Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222

The Historiques collection from Vacheron Constantin has been expanded with the 222 model, a modern reissue of the legendary watch. Vacheron Constantin is re-releasing its legendary 222 model, released in 1977 for the 222nd anniversary of the House. The bold design of the watch, created by Jorg Haysek, was a turning point in the history of the Manufactory. In keeping with the spirit of the Historiques collection, this new watch highlights the rich aesthetic and cultural heritage of Vacheron Constantin in a modern interpretation.

“In addition to its icon status, the 222 is a wonderful tribute to the work of our designers and engineers, as well as an illustration of their ability to perpetuate the avant-garde spirit of our Home,” Louis Ferla, CEO of Vacheron Constantin.

For antique watch collectors, 222 is not a common number. It refers to the legendary watch, a symbol of the era, as well as a milestone in the history of Vacheron Constantin. With the 222 watch, presented on the occasion of the 222nd anniversary 45 years ago, the House presented a sports watch, adding to the collection. During the previous decade, sports models were developed for active people, especially “professional” watches designed for use by pilots and divers. At the same time, luxury watches occupied the “costume” segment.

This was in the 1970s, a period marked by increased competition from quartz watches. With the model 222, Vacheron Constantin has contributed to a new approach to the mechanical heart of the watch. This model clearly marked a turning point in the stylistic evolution of the House: the sporting codes of watchmaking are embodied in watches with clear lines and sharp angles, but consistently elegant.

In 1963, Vacheron Constantin introduced his first model adapted to the unforeseen circumstances of working life: the Turnograph reference. The name comes from the rotating bezel in both directions with a 15-minute graduated scale. The shape of the club-type arms and the geometry of its straight hour markers did not go unnoticed, although the model had a relatively short service life.

In 1975, the House made a new breakthrough in the field of city clocks, releasing the Chronomètre Royal model number 42001. A specially shaped case combined with a rounded octagonal bezel — the first Vacheron Constantin watch made of steel with an integrated bracelet opened up new perspectives of style. This was confirmed two years later by the release of 222, designed by Jorg Hysek, whose modern style retains the elegance and attention to detail inherent in Vacheron Constantin.

“I wanted to create an elegant sports watch, to find the right balance between these two elements, to fit into the classic style of Vacheron Constantin and their exquisite universe,” – Jorg Hajsek, designer.

The 222 watch, released in 1977, was not only a new model with a built-in bracelet, but also had a functional architecture with a flat base topped by a prominent fluted bezel. The monoblock case was waterproof up to 120 meters thanks to the screw-down bezel. The Model 222 featured an exemplary thickness of 7 mm. Inside was an ultra-thin mechanism with a thickness of only 3.05 mm with hour, minute and date indicators.

The hands and straight hour markers are similar to those in the 1963 Turnograph 6782 watch with a restrained and sophisticated aesthetic. But at the same time, the impression of strength is created thanks to a bracelet with large hexagonal central links attached to the middle of the case. Originally presented in a 37mm version, nicknamed “Jumbo,” the 222 has subsequently been interpreted in 34mm and 24mm stainless steel, yellow gold, or two-tone versions, polished or decorated with precious stones. The exterior design always displays the Maltese symbols of the watch House. The emblem in the form of a cross is located in the right corner of the case at the “5 o’clock” position. Produced in a limited series until 1985, the Reference 222 belongs to the legend of the first “sporty chic” watches in the history of watchmaking.

Vacheron Constantin offers an updated interpretation of this legendary model in his Historiques collection. The model 222 is available in an 18-carat yellow gold case. In accordance with the spirit of the Historiques collection, the watches are not identical copies of the original watches, but modern interpretations endowed with the latest technical achievements, improved, aimed at optimizing their reliability and comfort on the wrist.

“The 222 watch crystallizes the spirit of the 1970s, marks the evolution of design towards something more authentic, more personal or even more ‘messy’, and is also endowed with character and organic shapes,” Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage.

Several minor changes have been made to the Historiques 222 watch:
– the movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations / hour) and is equipped with a 40-hour power reserve (compared to 2.75 Hz for the original model), the caliber 2455/2 provides increased accuracy.
– The 2455/2 caliber rotor was specially designed for this model, it is engraved with the original 222 logo, which is surrounded by a fluted motif repeating the bezel.
– The back cover is transparent to show the caliber.
– Finishing: crown and bracelet with vertical satin finish; round satin bezel and polished hour markers, gears and chamfered bridges decorated with the Côte de Genève motif, as well as platinum with circular grain — reveal the attention to every detail that characterizes the world of Fine watchmaking.
– There is a vintage “AUTOMATIC” lettering on the dial.
– The date window has been significantly shifted from the outer edge of the dial to improve readability due to the slightly smaller diameter of the Caliber compared to its predecessor.
– Super-LumiNova® coating of hands and hour markers (light white during the day and lemon green at night) also provides improved readability.
– The bracelet is equipped with a three-rather than a two-fold clasp.
– The joints of the bracelet have been revised to hide visible pins and improve wrist comfort.

Technical specifications Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222

diameter 37 mm, height 7.95 mm, 18-karat yellow gold case with polished inserts: 18-karat gold fluted bezel, white gold Maltese cross at 5 o’clock, sapphire crystal front and back, 50 m water resistant