finely grained dial, adorned with elegant Arabic numerals in black enamel and a minute track along the periphery.

The "Ref. 11487," produced in 1928, showcases a beautiful proportion that brings added elegance to the wrist, thanks to the miniaturization of its movement. The case back is engraved with the name of E.E. Robert New York, Vacheron Constantin's agent in the United States, indicating the appeal of this type of watch to American clientele.

The ultra-thin pocket watch "Ref. 10152," from 1929, features an ingenious complication patented by Robert Carrick in the late 1920s and known as the "Chronoscope." It incorporates a jumping hour display, with the hour indicated in a window at 12 o'clock, and the minutes shown by a mysterious arrow-shaped index that rotates along the dial. These special displays highlight the breadth of creativity achieved through Vacheron Constantin's sophisticated craftsmanship.

The "Ref. 10164," manufactured in 1929, is also known as a "Surprise Watch," utilizing the principle of the shutter watch patented by Verger Frères. This small jewel, designed for portability in a handbag or pocket, or for use on a desk, is crafted from white gold and adorned with ten cabochon-cut rubies on each side.

The "Classic with a Twist" exhibition, set against the backdrop of the 1910s to 1930s and the era of transatlantic travel, delves into the prevailing tastes and the growing popularity of wrist-worn watches. It also illuminates Vacheron Constantin's pivotal period of innovation, where the brand masterfully blended technique and style to achieve unexpected aesthetic expressions, striking a perfect balance between the traditional and the unconventional.