Property of a Japanese Collector
68
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 46503
222
A highly rare and impressive yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with center seconds, date and Gay Frères diamond-set bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$240,000 - 400,000€28,300 - 47,100$30,800 - 51,300
HK$304,800
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 1985
- Reference No
- 46503
- Movement No
- 709’564
- Case No
- 571’101
- Model Name
- 222
- Material
- 18K yellow gold and diamonds
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1124, 33 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K yellow gold and diamonds Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 180mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp stamped Gay Frères
- Dimensions
- 34mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Delivered with the Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1985.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin’s 222, released in 1977 to commemorate the brands 222nd anniversary, has become one of the most recognizable wristwatches in the market today. Vacheron Constantin turned to Jörg Hysek to design their first luxury sports wristwatch. The thin case had an instantly recognizable tonneau-shape with raised screw down scalloped bezel, all with an integrated link bracelet.
The present example is highly rare and to our knowledge the only example that has surfaced in the public auction market so far, ref. 46503 is a gem from 1985. Its hefty yellow gold bracelet were made by the famed Gay-Frères. Stamped with the GF hallmarks on the clasp, the hallmarks further indicates that these clasp were made of white gold during the era.
Not just with good looks, the movement housed inside this timepiece is the calibre 1124, a JLC calibre 889 based movement that guarantees performance. The present watch confirmed by the Vacheron Constantin Extract from the archives is extremely well preserved with strong case proportions and sharp edges. Showing hardly any signs of wear and with an extremely taut bracelet, the case back’s engraved “222” and serial numbers are crisp.
A 39 years old watch in luxurious solid yellow gold and diamonds, this iconic 222 is highly rare and deserves your attention.
The present example is highly rare and to our knowledge the only example that has surfaced in the public auction market so far, ref. 46503 is a gem from 1985. Its hefty yellow gold bracelet were made by the famed Gay-Frères. Stamped with the GF hallmarks on the clasp, the hallmarks further indicates that these clasp were made of white gold during the era.
Not just with good looks, the movement housed inside this timepiece is the calibre 1124, a JLC calibre 889 based movement that guarantees performance. The present watch confirmed by the Vacheron Constantin Extract from the archives is extremely well preserved with strong case proportions and sharp edges. Showing hardly any signs of wear and with an extremely taut bracelet, the case back’s engraved “222” and serial numbers are crisp.
A 39 years old watch in luxurious solid yellow gold and diamonds, this iconic 222 is highly rare and deserves your attention.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.
Browse MakerKey vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.