It is one of the showstoppers at this year’s Watches & Wonders and bound to become a collectors’ piece: Vacheron Constantin’s contemporary re-edition of the 37-mm diameter yellow gold Historiques 222. Sporty yet chic when launched in 1977, the 222 marked a turning point in Vacheron Constantin’s classic creations, preceding the now super popular Overseas collection in its integrated design. Designed by the famous Jorg Hysek, it was distinguished by 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.
This was an impressive number for an everyday watch with the indication of hours, minutes, and date. Similarly stunning was the height of just 7mm and the integrated bracelet. The baton-type hands and straight hour markers were also in line with the zeitgeist of this decade that was shaken by the advent of the quartz caliber.
As to be expected, the re-edition which is part of the Historiques collection, staying faithful to the original model, albeit with a few adjustments in terms of comfort and reliability. The case adorned with a Maltese cross emblem at 5 o’clock has now an exhibition back showing off the new-generation in-house caliber 2455/2 in all its beauty.
The automatic movement, operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, is equipped with an oscillating weight that was redesigned and engraved with “222”. As is bon ton at Vacheron Constantin, it bears the Poinçon de Genève.
The signatures of the first 222 are particularly evident in the watch face: The gold-toned dial with straight hour-markers and baton-type hands whose luminescence takes on a green-tinted hue at night, in reference to the tritium used on the original 222.
Pricing for the Historiques 222 is marked at $62,500, with availability exclusively through Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
To learn more, visit Vacheron Constantin, here.
