Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1977 Reference No: 44018/411-“222” Movement No: 673’610 Case No: 522’002 Model Name: 222 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin integrated bracelet, max length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1977, service invoice, travel pouch, book, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
With the 1970’s fully fledged with innovative measures taken by manufacturers to create their first luxury sports wristwatch, Vacheron Constantin was also one of them. To commemorate the firm’s 222nd anniversary, the ref. 44018 was launched and became one of the most iconic timepieces ever produced by the manufacturer in the past 40 years. Designed in collaboration with Jörg Hysek, the “222” featured a thin, one-piece tonneau-shaped case secured by a fluted screw down bezel with waterproof capabilities up to 120 meters. Furthermore, the distinctive integrated bracelet most certainly caries the vibrant style of the 1970’s. Powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre based cal. 1121, the movement is reliable and robust.
With only 500 examples of the “222” released, it is without a doubt rare and sought after by collectors. The present example is offered in attractive overall condition and is delivered with an Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1977. The dial has developed a slight change in hue due to age which further heightens the vintage aura of the present example.
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.