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

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1986
    Reference No: 44018/411
    Movement No: 719'652
    Case No: 549'177
    Model Name: 222
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121/1, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1986, and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Officially released in 1977, the Vacheron Constantin reference 44018- better known as the 222 – was launched for the brand’s 222th anniversary. Contrary to popular belief, the 222 was not design by the famed Gerald Genta but by the young Jorg Hysek, who remarkably was only 24 years old when the model was launched. Reference 44018 was available in a 34mm 'mid-size' case, a 24mm quartz-powered case or 37mm "jumbo" case, like the present example. Available in stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold and two-tone, the model was certain to appeal to a wide range of clients.

    Extremely sleek and comfortable, the Vacheron Constantin 222 features a 37mm tonneau case with an ingenious one-piece construction opened by a screwed in porthole type fluted bezel giving it a 120m water resistance. Available only with an integrated bracelet of the same metal as the case, inside beats the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 1121, a caliber born from the alteration of the very same, ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 mechanism that was used in both the Nautilus and the Royal Oak.

    According to factory records, during its eight-year production life, less than 700 pieces in steel, around 150 in yellow gold and less than 100 in steel/yellow gold were made. The present Vacheron Constantin reference 44018 is in excellent condition, maintaining strong proportions and crisp bevel. Given the limited production, outstanding condition and exponential increase in interest in steel sports elegance from the 1970's, the present 222 is a rare and unique opportunity for the most discerning of collectors.

  • 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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176

Ref. 44018/411
A very rare and attractive yellow gold and stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, with presentation box

1986
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€26,000-52,000
$28,600-57,100

Sold for CHF63,500

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