To mark 270 years of passion for haute horlogerie and meet the expectations of its customers, Vacheron Constantin presents the watch that kicks off the celebrations of this milestone: the Historiques 222 in stainless steel. This model revisits an iconic creation, originally launched in 1977 for the maison’s 222nd anniversary.
Designed by Jorg Hysek, the 222 stood out from the outset for breaking with the standards of sports watches of the time – usually designed for pilots, divers or explorers – and for reflecting a new cultural era where the barriers between formality and sportiness began to fade. Although an innovation in the sports watch segment, the 222 encapsulates the spirit of the 1970s, introducing new stylistic elements to the maison.
With an integrated bracelet and a functional case, the design includes a flat platform-shaped carrure, crowned by a prominent fluted bezel and adorned with a Maltese Cross at 5 o’clock. The monobloc construction of the case allows the movement to be mounted from the front, guaranteeing water resistance to 120 metres thanks to the screwed bezel. The 222 is equipped with the ultra-flat Calibre 1120 – an automatic movement just 3.05 mm thick, recognised as the thinnest in the world. The watch’s minimalist elegance is enhanced by its baton hands and markers and the robustness of the bracelet’s central hexagonal links.
In 2025, Vacheron Constantin presents a new version of the inaugural 222 model, known among collectors as the ‘Jumbo’. This reissue features a blue dial set in a 37 mm stainless steel case, with technical improvements including a redesigned bracelet, now with a triple-blade clasp for greater comfort and ergonomics, and a sapphire glass caseback displaying Calibre 2455/2. This updated movement, smaller and more precise than the original, features an oscillating mass engraved with the 222 logo and a battlement motif inspired by the bezel. The 4 Hz frequency ensures greater precision and a 40-hour power reserve.
On the dial, the date window has been repositioned for greater aesthetic harmony, while details such as the vintage font of the ‘AUTOMATIC’ inscription and the Super-LumiNova® coating evoke the tritium used in historic models. The meticulous finishing combines satin brushing and polishing on elements such as the crown, bracelet and bezel, creating captivating light effects.
Like all the models in the Historiques collection, the 222 is a testimony to an emblematic period in the maison‘s history. While retaining the nostalgic charm of the original, the 2025 stainless steel version combines tradition and modernity, reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s core values: sophistication, elegant simplicity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
