Vacheron Constantin - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1979
    Reference No: 44018/411
    Movement No: 685'508
    Case No: 536'705
    Model Name: 222
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin, max length 190mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold folding clasp, stamped GF
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract form the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1979

  • Catalogue Essay

    The 1970s proved an auspicious period in the history of watchmaking. Swiss manufacturers of quality mechanical movements struggled against a tide of clientele seeking quartz movements. Informality replaced formality, and men and women became more active and sport oriented. Vacheron Constantin released the 222 in 1977, celebrating its 222nd anniversary, with the active wearer in mind. The designer Jörg Hysek created a modern and casual bracelet watch with a stylish feel but at the same time exceptional, meeting the demands of Vacheron’s discriminating clients. The firm continued production of the 222 in gold, stainless steel and gold and steel until 1985. This iconic watch became an inspiration for the next classic sports model released by the firm in 1996 - the Overseas. One of only 100 gold examples produced, this luxurious all gold example of a 222 is in mint condition with sharp lines and a fully defined case as it originally left the factory. The iconic "222" symbol engraved on the case back is crisp and perfectly preserved. Housing Vacheron’s caliber 1121, based on the legendary Jaeger LeCoultre JLC 920 automatic movement, the 222 has become one of the most sought after sports watches from this decade. The oversized case has a masculinity that today will be appreciated by both men and women.

  • 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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Ref. 44018/411
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with date and bracelet

1979
38mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 20,000 
€13,800-18,400
$15,500-20,600

Sold for CHF27,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016