VACHERON CONSTANTIN 222 JUMBO 18K VERY RARE

VACHERON CONSTANTIN 222 JUMBO 18K VERY RARE
Details
Stock # SKU21774
Stock # 21774
Model Name 222
Brand Vacheron Constantin
Model Ref # 222
Condition Mint+
Gender Mens
Movement Automatic
Case 18K Yellow Gold
Case Shape Tonneau
Case Size 45mm x 37mm
Crystal Sapphire
Band / Strap Bracelet
Dial Gold
Caseback Solid
Complications Date
Year ca 1979
Additional Information
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Description
The Vacheron Constantin 222 is the esteemed Swiss firm’s first entry into the emergent luxury sport watch market, which came into 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.

Only 100 of these were made in 18k. Jumbo size case measures 45mm long by 37mm wide by 7.5mm thin. For housing an automatic movement, this is a very thin case. Sapphire crystal, signed crown and case back is engraved ‘222’.

Original gold dial with applied indices and original hands, both with inlaid luminous.

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 has fold-over clasp with safety lock.

Watch is in mint+ condition. Watch is in mint+ condition and is accompanied by original Guarantee booklet, Extract from the Archives showing production in 1979 and 2016 Vacheron service receipt (full movement overhaul).

This is a rare and important collector’s watch priced far below its cousins from Patek and Audemars.
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