The Buzz On Time

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine

THE WATCH THAT inspired Vacheron Constantin’s modern-day Historiques American 1921 collection dates from a century ago, during an optimistic and prosperous interwar period. It was the Roaring Twenties, the time of art deco and surrealism, the genesis of the Jazz Age, and when Hollywood’s silent films were taking the world by storm.

Sandrine Donguy, product marketing director at Vacheron Constantin, calls it a “trend towards liberalism”. Watches of that era were transitioning from pockets to wrists and shedding formal traditionalism for bold styles. “It’s also connected to what people were living at the time,” she says of the concurrent societal changes. “There’s this dimension of freedom, originality, boldness, that is expressed also in fashion… all the different industries had changed their direction and the way they talked to customers at that time. The American 1921 reflects this. It is no trench watch or navy diver or meant for a bomber pilot – it has an urban glamour to it that radiates still today.”

The 100th anniversary of this watch is marked by a 100-piece edition in platinum, part of the maison’s Collection Excellence Platine (€52,000), featuring a sandblasted platinum dial in a polished 40mm case. The numerals are not printed as they usually are, but are applied white gold, polished as well to maintain the contrast of textures. Even the dark blue alligator strap participates in the platinum theme, with stitching in a thread made out of silk and platinum.

The American 1921 looks as effortlessly stylish today as it did in 2008 and in 1921. There is something timeless to the curves of the case and the simplicity of the dial, but with a flair that is not found in traditionally bound timepieces, making it one of the most covetable watches in the Vacheron Constantin collection.

CARTIER

Cloche de Cartier

IF THERE WAS only one fact that could be gleaned from the Cartier Privé collection, it is that the maison is exceptionally gifted with shapes. Providing a hint as to what insane levels of creativity are buzzing through the air of its various workshops and ateliers, this is the creme de la creme of Cartier classical watchmaking. Each year it reveals a new shape and style from the past that was thoughtfully chosen and meticulously updated for the 21st century. In 2021, the maison revisits the one and only Cloche de Cartier.

“The Cloche de Cartier watch illustrates the maison’s approach to shape and how it is not just considered for its aesthetic but also by appreciating all of its possible evocations. It highlights the maison’s talent at playing with simple shapes and revealing their aesthetic potential,” says Pierre Rainero, director of image, style and heritage at Cartier.

Indeed, Collection Privé has been dominated by shapes ever since Crash, which was followed by Tank Cintrée, Tonneau and Tank Asymétrique. The bell-shaped Cloche de Cartier is its fifth opus and arguably one of the most unforgettable watches of all time. Those pure lines and sensuous curves