The legendary 222 is back (at last, we might say), launched in 1977 to mark Vacheron Constantin's 222nd anniversary. The House is reintroducing what was then the bold design by Jorg Hysek, which marked the manufacture's entry into the world of sporty-chic watches. Its re-edition offers an updated interpretation in its 37 mm Jumbo version in yellow gold, as part of the Historiques collection, which reinterprets the finest expressions of the brand's past in a contemporary key. Faithful to the original, it makes only a few changes, such as the new-generation movement, Calibre 2455/2, which guarantees greater precision thanks to a frequency of 4 Hz (equivalent to 28,800 vibrations per hour and higher than the 2.75 Hz of the '77 model) and a 40-hour power reserve. The oscillating weight was developed for this specific model and is engraved with the original 222 logo, surrounded by a fluted motif that echoes the bezel.
But this is not the only novelty from Vacheron Constantin at Watches and Wonders 2022. On the subject of complications, the Overseas collection presents its first skeleton tourbillon, available in pink gold or grade 5 titanium. A material, the latter, that represents a major innovation: it is the company's first model to be made entirely of titanium. The new calibre 2160 SQ is equipped with an original regulating organ featuring a balance spring with a Breguet terminal curve. The skeletonisation of the barrel reveals a cover in the shape of a compass rose, a motif unprecedented for the brand.
But this is not the only complicated Overseas, as the collection also welcomes an ultra-thin skeleton perpetual calendar (8.1 mm thick) with a rose gold case and blue dial. The new version of the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar chronograph, as part of the exclusively platinum limited editions of the Excellence Platine collection, is now offered with a salmon dial.
