The aesthetic of this Vacheron Constantin 222 is distinctively striking. With its understated scalloped bezel ring, framed in a tonneau shape case, the design of the ref. 46003 has its own distinct character. A subtle contrast between brushed and polished surfaces can be found throughout, accentuating the high level of finishing involved. Just below the 5 o’clock hour mark, the case is adorned with a small yellow gold Maltese cross, saluting to the manufacturer’s signature symbol.

The ref. 46003 measures 34mm in diameter and is just over 7mm thick. Structurally speaking, the case is a monocoque, or unibody, setting it apart from other similar sports watches in the period with its almost entirely flat case back and slender profile. Because of its unique case and bracelet design, this quiet giant has a wrist presence that wears more prominent than its dimensions would otherwise suggest, wrapping itself around the wrist.

Echoing its stainless steel exterior, the dark grey sigma dial matches the case and features applied, tritium-filled hour markers, complemented by polished baton hands with luminous inserts, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock with the original date disc.

Unlike the “Jumbo” version of the Vacheron 222, powered by the ultra-slim cal. 1121, this “mid-size” version is driven by the cal. 1124, based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 889. Produced 1987, it is from the last batches of this model before it ceased production in the following year and according to Vacheron Constantin, only 343 examples were made in steel for this reference.