While some watches make history, others redefine it. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is one of a select few watches that does both simultaneously. Launched in 1977 to mark the maison’s 222nd year, the original 222 was ahead of its time. Jörg Hysek’s creation broke convention in combining luxury with sportiness—a departure from the era’s utilitarian sports watches made mainly for pilots, divers, and explorers.
With that, Vacheron Constantin presented a new style language with its quintessentially 1970s design, confirming its position as a leader in luxury steel sports watches. Now, to kick off its 270th-anniversary celebrations this year, Vacheron Constantin introduces the Historiques 222 in stainless steel, a stunning tribute to an era-defining timepiece reimagined for the modern connoisseur.
“The 222 is a legendary timepiece and is greatly appreciated by collectors, not least because its initial production run in the late 1970s was quite limited. In 2022, a numerically symbolic year, we presented a Historiques 222 edition in yellow gold. The jumbo version in stainless steel is the next logical step,” explains Chief Marketing Officer, Alexandra Vogler.
Keeping its original DNA, the new Historiques 222 retains its restrained elegance, angular proportions, and minimalist aesthetic. With a 37-mm stainless steel monobloc case, it boasts the same balanced proportions that make it wearable, as well as a fluted bezel and an integrated bracelet.
With subtle refinements, it also meets today’s exacting standards of comfort, precision, and aesthetic finesse. As a result of its legendary calibre 1120, the 1977 original boasted a slim profile. Powering the new iteration is an automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, the 2455/2. Since it operates at a higher frequency of 4Hz than the original’s 2.75Hz, it is more precise.
The caseback, engraved with a signature commemorating Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, reveals the exquisite movement in a transparent sapphire crystal window. The watch is impressively thin at just 3.6mm, along with a slightly smaller diameter. The oscillating weight, which bears the original 222 logo and echoes the bezel’s fluted motif, is a refined addition that collectors will appreciate.
A second significant update lies in the bracelet’s construction, which seamlessly blends beauty with functionality. Previously visible pins have been replaced with concealed joints, improving both aesthetics and ergonomics. As for the clasp, a new triple-blade design replaces the original twin-blade, providing better security.
Visually, the dial exhibits Vacheron Constantin’s understated elegance. The deep blue hue, a hallmark of its contemporary sports watches, contrasts beautifully with the white gold hour markers and hands. The date window has moved slightly closer to the centre, so it does not interrupt the minutes track and preserves the dial’s balanced proportions.
An elegant vintage font adorns the “Automatic” inscription, while Super-LumiNova-coated hands and hour markers are reminiscent of historical timepieces using tritium, appearing off white by day and vivid lime-green at night.
With the Historiques 222 in stainless steel, the maison also exhibits its mastery of finishing techniques. A combination of vertical satin-brushing and polishing creates a captivating play of light that accentuates the watch’s architectural lines. Every detail—crown, bezel, and bracelet—has been meticulously refined, reinforcing its quiet confidence and status as a true collector’s piece.
In addition, Vacheron Constantin reaffirms its commitment to craftsmanship and design evolution rather than reviving a cult classic. In Vogler’s words, “The distinctive character of the 222 has made it one of Vacheron Constantin’s most recognisable models over the last few decades. By kicking off our 270th anniversary with this iconic new timepiece—one that is vintage yet resolutely contemporary—the maison is weaving past and present together.”
Aficionados know that Vacheron Constantin doesn’t follow trends, and the new Historiques 222 is proof of that. Its philosophy emphasises value over hype, subtlety over ostentation, and heritage over fads.
This is a timepiece that is as rich in history as it is in technical prowess, which makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a model with both.
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