Launched in 1977 to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin’s founding, the reference 44018, otherwise known as the 222, is part of what would later be known as the “Holy Trinity” of luxury sports watches. This trilogy was composed of the Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak from 1972, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus from 1976, and Vacheron Constantin’s 222 from 1977.
The Vacheron Constantin 222 was available in either stainless steel, yellow gold or a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. Made in incredibly low production numbers and produced for only seven short years, research shows that the stainless steel model, like the present example, was made in less than 500 examples. Its tonneau case features a clever two-piece construction opened by a screwed-in porthole type fluted bezel giving it a 120m water resistance.
Within the 222 lies the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 1121, Vacheron Constantin’s modified version of the renowned Jaeger LeCoultre calibre 920 also used in the earliest Patek Philippe Nautilus models and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo”.
The present Vacheron Constantin reference 44018 is preserved in excellent overall condition and is ideal for the discerning collector seeking the uncommon.