- After 45 years, Vacheron Constantin's revival of the iconic 222 in 2022 was extremely well received. Coming back with a bang, this model was one of the very first luxury sports watches driven by ultra-thin movements and incorporated integrated bracelets, alongside the Royal Oak in 1972 and the Nautilus in 1976. Unlike the other two Gerald Genta designs, the 222 was created by the German-born Jorg Hysek. Though Hysek is not as well known as Genta, he was an established watch professional who started his career at Rolex, then moved on to other brands such as De Bethune, Cartier, Ebel, TAG Heuer, Tiffany, and, eventually, Vacheron Constantin in 1977, where he designed the 222.
- The aesthetic of this Vacheron Constantin 222 is distinctively striking. With its understated scalloped bezel ring, framed in a tonneau shape case, the design of the ref. 46003 is clean and easy on the eyes. A subtle contrast between brushed and polished surfaces can be found throughout, accentuating the high level of finishing involved. Just below the 5 o’clock hour mark, the case is adorned with a small yellow gold Maltese cross, saluting to the manufacturer’s signature symbol.
- The ref. 46003 measures 34mm in diameter and is just over 7mm thick. Structurally speaking, the case is a monocoque, or unibody, setting it apart from other similar sports watches in the period with its almost entirely flat case back and slender profile. Because of its unique case and bracelet design, this quiet giant has a wrist presence that wears more prominent than its dimensions would otherwise suggest, wrapping itself around the wrist. The bracelets and clasps were made by the famed bracelet maker Gay Frères, who produced the first Oyster bracelets for Rolex and integrated bracelets for the original Nautilus and Royal Oak.
- Echoing its stainless steel exterior, the dial matches the case and features applied, tritium-filled hour markers, complemented by polished baton hands with luminous inserts, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock with the original date disc.
- Unlike the “Jumbo” version of the Vacheron 222, powered by the ultra-slim cal. 1121, this “mid-size” version is driven by the cal. 1124, based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 889. It features 33 working jewels, has been adjusted to five positions, and integrates an oscillating weight mounted on an unlubricated ceramic ball bearing, with one segment of the weight fashioned from 21K gold.
- Stunningly preserved with all its original accessories and the handwritten certificate of authenticity booklet, the movement numbers were miswritten when it was sold, but the certificate of archive provided the correction case and movement numbers that match the current lot. The present lot ref. 46003/411 from 1981 will certainly please collectors of original, iconic luxury sports models.