The new steel version of the Historiques 222 opens the year of Vacheron Constantin's 270th anniversary celebrations.
It was first launched in 1977 on the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin: The 222, with its bold design by Jorg Hysek, marked the manufacture's entry into the world of sporty-chic watches with integrated bracelets. Re-launched in 2022, this model is back on the market with an updated interpretation of its 37 mm Jumbo version within the Historiques collection, which reinterprets the most beautiful expressions of the brand's past in a contemporary key. Completely in yellow gold, however, and not in steel, like the initial version and as many expected.
Steel, on the other hand, the House has kept it in store for an important anniversary, the 270th anniversary celebrations, during which Vacheron is planning numerous events and launches. And it is the return of the 222 steel to open the dances: "Inaugurating its 270th anniversary with this emblematic, vintage yet resolutely contemporary watch, the Maison interweaves past and present. Over the course of 2025, the Historiques 222 will be followed by other new models," said Alexandra Vogler, Chief Marketing Officer of Vacheron Constantin.
The 222 steel yesterday and today
Vacheron Constantin updates a historic design and transports it into the new millennium.
Like the gold re-edition, the 222 in steel is faithful to the original with some updates. Ihe sapphire case back increased the thickness to 7.95 mm and limited the water resistance to 5 atmospheres, in contrast to the 12 in the one-piece case of the '77 model.
The movement is a new generation, 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 power reserve of 40 hours.
The oscillating weight is engraved with the original 222 logo, surrounded by a fluted motif that echoes the bezel. The integrated bracelet, a characteristic feature of the sport/chic category, has a revised constriction compared to its origins for the benefit of improved comfort and ergonomicswith redesigned joints to hide the pins and give greater flexibility.
Steel and blue dial: a perfect match
Since 1977, an icon of sporty/chic watchmaking by Vacheron Constantin.
The dial is blue, linking up with the original 1977 steel versions. The date window has been moved towards the centre, so as not to encroach on the space of the chapter ring.
The SuperLuminova coating on the hands and indices (ivory white by day and lime green by night) recalls the tritium tone used in historical clocks. Vacheron Constantin's 222 stands the test of time and brings one of the great watchmaking classics of the 1970s back into play.
Price35,600 euro.
