Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 44018
    Movement No: 684’900
    Case No: 522’197
    Model Name: 222
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin integrated bracelet, max length 190 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Vacheron Constantin Extract of Archives

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched as a celebration of the brand’s 222nd anniversary, the 222 model, with the reference number 44018, has become one of the most iconic and recognizable timepieces over the past 40 years. While Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus series in 1976, Vacheron Constantin turned to Jörg Hysek for the design of their first luxury sports wristwatch - the 222 model. The thin, tonneau-shaped case was one piece, and had a clever design with the screw down fluted bezel, which enclosed the movement and made it water resistant to 120 meters. The integrated bracelet further bestows upon the watch an unmissable retro aura. The watch is housed with Vacheron’s caliber 1121, based on the renowned Jaeger LeCoultre caliber 920 automatic movement.

    The 222 model was in production for only seven years, and only 500 timepieces in all metal and dial combinations were created. It is important to note that a very similar watch was sold at our New York’s Winning Icons auction in 2017 (Lot 36), which was only about 40 numbers away from the present lot. Preserved in overall excellent condition, the appealing gray dial has aged delicately, and the hour markers have developed a stunning shade of dark beige. The watch is an exceptional watch for the discerning aficionado looking for a flair of 1970s charm.

  • 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.

    View More Works

880

Ref. 44018
A fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with date and integrated bracelet

1978
38 mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$150,000 - 250,000 
€16,600-27,600
$19,200-32,100

Sold for HK$450,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018