First launched in 1977 for the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin and aptly named 222, the watch boldly designed by Jorg Hysek marked a turning point in the history of the Manufacture, as it signified its entry into the world of sports watches, a new offshoot from its traditional dressier offerings.
There were a variety of 222 references, but one -- the Reference 44018 in 18K 3N gold with a 37 mm diameter -- has been chosen to return in a new incarnation, with a contemporary reinterpretation.
Vacheron Constantin is offering an updated interpretation of the legendary model in its Jumbo version with the Historiques 222 watch in 18K 3N yellow gold. In keeping with the spirit of the Historiques collection, the watches composing the collection are not identical replicas of the original watch, but instead contemporary reinterpretations, endowed with the latest technical advances to optimise their reliability and comfort on the wrist.
The case adorned with a Maltese cross emblem at 5 o'clock has an exhibition back serving to reveal the new-generation in-house Calibre 2455/2 featuring an oscillating weight redesigned for this model. Operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. it offers optimal precision with a level of finishing just as meticulous as that of the original model.
The aesthetic codes of the initial 222 model have been respected: a gold-toned dial with straight hour markers and baton-type hands whose luminescence takes on a green-tinted hue at night, in reference to the tritium used on the original 222. The articulation of the bracelet has been redesigned to ensure a more ergonomic feel.
All the features of the legendary 222 have been respected in this contemporary re-edition. The meticulous attention to detail illustrates the Vacheron Constantin theme of the year, "The Anatomy of Beauty®".
