Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1983 Reference No: 46003/411 Movement No: 709’782 Case No: 557’939 Model Name: 222 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1124, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max overall length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1983.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin’s 222, released in 1977 to commemorate the brands 222nd anniversary, has become one of the most recognizable wristwatches in the market today. Developed in the midst of the quartz crisis, this model was the brand’s response to an increasing demand for watches that were more casual with a higher degree of durability. Contemporary with two other iconic timepieces, the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin turned to Jörg Hysek to design their first luxury sports wristwatch. The thin case had an instantly recognizable tonneau-shape with raised screw down bezel, all with an integrated link bracelet.
The model was produced in stainless steel, yellow gold, or in a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. Production lasted seven years ending in 1984 when Vacheron Constantin released the 333 with a rectangular-shaped case. The reference 46003, like the present model, was considered the “mid-size” version with a 34mm diameter case, compared to the “Jumbo” model reference 44018 with a 37mm diameter case. Both featured the unique tonneau-shaped case with clean lines and scalloped bezel ring. The “mid-size” model features the caliber 1124 based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 889 movement. The 222 bracelet and clasp were made by the famed Gay-Frères who also manufactured the bracelets for the original Nautilus and Royal Oak.
The present watch, from 1983, is extremely well preserved in excellent overall condition with strong case proportions and sharp edges. Showing hardly any signs of wear and with an extremely taut bracelet, the case back’s engraved “222” and serial numbers are crisp. In luxurious, solid 18 karat yellow gold, Vacheron Constantin’s 222 is an iconic luxury timepiece, certain to delight all collectors.
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.
