In the pantheon of horological milestones, few timepieces encapsulate the zeitgeist of their era as evocatively as Vacheron Constantin’s 222. Initially unveiled in 1977 to commemorate the Maison’s 222nd anniversary, the model represented a decisive departure from established norms, eschewing the traditional utilitarianism of contemporary sports watches in favour of an integrated aesthetic language that blurred the boundaries between formal elegance and sportive allure. Conceived by Jorg Hysek, the 222 was not merely a commemorative piece; rather, it signified a pivotal stylistic shift within Vacheron Constantin’s oeuvre, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into the celebrated Overseas collection nearly two decades later. Today, we have a look at the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel.
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Steel, while meticulously faithful to its iconic predecessor from 1977, incorporates subtle yet meaningful design refinements that distinguish it from the original Jumbo 222. These nuanced adjustments reflect contemporary horological sensibilities, blending historical authenticity with modern practicality.
A simple dial
The dial of the Historiques 222 Steel is an exercise in refined understatement. Rendered in a captivating shade of blue, it serves as a canvas upon which subtle yet deliberate enhancements have been articulated. The date aperture has been judiciously repositioned towards the dial’s centre, alleviating previous encroachments upon the minute track and thus yielding a visual coherence that is both purposeful and aesthetically balanced.
The applied hour markers and baton-style hands, crafted from polished white gold and generously coated with Super-LumiNova®, evoke historical authenticity through their off-white daylight appearance and lime-green nocturnal luminescence, a subtle homage to the vintage charm of tritium luminescence.
A beauty with gold accents
At the heart of this contemporary iteration resides Vacheron Constantin’s Calibre 2455/2. This self-winding mechanical movement, developed entirely within the Manufacture, comprises 194 components and operates at an elevated frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), a notable enhancement over its predecessor’s 2.75 Hz oscillation rate.
The calibre’s slender architecture, measuring merely 3.6 mm in thickness, facilitates a case profile of commendable finesse at just under eight millimetres total thickness. Furthermore, Calibre 2455/2 boasts a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and bears the distinguished Hallmark of Geneva certification, underscoring the meticulous hand-finishing and adherence to stringent horological criteria emblematic of Vacheron Constantin‘s rigorous standards.
A slender case in steel
The original Jumbo 222 featured a monobloc case construction, machined from a single solid piece of metal, which necessitated inserting the movement from above. In contrast, the new Historiques 222 Steel employs a conventional three-piece case design with a separate sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. This modern configuration allows visibility of the decorated Calibre 2455/2 movement but results in a slight increase in thickness, from 7.00 mm originally to 7.95 mm in the contemporary version
The stainless steel case of this Historiques 222 re-edition measures 37 mm in diameter and presents itself with an understated yet assertive presence on the wrist. Its construction has been refined to incorporate contemporary ergonomic considerations while preserving iconic design elements such as the fluted bezel and monobloc architecture.
A sapphire crystal exhibition caseback grants visual access to the lovely finished Calibre 2455/2 movement, adorned with an oscillating weight engraved with the original “222” insignia, a subtle homage to its historical lineage. An important note is the Maltese cross with 270 years note and the Hallmark of Geneva signalising the anniversary piece – although the watch is not limited in numbers, only the piece produced this year will bear this combo.
The bracelet exhibits vertical satin finishing complemented by polished facets; its redesigned triple-blade folding clasp discreetly conceals attachment pins, enhancing both tactile comfort and visual refinement. The Maltese cross emblem, executed in contrasting 18K yellow gold at five o’clock on the case flank, serves as an eloquent nod to the brand’s heritage.
This stainless steel iteration of the Historiques 222 embodies Vacheron Constantin‘s enduring commitment to harmonising technical virtuosity with aesthetic sophistication. By revisiting this historically significant model within a contemporary context, Vacheron Constantin underscores its adeptness at synthesising tradition with modernity, a testament to its uninterrupted lineage since Jean-Marc Vacheron’s foundational act in 1755.
With its discreet dimensions, ergonomic enhancements, and robust yet refined construction, the Historiques 222 Steel exemplifies not only a profound respect for historical authenticity but also an understanding of contemporary wearability demands, thus reaffirming Vacheron Constantin’s enduring dialogue between past mastery and present-day sophistication.
On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel makes a fantastic everyday companion – sportive yet muted with an elegant note specific to the brand’s steel watches. The watch will be acceptable to an entire range of attires, and nobody will give you a side eye for adorning with it even a more serious, evening sartorial. It bears the weight of steel with pride without becoming tiresome.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Technical Specifications
Reference 4200H/222A-B934 – CHF 32.000 / 34.700 € / £30,800 / CN¥266,000 / S$46,100 / $32,000 Excluding Tax
Indications
- Hours, minutes, date
Movement
- Calibre 2455/2
- Developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
- Mechanical, self-winding, 22K 3N yellow gold dedicated oscillating weight
- 26.2 mm (11¼‘’’) diameter, 3.6 mm thick
- Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
- 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour)
- 194 components
- 27 jewels
- Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Case
- Stainless steel
- 37 mm diameter, 7.95 mm thick
- 18K yellow gold Maltese cross placed at 5 o’clock
- Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
- Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial
- Blue
- White gold polished Maltese cross applied to the dial
- White gold hour-markers and hands highlighted with Supe-LumiNova®
- (off-white during the day and lime green at night)
Bracelet
- Stainless steel, vertical satin finished
- Buckle: Stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp
- Polished half Maltese cross-shape
Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in continuous production for 270 years, faithfully perpetuating a proud heritage of watchmaking excellence and stylistic sophistication through generations of master craftsmen.
At the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie and understated elegance, the Maison creates timepieces with unique technical and aesthetic signatures, and an extremely high level of finishing touches.
Vacheron Constantin brings to life unparalleled heritage and a spirit of innovation through its collections: Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Métiers d’Art, Overseas, Fiftysix, Historiques and Égérie. It also offers its discerning clientele of connoisseurs the rare opportunity to acquire vintage pieces within the Les Collectionneurs assortment, as well as unique and bespoke timepieces by means of its Les Cabinotiers department.
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