Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222

There are watches that make the front lines, and there are others that should make the front lines. 

Here, we have a watch from the latter category. 

Released in 1977, the 222 was the quiet celebration of Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary. The 222 was designed by watch industry legend Jorg Hysek. Hysek had moved to Geneva at a young age and quickly became enamored with watches. Hysek worked for Rolex for a number of years before creating his own design firm. Vacheron Constantin was one of his very first clients. 

Vacheron enlisted Jorg’s help to develop a watch that would celebrate the 222 anniversary. Vacheron was the oldest continually operating watch house in the world, so the anniversary was a significant milestone not only for the brand itself, but for the industry as a whole. 

This wasn’t to be Vacheron’s first sporty piece. That would have been the Chronomaster Royal Reference 2215, released in 1975. The 2215 was a complete failure upon its release, and was phased out within two years. The watch had a striking resemblance to a Nautilus style piece, and as a result of its rarity, has ironically become quite desirable today. Regardless, Vacheron felt an urgent need to replace the Chronomaster Royal, and felt no occasion more appropriate than the milestone year for the brand. 

In 1977, The 222 was launched based on the drawings of Hysek, and the watch was completed in-house. Coming one year after the Nautilus, and several after the Royal Oak, the 222 never quite achieved the hype and renown of the former two. That said, the design is perhaps just as interesting and deserving of respect and admiration. 

In 2022, Vacheron Constantin re-released the 222 as part of the coveted ‘Historiques’ collection. The 37mm yellow gold piece preserved the brilliant design, with its fluted bezel, angular case, unique bracelet, and slim wrist presence. This news brought a surge of interest in the 222. While still not as popular as the Royal Oak or Nautilus, arguably, the 222 never was trying to be those watches. In a modern context, I think the 222 has gained respect from a niche market of connoisseurs who appreciate the beauty of its magnificent design.

This example of the Historiques recreation is in beautiful condition, with its original boxes and papers dated to 2023. The Historiques resurrection of the 222 allows you to gain access to the design of the 222 with many of the modern luxuries of contemporary watchmaking, including sapphire crystals, an exhibition caseback, solid bracelet construction, and modern finishing standards. 

Discover what the legacy of the 222 is all about, and grasp why Vacheron has remained alive and thriving since 1755.

Few watchmakers can claim a lineage as long or as rich as that of Vacheron Constantin.
Established in 1755, the manufacture soon had a reputation for the elegance of its products, which included pocket watches with complicated movements and engine-turned dials. Even today, these are marks of a watchmaker’s expertise due to the skill and precision involved in crafting them. For Vacheron Constantin to have achieved such a feat in the eighteenth century is nothing short of remarkable.

This expertise carried the firm through the 19th century, earning it gold medals at National Exhibitions and blazing trails in the area of anti-magnetic timepieces. The 20th century saw further achievements, such as the opening of its boutique on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it still resides today.

Even through the Depression and the Second World War, when many watch companies were forced to band together with competitors or else face closure, the manufacture continued to thrive. Whether via its vintage-inspired Historiques collection or its adventurous Overseas line, modern Vacheron Constantin is a horological force to be reckoned with.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.