Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1978 Reference No: 44'018 Movement No: 685'048 Case No: 521'927 Model Name: 222 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'''1121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter Signed: Case, movement, dial and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by its original "Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie" confirming the sale of the watch on October 8, 1982 and an Extract from the Archives, confirming date of manufacture in 1978 Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in "Micro – Portfolio of Images taken from Royal Vacheron Constantin"
Catalogue Essay
A watch for the non conformist and the revolutionary, the 222 was Vacheron Constantin's answer to the Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak and Patek Philippe's Nautilus. A casual chic luxury watch on bracelet launched in 1977 in celebration of the brand's 222nd anniversary. Contrary to popular belief and to the Royal Oak and Nautilus we owe the 222's disruptive design to the talent of Jorge Hysek and not Gerald Genta.
Documentation from the time states “Vacheron Constantin has introduced a functional, exclusive model to commemorate its own age. This code name masks a heart of gold: a calibre 1121 movement, driven by its rotor in 21k gold, an extra thin self winding design with shock protection. Born from the heart of the matter, noblest steel or purest gold, the 222 is entirely crafted by hand. Exclusive in form and function, it is designed for those who confront realities of today.”
The 222 was produced in 3 variations: steel, gold/steel and all gold and in 2 case sizes (38mm and 34mm in quartz). Its case is somewhat tonneau shaped with a clever one piece construction opened by a screwed in porthole type fluted bezel giving it a 120m water resistance. The 222 was available only with an integrated bracelet of the same metal as the case.
Produced for only 7 years the 222 was made in about 500 pieces in all metal combinations and it is believed that the all gold model is in fact the one with lowest production numbers with no more than 100 made. Accompanied by its original certificate, the present lot is in almost untouched condition and a perfect timepiece for the collector looking for a dash of 1970s flamboyance.
The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.