Vacheron Constantin - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1985
    Reference No: 46503
    Movement No: 709’564
    Case No: 571’101
    Model Name: 222
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1124, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and diamonds Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp stamped Gay Frères
    Dimensions: 34mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered with the Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1985.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin’s 222, released in 1977 to commemorate the brands 222nd anniversary, has become one of the most recognizable wristwatches in the market today. Vacheron Constantin turned to Jörg Hysek to design their first luxury sports wristwatch. The thin case had an instantly recognizable tonneau-shape with raised screw down scalloped bezel, all with an integrated link bracelet.

    The present example is highly rare and to our knowledge the only example that has surfaced in the public auction market so far, ref. 46503 is a gem from 1985. Its hefty yellow gold bracelet were made by the famed Gay-Frères. Stamped with the GF hallmarks on the clasp, the hallmarks further indicates that these clasp were made of white gold during the era.

    Not just with good looks, the movement housed inside this timepiece is the calibre 1124, a JLC calibre 889 based movement that guarantees performance. The present watch confirmed by the Vacheron Constantin Extract from the archives is extremely well preserved with strong case proportions and sharp edges. Showing hardly any signs of wear and with an extremely taut bracelet, the case back’s engraved “222” and serial numbers are crisp.

    A 39 years old watch in luxurious solid yellow gold and diamonds, this iconic 222 is highly rare and deserves your attention.

  • 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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Property of a Japanese Collector

68

Ref. 46503
A highly rare and impressive yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with center seconds, date and Gay Frères diamond-set bracelet

1985
34mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€28,300-47,100
$30,800-51,300

Sold for HK$304,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November