Launched in 1977 to commemorate the firm’s 222nd anniversary, reference 222 has become one of the most immediately recognizable timepieces regardless of brand. Developed in the midst of the quartz crisis, this was Vacheron Constantin’s reply to the increasing demand of watches with high wearability and sturdiness. Contemporary with two other iconic watches, the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, the three watches share the same design philosophy and the same ultra-thin caliber 1121 but differ from one very important point: their designer. While Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet commissioned Gérald Genta, Vacheron Constantin turned to another successful and talented watch designer: Jörg Hysek. It was he to design their crossover watch from luxury to sport.
In production for only 7 years, reference 222 was available in steel, gold or like the present watch in steel and gold of which only 120 were made. Despite the fact that this model was designed as a sports watch to endure the reality of extensive wear, this watch has been extremely well preserved and seems to have lived a very peaceful and quiet life for the past 30 plus years. Will the present lot start a new life of adventure and sports or will it continue to be cared for and protected? That will be up to its future owner to decide!