Vacheron Constantin (VC) has unveiled the Historiques 222 in steel, almost two years after the yellow gold version.
Founded in Geneva in 1755, VC it is the oldest continuous watchmaker in existence. Together with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, it forms part of the Holy Trinity. It is owned by the Richemont Group. VC celebrates its 270th anniversary this year, and the new Historiques 222 in steel is the first of several new releases to mark this special occasion.
Image: Vintage soul. Modern watch.
For the Historiques collection, VC selects models from the brand’s rich back catalogue and reinterprets them as modern watches with a vintage soul. Notable Historiques models include the American 1921 and Cornes de Vache 1955, both presently in the current catalogue. The Historiques 222 is a modern remake of the brand’s 222 from 1977, the year VC celebrated its 222nd anniversary.
“This contemporary reissue of an historic 1970s model remains true to the qualities that made the original an icon. Purity of line and slimness are paired in the bold monobloc tonneau shape with details like a fluted bezel and integrated bracelet for a robust, sporty, yet elegant aesthetic that transcends categories. Featuring a Maltese cross at 5 o’clock, the case boasts a sapphire glass caseback for admiring the self-winding calibre and its specially designed oscillating weight.”
Key Features
Functions and Operation
Image: All the information you need. Nothing you don’t.
Central hours and minutes.
Date at 3 o’clock. Quickset date.
Stop-seconds function.
All operations via the crown at 3 o’clock.
Dial
Image: Matt blue dial contrasts well with the stainless steel case and bracelet.
Blue dial with a matt finish.
Baton-shaped hour and minute hands are made from 18K white gold and coated with lime green Super-LumiNova.
11 baton-shaped hour markers encircle the dial. They are made from 18K white gold and coated with lime green Super-LumiNova.
Image: The choice of lime green recalls “the tritium used in earlier timepieces.”
White frame that surrounds the date window at 3 o’clock is made from 18K white gold.
Brand’s Maltese Cross emblem at 12 o’clock is made from 18K white gold.
Image: Dial assembly. Hands being placed on dial.
Case and Bracelet
Image: Case, bezel, and bracelet are very well executed.
Case is made from stainless steel.
Diameter: 37 mm. Thickness: 7.95 mm.
Dial and caseback side feature a sapphire crystal.
Image: All coming together.
Crown at 3 o’clock embossed with the brand’s Maltese Cross emblem.
Water resistant up to 5 bar or 50 metres.
Bracelet is made from stainless steel. It features a triple-folding clasp.
Bracelet, crown, and bezel feature vertical satin brushing and a polished finish.
Image: The placement of the 18K gold Maltese Cross emblem lower right of bezel is vintage inspired and a lovely design touch.
“The bracelet – now fastened with a triple-blade rather than a twin-blade clasp – has joints redesigned to conceal visible pins, and improved comfort thanks to better ergonomics.”
Movement
Image: VC is renown for its excellent movement finishing.
Powered by calibre 2455/2, an in-house mechanical movement that drives the hours, minutes, date, and stop-seconds function. A version of this movement features a central or small seconds (depending on model), though not used on the Historiques 222.
The 22K gold automatic winding rotor “is engraved with the original 222 logo, and edged with notches reminiscent of the bezel.”
Diameter: 26.20 mm. Thickness: 3.60 mm.
Parts: 194. Jewels: 27. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz.
Power reserve: 40 hours.
Image: Top view of movement. Notice the date wheel.
Movement and the entire watch are hallmarked by the Poinçon de Genèva or Geneva Seal.
Our Thoughts
Image: Sketching away.
VC has answered the prayers of many watch collectors and enthusiasts with the release of the Historiques 222 in steel. As first impressions go, it does not disappoint. VC is a brand that I adore, and for me the Historiques 222 in steel ticks several boxes.
Image: Versatile. Equally at ease in a casual or formal setting.
It is a modern interpretation of an iconic vintage watch, perfect proportions (37 mm is just right), versatile because of its stainless steel case and bracelet, a beautifully finished automatic movement, and an accessible price point (at this level of haute horology). And being a VC, it has prestige and pedigree that is second to none. This is a watch I would love to own someday.
Additional Details
Image: My kind of watch.
Name: Historiques 222
Reference: 4200H/222A-B934 37 MM STEEL
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 32,000 (Tax included) / United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED): 121,000 (Tax included)
Boutique Exclusive.
Please visit the Vacheron Constantin website and Instagram page for more information. Also visit The Hour Lounge Instagram page.
Please register interest on the VC website. I expect significant demand for this watch.
VC has a newly renovated boutique in Mall of the Emirates, 1st Floor, Sheik Zayed Road – Interchange 4, Dubai, Dubai. They also have a boutique at Dubai Mall, and the Dubai – Suite 1755 at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, the latter by appointment only. All details on the brand’s website.
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