Vacheron Constantin presents a contemporary re-edition of the 37 mm 18K yellow gold 222 "Jumbo”. The 222 was an emblematic sporty-chic model launched in 1977 that marked a turning point in Vacheron Constantin's classic creations and that was designed by Jorg Hysek —not by Gérald Genta as many like to believe. For this reinterpretation, Vacheron Constantin maintained all the original design cues down to the case size but added a new type of clasp —triple-blade rather than double-blade— to the bracelet, as well as a display case back that allows for a full view of the new-generation calibre 2455/2.
In addition to being a new model with an integrated bracelet, the 222 watch launched in 1977 introduced a functional architecture with its flat base topped by a prominent fluted bezel. Its monobloc case, which required the movement to be cased-up from above, was water-resistant to 120 meters thanks to its screw-down bezel. The 222 boasted exemplary thinness at 7 mm, thanks to its ultra-thin movement measuring barely 3.05 mm and driving indications of the hours, minutes, and date. The baton-type hands and straight hour-markers similar to the 1963 reference 6782 Turnograph watch confirmed an understated and refined aesthetic while exuding an impression of robustness thanks to its bracelet screwed to the case middle and featuring large hexagonal central links. Initially presented in a 37 mm version nicknamed "Jumbo", the 222 was subsequently interpreted in 34 mm and 24 mm steel, yellow gold, or two-tone iterations, polished or gem-set but always adorned with the Maison’s Maltese cross emblem nestling in the right-hand corner of the case at 5 o'clock. Remaining in limited production until 1985, the 222 belongs to the legend of the first sporty-chic watches in watchmaking history.
Things to Know About the Watch
This re-edition in the Historiques collection is faithful to the original model, albeit with a few adjustments in the interests of comfort and enhanced reliability. The case still features the Maltese cross emblem at 5 o'clock and the aesthetic codes of the initial 222 model have been respected including a gold-toned dial with straight hour-markers and baton-type hands. For this watch, the markers and hands have superluminova instead of the tritium used back in the day. The execution of this watch is so flawless, that perusing the watch in the metal felt like handling a safe queen from 1977. With its monobloc flat top-shaped case topped by a fluted bezel, the new Vacheron Constantin 222 is equipped with one of the most comfortable bracelets out there and one of the nicest ones. For the reissue, the articulation of the bracelet has been redesigned to ensure a more ergonomic feel and not a single hair gets pinched.
An additional subtle change made to the Historiques 222 is that the date window has been significantly offset from the outer rim of the dial to enhance legibility, thanks to the slightly smaller diameter of the calibre compared with its predecessor.
"Above and beyond its status as an icon, the 222 watch is a wonderful tribute to the work of our designers and engineers, and an illustration of their ability to perpetuate the avant-garde spirit of our Maison.” Louis Ferla, CEO Vacheron Constantin
"The 222 watch crystallises the spirit of the 1970s, marked by an evolution of design towards something more authentic, more personal or even more ‘disordered’, as well as endowed with character and organic shapes.” Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage
"I wanted to design an elegant sporty timepiece while striking the right balance between these two elements to fit in with Vacheron Constantin's classic and refined universe.” Jorg Hysek, Designer
The Movement
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222has an exhibition back serving to reveal the new-generation in-house Calibre 2455/2 featuring a 22K gold oscillating weight redesigned for this model engraved with the original 222 logo and surrounded by a fluted motif echoing the bezel. This new generation automatic movement also operates at a frequency of 4 Hz —28,800 vph— instead of 2.75 Hz of the original model and provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 wears slightly larger and more like a 38 mm watch. The bracelet is extremely comfortable and this new watch feels like a time capsule timepiece that came out of a safe after being locked in it since the seventies. For sure one of our favorite releases at Watches & Wonders 2022. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is exclusively sold through Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
Sticker Price $62,500 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
