Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1977 Reference No: 44018 Movement No: 685'208 Case No: 522'120 Model Name: 222 "Jumbo" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming date of Manufacture in 1977, fitted box, service papers and 2 extra links.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin’s reference 44018 -better known as the 222- was launched in 1977 for the brand’s 222th anniversary and it stands apart from the other two iconic sport leisure watches of the 1970s that are the Royal Oak and the Nautilus as it was not designed by Gerald Genta but by the young Jorg Hysek , who gave the watch a slightly more cutting edge flair. Hysek was only 24 years old when the 222 launched – incidentally, Jean-Marc Vacheron was 24 years old when he first officially founded Vacheron Constantin on September 17th 1755.
Its tonneau case features 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. Within the 222 lies the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 1121, Vacheron’s take on the renowned Jaeger LeCoultre calibre 920 used in the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
New research shows that during its 7 year production run the 222 "Jumbo" was made in less than 500 pieces in steel, around 150 in yellow gold and less than 100 in steel/yellow gold.
In overall very attractive condition the present watch is part of the earliest examples known as it was made in 1977, the first year of production of the 222.
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.