Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 44018/411
    Movement No: 684745
    Case No: 522027
    Model Name: 222
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1977.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1977 to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the Vacheron Constantin, the reference 44018, otherwise known as the Vacheron Constantin 222, is part of what would later would be known as the “Holy Three” of watch models. Such trilogy was composed of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak from 1972, Patek Philippe Nautilus from 1976 and Vacheron Constantin 222 from 1977. Often believed to have been designed by Gerald Genta, this myth is slowly dying out as more people realize that the 222 was in fact the work of the young and brilliant watch designer Jörg Hysek.

    The Vacheron Constantin 222 was available in either stainless steel, yellow gold or a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. Made in incredibly low production numbers and produce for only seven short years, research shows that the stainless steel model, like the present example, was made in less than 500 examples. Its tonneau case features a clever one-piece construction opened by a screwed in porthole type fluted bezel giving it a 120m water resistance.

    Within the 222 lies the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 1121, Vacheron Constantin’s modified version of the renowned Jaeger LeCoultre calibre 920 also used in the earliest Patek Philippe Nautilus models and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo”.

    The present Vacheron Constantin reference 44018 is preserved in excellent overall condition and is ideal for the discerning collector seeking the uncommon.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    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.

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174

Ref. 44018/411
A very fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date and integrated bracelet

1977
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€31,200-62,500
$34,300-68,500

Sold for CHF88,900

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023