Cover Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel with a blue dial
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel with a blue dial
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Marking 270 years of horological mastery, Vacheron Constantin is embarking on a year-long celebration of innovation, artistry, and legacy
Milestones are always worth celebrating, but especially when it marks a whopping 270 years of one of the most prestigious names in watchmaking. As the world’s oldest watch manufacture in continuous operation since 1755, Vacheron Constantin has built a legacy defined by technical mastery, artistic craftsmanship, and an enduring commitment to innovation. This year, the Swiss brand celebrates its 270th anniversary—an extraordinary milestone that marks nearly three centuries of an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
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Above Jean-Marc Vacheron
Jean-Marc Vacheron
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The foundation of Vacheron Constantin dates back to the Age of Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe that took place from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. During this time, Geneva was a thriving hub of watchmaking and intellectual pursuit. The late founder of the manufacture, Jean-Marc Vacheron, signed on for an apprenticeship in 1755, which is is regarded as the founding act of Vacheron Constantin. This contract also established a fundamental value of the maison: the transmission of knowledge and skills.
The sharing of knowledge over 270 years—at first supported by the open-mindedness of the Age of Enlightenment and always driven by the desire for constant progress—has forged the character of Vacheron Constantin. In 1819, Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron, the founder’s grandson, received a note from his new business partner, François Constantin, urging him to “do better if possible, and that is always possible.” This has remained the motto of the brand up to this day.
Above A Vacheron Constantin advertisement from 1977
A Vacheron Constantin advertisement from 1977
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Over the years, Vacheron Constantin has been at the forefront of horological innovation, continuously redefining precision and craftsmanship. The maison’s early breakthroughs include the development of the first calendar timepiece in 1790 and advancements in component standardisation with Georges-Auguste Leschot’s pioneering pantograph mechanism in 1839, which revolutionised the industry by enabling the mass production of interchangeable watch components.
Throughout the 20th century, Vacheron Constantin continued to lead in technical advancements. The maison introduced the world’s first retrograde date display in 1940 with the legendary “Don Pancho” and later developed the first Hebraic perpetual calendar with the Les Cabinotiers Reference 57260 in 2015. It also played a pivotal role in the advancement of world time complications, working with Louis Cottier in 1932 to create Reference 3372, the first watch with the ‘Cottier system’ displaying 24 time zones.
The pursuit of precision has remained central to the brand’s philosophy. In 1907, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Chronomètre Royal, a testament to its commitment to accuracy and reliability. In 2007, the centenary of that watch was marked with a special re-edition that not only bore the Hallmark of Geneva and COSC chronometer certification, but also successfully passed the manufacture’s stringent 30-day functional test. More recently, the 2019 dual-frequency calibre with alternating oscillators further cemented Vacheron Constantin’s reputation for technical mastery, extending power reserves up to 65 days.
Above Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel with a blue dial
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel with a blue dial
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The maison has mastered the art of ultra-thin movements, as seen in the record-setting 1.64 mm-thick Calibre 1003 from 1955. It has also developed extraordinary grand complication watches, such as the Tour de l’Île in 2005, which combined 16 complications across a double-sided display. This unwavering dedication to pushing horological boundaries continues into the present day, ensuring that Vacheron Constantin remains a benchmark for innovation and technical achievement in fine watchmaking.
For its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin has launched a global campaign that pays tribute to this remarkable journey. This initiative highlights not only the maison’s legacy but also its vision for the future—a future in which craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling remain paramount. As part of this year-long celebration, Vacheron Constantin is set to unveil a series of special timepieces, each embodying the maison’s savoir-faire and heritage. The first of these is the Historiques 222 in stainless steel, a timepiece that revives an emblematic design while introducing modern refinements.
Above The watch retains its signature fluted bezel and features a yellow gold Maltese cross emblem at 5 o’clock
The watch retains its signature fluted bezel and features a yellow gold Maltese cross emblem at 5 o’clock
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Originally launched in 1977 to mark Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary, the 222 was a bold departure from traditional sports watches. The model introduced an integrated bracelet, a distinctive tonneau-shaped case, and a minimalist yet striking aesthetic that became a hallmark of 1970s luxury sports watches.
In this 2025 iteration, the Historiques 222 returns with a 37 mm stainless steel case, capturing the essence of the original while enhancing technical performance. Paired with a blue dial, this makes for a stunning material and colour combination—one that is extremely popular among watch lovers. The watch retains its signature fluted bezel, along with a Maltese cross emblem at 5 o’clock crafted in yellow gold.
Above The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 2455/2, a self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve
The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 2455/2, a self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve
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One of the key updates lies in the movement. The 2025 Historiques 222 houses the in-house Calibre 2455/2, a self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve and a higher frequency of 4Hz for improved precision. Unlike its predecessor, this model features a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing collectors to admire the beautifully finished movement and its 22K gold oscillating weight, engraved with the original 222 logo.
The bracelet has also been refined, now equipped with a triple-blade folding clasp for improved ergonomics. Every detail, from the satin-brushed finish to the off-white Super-LumiNova markers, has been meticulously designed to ensure a seamless blend of vintage charm and contemporary refinement.
As Vacheron Constantin embarks on this milestone year, it is clear that its legacy is more than a history of horological achievements. It is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to the art of watchmaking. And in that quest, the best is always yet to come.
The Historiques 222 is now available in Vacheron Constantin’s boutiques in ION Orchard (2 Orchard Turn #02-07, ION Orchard) and Marina Bay Sands (The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue #B2M-238).
Discover more about the collection here.
Credits
Images: Vacheron Constantin
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
