Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1981 Reference No: 44018/411 Movement No: 719'131 Case No: 549'152 Model Name: 222 Material: Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. K1121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and yellow gold, max length 195mm. Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives indicating date of production in 1981 and original presentation box
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1977 to commemorate the firm’s 222nd anniversary, reference 222 has become one of the most immediately recognizable timepieces regardless of brand. Developed in the midst of the quartz crisis, this was Vacheron Constantin’s reply to the increasing demand of watches with high wearability and sturdiness. Contemporary with two other iconic watches, the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, the three watches share the same design philosophy and the same ultra-thin caliber 1121 but differ from one very important point: their designer. While Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet commissioned Gérald Genta, Vacheron Constantin turned to another successful and talented watch designer: Jörg Hysek. It was he to design their crossover watch from luxury to sport. In production for only 7 years, reference 222 was available in steel, gold or like the present watch in steel and gold of which only 120 were made. Despite the fact that this model was designed as a sports watch to endure the reality of extensive wear, this watch has been extremely well preserved and seems to have lived a very peaceful and quiet life for the past 30 plus years. Will the present lot start a new life of adventure and sports or will it continue to be cared for and protected? That will be up to its future owner to decide!
The 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.