Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1981 Reference No: 46003/411 Movement No: 692’157 Case No: 547’792 Model Name: "222" Material: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1430, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max overall length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin clasp Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Origin and Guarantee stamped Distribuldora Diamoro SRL, and dated April 4, 1986, black leather Vacheron Constantin presentation box. Further accompanied a Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture as 1981.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1977 to commemorate Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary, the reference 222 has become one of the most recognizable timepieces in the market today. Developed in the midst of the quartz crisis, this model was the brand’s response to an increasing demand for watches that were more casual with a higher degree of durability for a growing recreational populous. Contemporary with two other iconic timepieces, the Royal Oak, and the Nautilus, 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 bezel, all with an integrated link bracelet. This lot is in excellent original condition with a nicely aged dial. The watch is complete with its original certificate of origin and presentation box. Vacheron Constantin’s 222 is an icon and is an exceptional uncommon luxury sports wristwatch for the discerning collector.
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.
Ref. 46003/411 A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel and yellow gold wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate of origin and presentation box
1981 34mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed