Giuseppe Marasco In 1963 Vacheron Constantin presented its first model designed for the needs of working life: the Turnograph reference 6782, a name derived from its bidirectional rotating bezel with a 15-minute graduated scale.
The shape of the stick hands and the geometry of its straight indexes did not go unnoticed, although the model had a relatively short life.
In 1975 the House made another foray into the universe of urban watches with the Chronomètre Royal reference 42001.
The special case and rounded octagonal bezel of this Vacheron Constantin timepiece, the first in stainless steel with an integrated bracelet, opened up new perspectives of style.
The new course was confirmed two years later, with the 222 designed by Jorg Hysek, whose modern style preserved the innate elegance and attention to detail typical of Vacheron Constantin.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 – the importance of details
In addition to an integrated bracelet, the 222 launched in 1977 introduced a functional architecture with its flat base surmounted by an important grooved bezel.
Its monobloc case, which required the movement to be recessed from above, was waterproof up to 120 meters thanks to the screwed bezel.
The 222 timepiece boasted an extraordinarily thin thickness – just 7 mm – thanks to the ultra-flat movement that measured only 3.05 mm and controlled the hours, minutes and date indications.
The baton hands and straight hour markers, similar to those of the 1963 Turnograph reference 6782, confirmed a discreet and refined aesthetic,
At the same time giving the impression of great strength thanks to the cuff screwed to the middle case and characterized by large central hexagonal links.
Initially presented in a 37 mm version nicknamed “Jumbo”, the 222 was later reinterpreted with 34 mm and 24 mm diameter in steel, yellow or two-tone gold, polished or diamond-studded, but always decorated with the Maltese Cross, emblem of the Maison, positioned in the lower right corner of the case, at 5 o’clock.
Remaining in limited production until 1985, the 222 belongs to the legend of the first “sporty-chic” watches in watchmaking history.
Few slight changes were made to the Historiques 222 watch:
- Book 2455/2guarantees a higher frequency of 4 Hz (equivalent to 28,800alternations/hour higher than 2.75 Hz of the original model) and a 40-hour power reserve.
- The oscillating panel of Book 2455/2 has been developed for this model of the original 222cut, surrounded by a grooved motif recalling the bezel.
- The case back is perforated so that you can admire the calibre.
- All the finishing-elements of the bracelet with natural features,
shiny hours, hand anglage wheels and decks decorated with Côtes de Genève motif, as well as pearl plating – reveal That attention to every single detail that characterizes the universe of Haute Horlogerie. - The dial bears the words “AUTOMATIC” in a vintage font.
- The data reference was made to the internal order of the quadrant to improve accessibility, diameter of the caliber smaller than that of its predecessor.
- The Super-Luminescent Control of the Acceptances and Indexes of the Regions(White Slates and Green Papers) further legibility.
- The bracelet has a three-blade buckle instead of two.
- The cuff joints have been modified to conceal the visible pins and increase wrist comfort.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 – Synthesis
Vacheron Constantin presents a contemporary re-edition of the 222 “Jumbo” with a diameter of 37 mm in yellow gold: an iconic timepiece born in the 1970s. The 222 is an emblematic “sporty-chic” model from 1977, which marked a turning point in Vacheron Constantin’s classic creations.
With its one-piece, flat tonneau-shaped case surmounted by a grooved bezel, this watch with an integrated bracelet showed a functional and sporty style, whose elegance was originated by the purity of the lines and the refinement of the curves.
This re-edition within the Historiques collection is faithful to the original model, except for a few changes aimed at accentuating its comfort and reliability.
The case decorated with the Maltese Cross at 5 o’clock has a transparent case back that reveals the new generation 2455/2 Manufacture Calibre, equipped with a redesigned oscillating mass for this model.
Oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour, the timepiece offers optimum precision with a level of finish as meticulous as that of the original model.
The aesthetic codes of the first model 222 have been respected: a gold dial with straight hour markers and stick hands whose luminescence takes on a green shade at night, clear reference to the tritium used on the original 222.
The articulation of the bracelet has been redesigned to ensure a more ergonomic fit.
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