Designed by Jorg Hysek for Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary in 1977, the 222 was the corporate’s reply to the famed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta in 1972.
In contrast to the Royal Oak, which grew to become a legend and has bolstered Audemars Piguet gross sales ever since, the Vacheron Constantin 222 was discontinued in 1984, after what’s believed to be lower than 1,000 had been ever produced (in chrome steel, yellow gold, and two-tone).
As you might recall, Vacheron Constantin reissued a classy 18K yellow gold model of the Historiques 222 in 2022. It was effectively acquired. Naturally, customers wished an possibility to purchase it in chrome steel, and now in 2025, the Richemont-owned firm has delivered that. Nonetheless, don’t confuse clients asking for a watch to come back in chrome steel with “begging” for it or that individuals had been someway ready breathlessly — any so-called journalist who writes one thing so pretentious must pause.
The brand new Historiques 222 (Ref. 4200H/222A-B934) options a stainless-steel case and built-in bracelet that measures a conservative 37 mm x 7.95 mm. The 222 is a horny gown watch and wears barely bigger than the scale may counsel, making it a great match not simply on smaller to medium wrists, however in some instances even on wrists which might be 7″ and above (thanks partly to the broadness of the bracelet).
Framed by a fluted bezel, like the unique 222, the re-issue comes with a matte blue dial, with a Maltese cross emblem utilized simply above the printed “VACHERON CONSTANTIN, GENEVE” emblem. The time is indicated through easy 18K white gold baton arms, utilized indices, and a framed date aperture at 3 o’clock shows the day of the month.
Along with being positioned on the dial at 12, Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese cross is embossed in yellow gold on prime of the case (within the decrease proper quadrant). The crown (embossed) and bracelet (engraved) additionally characteristic the model’s signature Maltese cross. A Maltese Cross can be embossed on the oscillating weight and engraved on the motion. And at last, we see the Maltese Cross engraved twice, across the perimeter of the sapphire crystal caseback.
Via the caseback, you’ll be able to see Vacheron Constantin caliber 2455/2 which measures 26.2 mm x 3.6 mm, beats at 4Hz, with 27 jewels, 194 complete elements, and an influence reserve of 40 hours. A gold oscillating weight, embossed with “222” completes the skinny motion, which doubtless lacks the premium free-sprung steadiness system you may anticipate finding on a watch on this value vary — in favor of thinness.
The Historiques 222 (Ref. 4200H/222A-B934) is water-resistant to 50 meters and has a triple folding hidden clasp, for a clear, comparatively snag-free sporting expertise, that may work finest with dressy apparel.
As somebody with a 7″ wrist, and who favors chronographs, I would favor an Abroad Chronograph, just like the one we beforehand reviewed, or a 1st or 2nd technology model, over a 222. Nonetheless, I can confidently say that Historiques 222 is definitely worth the asking value as a result of it’s a well-liked mannequin with vital provenance, it’s being produced in restricted portions (it’s a boutique unique), and comes from probably the most prestigious model names in watchmaking.
Vacheron Constantin timepieces, particularly Abroad and 222 fashions, typically retain worth effectively, so despite the fact that the value is excessive for a time and date-only watch at $32,000, resale will doubtless be good (in all probability not fairly nearly as good as Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet).
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