Vacheron Constantin Kicks Off its Milestone Anniversary With a Steel Historiques 222
The watch year 2025 promises to be a good one, with several prestigious brands celebrating important anniversaries with the prospect of sophisticated special editions. Among them are Breguet (250 years), Audemars Piguet (150 years) and Vacheron Constantin (270 years). The latter is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world, with an uninterrupted horological history since its foundation in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron. To mark the start of the celebrations, Vacheron Constantin is presenting a bold tribute to its rich history and a response to the desires of many watch enthusiasts: the Historiques 222 in stainless steel.
The original 222 was conceived to commemorate Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary in 1977 and designed by the visionary Jorg Hysek. With its water-resistance of 120 meters, integrated bracelet, monobloc case, signature fluted bezel, and elegant silhouette, it was an engineering marvel that stood out in the world of 1970s sports watches. Additionally, its slender profile— measuring just 7mm— was a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s mastery of ultra-thin movements. Powered by the Caliber 1120, measuring a mere 3.05mm and the world’s thinnest full-rotor automatic movement at the time, the 222 was a triumph of both form and function.
Much to the delight of collectors and enthusiasts, the Maison launched a yellow gold re-edition in the 37-mm "jumbo" format at Watches and Wonders 2022, which was enthusiastically received. Three years later, it is complemented by the Historiques 222 in stainless steel with a striking blue dial. The new edition preserves the distinctive design elements that made the original so iconic, while, like the gold edition, incorporating several key technical upgrades that enhance both performance and wearability.
On the dial, which is furnished with white gold hour-markers and hands that luminescent at night, Vacheron Constantin has made subtle but thoughtful changes. The date window has been repositioned toward the center, preventing it from disrupting the minutes track— a more harmonious and balanced design choice. The “AUTOMATIC” inscription now features a vintage font, a nostalgic touch that recalls the tritium markings of historical Vacheron Constantin timepieces.
One of the most notable changes is the redesigned bracelet, now secured by a triple-blade clasp, which improves both ergonomics and aesthetics. The hexagonal center links of the bracelet are more refined, with the visible pins discreetly hidden, enhancing the overall smoothness of the bracelet’s flow. They feature a combination of a vertical brushed and polished finish, just like the case that has a water-resistance rating of 50m. With a height of 7.95mm, it retains the slender proportions of the original.
The case back which bears a signature representing Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, has been fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal to reveal the in-house Caliber 2455/2, which also powers the yellow gold 222. Running at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz), the self-winding time-and-date manufacture movement measuring only 3.6mm thick boasts a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. It goes without saying that the Caliber 2455/2 is finished to the highest standards of the time-honored manufacture and in accordance with the prestigious Geneva Seal. In addition, its solid 22k yellow gold oscillating weight is engraved with the original 222 logo and adorned with a fluting motif that mirrors the notched rim of the bezel.
Vacheron Constantin made a stunning entrance to its anniversary celebrations with the release of the Historiques 222 in steel. Stay tuned for more exciting introductions throughout the year as the brand continues to honor its rich legacy with innovative timepieces.
The Historiques 222 will retail for $32,000.
To learn more, visit Vacheron Constantin, here.
