Vacheron Constantin - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 44018/411
    Movement No: 684’786
    Case No: 522’108
    Model Name: 222 “Jumbo”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K1121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max overall length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin suede pouch. Further accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present watch in 1977.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the early and mid-1970s, Swiss watchmaking underwent a sea of changes in the design and marketing of their wristwatches. Within a short period of time, several “luxury sports” watches were designed and produced, each manufacturer attempting to outdo the other.

    Vacheron Constantin responded in 1977, launching the 222. Unlike the previous three watches, which had all been designed by Gérald Genta, Vacheron Constantin turned to young designer Jörg Hysek, who would later work on the Phidias and the Overseas for the brand. He used some of the basic building blocks of the previous three watches – an integrated, flat-link bracelet, ultra-thin tonneau case, and a screw-down bezel increasing water resistance.

    Within the 222 lies the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 1121, Vacheron Constantin’s version of the renowned Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 920 used in the earliest Patek Philippe Nautilus models and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo”. The scalloped bezel and the hexagonal flat links of the bracelet, as well as the small Maltese cross inset to the case differentiate the design of the 222 from its luxury sports watch brethren. Produced for only seven years, with a total of 500 pieces made in all metal and dial combinations, the 222 commemorated the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin.

    Extremely well preserved in outstanding condition, the desirable dark grey dial on the present example is stunning, with luminous hour markers that have aged to an appealing light brown tone. It’s an exceptional and uncommon luxury sports wristwatch for the discerning collector.

  • 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 rare and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet

1977
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF27,000-54,000
€28,100-56,100
HK$234,000-469,000
S$40,800-81,600

Sold for $139,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023