In the early and mid-1970s, Swiss watchmaking underwent a sea change in the design and marketing of their wristwatches. Within a short period of time, several “luxury sports” watches were designed and produced, each manufacturer attempting to outdo the other. Audemars Piguet began the race with the Royal Oak in 1972, IWC and Patek Philippe followed in 1976 with the Ingeniuer and the Nautilus, respectively, and Vacheron Constantin responded shortly thereafter, launching the reference 222 in 1977. Unlike the previous three watches, which had all been designed by Gerald Genta, Vacheron turned to young designer Jörg Hysek, who would later work on the Phidias and the Overseas for the brand. He used some of the basic building blocks of the previous three watches – an integrated, flat link bracelet, ultra-thin tonneau case, and a screwdown bezel increasing water resistance. Hysek was only 24 years old when the 222 launched – incidentally, Jean-Marc Vacheron was 24 years old when he first officially founded Vacheron Constantin on September 17th 1755.

Within the 222 lies the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 1121, Vacheron’s take on the renowned Jaeger LeCoultre calibre 920 used in the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The scalloped bezel and the hexagonal flat links of the bracelet, as well as the small Maltese cross inset to the case differentiate the design of the 222 from its luxury sports watch competitors of the era. Produced for only seven years, with a total of 500 pieces made in all metal and dial combinations, the 222 commemorated the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin. Offered here in well-preserved condition and a highly sought after dark gray dial, this oversized luxury sports watch and ancestor of today’s Overseas model is ideal for the collector seeking the uncommon.