The enigmatic number signifies the 222nd anniversary of the company's founding. This legendary model, first released in 1977, has been reissued with a modern interpretation. It has the same case diameter as the first model, nicknamed "Jumbo," a bracelet integrated into the tonneau-shaped case, and a fluted bezel. The Historiques 222 beautifully expresses the origins of Vacheron Constantin's "sporty chic."
Photographs by Eiichi Okuyama
Text by Koichi Namiki (watch journalist)
Edited by Koichi Namiki
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
The foundation of the Maison's signature collection: a true "sporty chic" reborn for the modern era
Vacheron Constantin's Historiques collection boasts an appealing lineup of modern interpretations of the company's masterpieces. The Historiques Américaine 1921 and Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 are model names with narratives, each referring to a major export market or distinctive shape, and the year of their release. The Historiques 222 is the third in the series.
The current 222 was relaunched in 2022, 45 years after the first model was released. This wasn't because the year of its relaunch contained three "2s," but because 1977, the year in which it was released, marked the 222nd anniversary of the Maison's founding. The commemorative model, released in that memorable year, proved popular and was reinterpreted in a modern way as part of the Historiques collection, and released once again. This model, which essentially reaffirmed the Maison's timelessness, has been enthusiastically welcomed and continues to this day. The stainless steel timepiece released this year to commemorate the 270th anniversary is sure to further fuel its popularity.
The original 222 epitomized Vacheron Constantin's style of sporty chic. It featured a monobloc, tonneau-shaped case with a flat base, a notched bezel, and an integrated bracelet. The ultra-thin 3.05mm movement was integrated from the front of the case, and the screw-down bezel provided water resistance to 120m, all in an extremely thin 7mm case. It marked the end of the 1970s, a decade in which luxury sports watches were rapidly emerging.
The name of the designer remained a mystery for a long time, and there was much speculation, but since 2007, Vacheron Constantin has officially acknowledged it to be Jorg Hysek. Hysek, a giant in contemporary watch design, has worked on designs for many of the leading Swiss luxury watch brands. He is also known for his work with the brand that bears his name (now Hysek).
The masterpiece of this precocious genius is the 222. The charm of the design remains undiminished in both color and scent, and it even evokes the forerunner of the ever-popular Overseas. The Historiques 222 has once again polished this "complete and infallible archive."
From the original collection, the 37mm yellow gold "222 Jumbo" has been selected and given an update spanning nearly half a century. The movement, which previously beat at 19,800 vph, has been replaced with the in-house caliber 2455/2, boasting a 28,800 vph movement and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The solid caseback, which previously featured the "222" logo in distinctive typography, has been replaced with an open caseback. The original "222" logo is engraved on the rotor, developed specifically for this model, and also features the same notched motif as the bezel. Viewing the movement through the sapphire crystal reveals the hand-chamfered gear train parts, bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève, and a circular-grained mainplate, conveying the pursuit of and pride in the fine details of Haute Horlogerie.
The word "AUTOMATIC" is engraved on the dial in a vintage font. The date window has been slightly reduced in both height and width, while being significantly offset from the outer edge of the dial for improved legibility. The Super-LumiNova (off-white by day, lime green by night) on the hands and polished indexes also contributes to improved legibility.
The crown and bracelet are finished in vertical satin brushed, the bezel in circular satin, and the bracelet now hides the previously visible link pins, improving the fit on the wrist. The previous two-blade deployant clasp has been changed to a three-blade butterfly clasp.
With a timeless classic design and the latest and greatest performance and aesthetics, the Historique 222 is worthy of eternal life and will be reborn again and again in the future.
This is a reissue of the largest "222" model, nicknamed "Jumbo," released in 1977, with the same case diameter. While retaining the design features of the bracelet integrated into the tonneau-shaped case and the fluted bezel, the performance and specifications have been updated. Geneva Seal certified. A stainless steel version was also released this year. Automatic (Cal. 2455/2). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 40 hours. 18K yellow gold case (37mm diameter, 7.95mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 11,352,000 yen (tax included).
https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/jp/ja/collections/historiques/4200h-222j-b935.html
