Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1983 Reference No: 46003 Movement No: 709'782 Case No: 557'939 Model Name: 222 Material: 18k gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1124 Bracelet/Strap: 18k gold Vacheron Constantin, max. length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Vacheron Constantin folding clasp, stamped GF Dimensions: 34mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1983.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin’s 222 wristwatch was produced in respond to the quartz crisis of the 1970s when a growing number of people were looking for convenient watches that require little to no maintenance and were sporty and rough enough for outdoor wear. Jörg Hysek’s design was both modern and casual and came in yellow gold like the present model, or in stainless steel. Today the model is and icon amongst collectors and the present watch is in wonderful original condition with sharp lug bevels, factory finish and no wear. There are icons amongst the watches of the 1970s and Vacheron’s 222 is at the top of that list. This is a chance to own one of the best preserved examples to come to market.
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.