Vacheron Constantin’s reference 222 is a watch for the revolutionary non-conformist. Launched in 1977 as a celebration of the firm’s 222nd anniversary, it has become over the past 40 years, one of the most recognizable and wearable timepieces to be found. The 1970s were a period of turmoil in the Swiss watch manufacturing industry. Quartz watches were coming to the forefront and consumers were looking for watches that could be used everyday and in the outdoors. Traditional firms had to compete, creating rugged durable watches for the everyday sportsman. Audemars Piguet came out with the Royal Oak in 1972, Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus in 1976, and Vacheron Constantin shined with the 222.

Gérald Genta is one of the most well-known leaders of watch design during this era, having designed both the Royal Oak and Nautilus. Another luminary was Jörg Hysek, and it was to him that Vacheron Constantin turned for development of their crossover watch from luxury to sport. The model commemorated the brand’s own age while confronting the realities of the day. The heart of the watch was the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 1121, which was shared with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. The reference 222 was produced in steel, gold and steel and in all gold. The “jumbo” size watch, the present lot, had a 38mm case diameter, while the smaller size was 34 mm. The tonneau-shaped case was one piece, and had an ingenious design with the screw down fluted bezel, which enclosed the movement and made it waterproof to 120 meters. The model was produced for just seven years and made in 500 timepieces in all metal and dial combinations. Fitted with its original silver dial, it’s accompanied by its original certificate, fitted box and extra links. Immaculately preserved in almost untouched condition, it’s an exceptional watch for the discerning collector looking for a dash of 1970s flamboyance.