| Details | ||
| Stock # | SKU20679 | |
| Stock # | 20679 | |
| Model Name | 222 | |
| Brand | ||
| Model Ref # | 60001 | |
| Condition | Unpolished | |
| Gender | Mens | |
| Movement | Automatic | |
| Case | 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel | |
| Case Shape | Tonneau | |
| Case Size | 45mm x 37mm | |
| Crystal | ||
| Band / Strap | Bracelet | |
| Dial | Gold | |
| Caseback | Solid | |
| Complications |
Date |
|
| Year | 1975 | |
| Additional Information | Only 120 watches made in steel and gold | |
| Sold | ||
Description
The Vacheron Constantin 222 is the esteemed Swiss firm’s first entry into the emergent luxury sport watch market, which came into conceptual existence in the 1970s. The 222 was introduced in 1977 to commemorate Vacheron’s 222nd birthday! Vacheron Constantin still enjoys its status as being the longest continuously operating watch manufacture.
The 222 has all of the design features of the other period luxury sports watches: the prominent bezel, the overall angular geometric shape, the integral bracelet and sapphire crystal. Unlike the others, which were all designed by Gerald Genta, it was the fledgling designer Jorg Hysek who designed the 222. My favorite design touch is the small Calatrava cross in gold relief on the lower right corner of the case. The case of the 222 is what defines it, really. The Overseas, Vacheron’s current and long in production sports model, was directly inspired by this watch.
Vacheron only produced 120 watches in 18k/stainless steel. This is the largest size the 222 was made in, and is known as the Jumbo. Case measures 45mm long x 37mm wide by 7.5mm thin. For housing an automatic movement, this is a very thin case. This case has never been polished and retains its factory edges and finish. Sapphire crystal, signed crown and steel case back is engraved ‘222’ along with the serial number.
Original gold dial with applied indices and original hands, both with inlaid luminous. Dial has some insignificant spotting, which is barely noticeable.
In addition to the external design of the 222, tying it in spirit to the other luxury sports watches that debuted in the 1970’s, the 222 shares the same movement: the Jaeger LeCoultre automatic winding Caliber 920. This ultra-thin automatic movement has a well-deserved cult following. Most ironic of all, is that Jaeger LeCoultre never housed this movement in one of its own watches! The caliber has 36 jewels and is adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and in five positions.
Bracelet is 18k and steel and has fold-over clasp with safety lock.
Watch is in mint+ never polished condition. With only 120 of these steel and gold Jumbo 222s ever made, this is a rare and important collector’s watch priced far below its cousins from Patek and Audemars.
The 222 has all of the design features of the other period luxury sports watches: the prominent bezel, the overall angular geometric shape, the integral bracelet and sapphire crystal. Unlike the others, which were all designed by Gerald Genta, it was the fledgling designer Jorg Hysek who designed the 222. My favorite design touch is the small Calatrava cross in gold relief on the lower right corner of the case. The case of the 222 is what defines it, really. The Overseas, Vacheron’s current and long in production sports model, was directly inspired by this watch.
Vacheron only produced 120 watches in 18k/stainless steel. This is the largest size the 222 was made in, and is known as the Jumbo. Case measures 45mm long x 37mm wide by 7.5mm thin. For housing an automatic movement, this is a very thin case. This case has never been polished and retains its factory edges and finish. Sapphire crystal, signed crown and steel case back is engraved ‘222’ along with the serial number.
Original gold dial with applied indices and original hands, both with inlaid luminous. Dial has some insignificant spotting, which is barely noticeable.
In addition to the external design of the 222, tying it in spirit to the other luxury sports watches that debuted in the 1970’s, the 222 shares the same movement: the Jaeger LeCoultre automatic winding Caliber 920. This ultra-thin automatic movement has a well-deserved cult following. Most ironic of all, is that Jaeger LeCoultre never housed this movement in one of its own watches! The caliber has 36 jewels and is adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and in five positions.
Bracelet is 18k and steel and has fold-over clasp with safety lock.
Watch is in mint+ never polished condition. With only 120 of these steel and gold Jumbo 222s ever made, this is a rare and important collector’s watch priced far below its cousins from Patek and Audemars.
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