Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1977 Reference No: 44018/411 Movement No: 684’745 Case No: 522’027 Model Name: 222 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
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.
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.
