Vacheron Constantin 222 Vintage Automatic Gold / Steel
Basic Info
Listing code : MR1DA1
Brand : Vacheron Constantin
Reference number : Rare Jörg Hysek Sigma Dial Date 18K Gold Stainless Steel
Movement : Automatic
Case material : Gold/Steel
Bracelet material : Gold/Steel
Year of production : 1980 (Approximation)
Condition : Used (Very good)
Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers
Gender : Men's watch/Unisex
Location : The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Price : 26,500
Availability : Item is in stock
Caliber
Movement : Automatic
Case
Case material : Gold/Steel
Case diameter : 34 x 43 mm
Bezel material : Yellow gold
Dial : Champagne
Dial numerals : No numerals
Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material : Gold/Steel
Functions
Date
Other
Central seconds
In the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of a new category: the stainless steel luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet. The first of these, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta, debuted in 1972 and set the stage for the trend. Following in its footsteps, Patek Philippe and IWC released the Nautilus and Ingenieur SL, respectively, in 1976—both also designed by Genta. Vacheron Constantin joined the movement in 1977, unveiling the ‘222’ to mark the brand's 222nd anniversary.
Unlike the first three, Vacheron turned to a different designer, Jörg Hysek, an emerging talent in the industry, to create their new timepiece. Hysek’s design mirrored the same aesthetic with an ultra-thin, cushion-shaped stainless steel case, wide shoulders, and an integrated flat-link bracelet featuring large geometric center links. However, the ‘222’ distinguished itself with its unique serrated screw-down bezel and the stamped Maltese cross logo on the lower-right corner of the case—details that set it apart from Genta's earlier creations.
Debuting one year after the Patek Philippe Nautilus and five after the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the 222 never quite achieved the hype and renown of the former two, despite its importance and rare status. That being said, its design is just as interesting as those two vaunted models and is deserving of admiration.
The 222 was available in two sizes (37mm and 34mm) and was produced for only seven years. Only an estimated 500 pieces were produced in steel, 100 in gold, and 120 in a gold and steel. This particular 222 dates back to around 1980, comes in the 34mm size, and is produced in stainless steel with 18k yellow gold.
The watch is in excellent condition. The bracelet and case have undergone a professional repolishing by a model specialist resulting in a factory like condition showing incredible sharp edges, with clear case number on the back. The watch has a beautiful untouched champagne colored sigma dial in great condition, with original lume on the hands and hour markers, featuring solid yellow-gold markers, hands, Maltese cross logo, and date window.
Internally, the 222 is powered by the same ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic movement found in the original Nautilus and Royal Oak. The movement is clean and running smoothly.
The bracelet is remarkably tight and has a good length of 18,5cm.
In 2022, Vacheron Constantin re-released the 222 as part of the coveted ‘Historiques’ collection. The 37mm yellow gold piece preserved the brilliant design, maintaining the fluted bezel, angular case, unique bracelet, and slim wrist presence in a near one-for-one remake. This news brought with it a surge of interest in the original 222.
