Cover Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
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A forerunner in the sporty elegance category of watches makes its reappearance in Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques line
Like an album of greatest hits, Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques line rounds up watchmaking icons from different chapters in the maison’s long history—which stretches over two centuries—and offers modern reinterpretations of these timepieces. The latest addition to the collection is the 222, which pays tribute to a classic released in 1977 as one of the brand’s first takes on the sports elegant watch.
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New Beginnings
The 1970s were characterised by massive changes globally, whether on the political, socio-economic, cultural or technological fronts. The luxury watch industry was experiencing upheavals too, most notably with the Quartz Crisis. At the same time, however, a quiet revolution was taking place with the development of an entirely new category of timepieces centred on sporty chic.
Before the arrival of these timepieces, watches were almost dichotomous in their classification: a timepiece was either a classic dress watch or a rugged, sporty one. The new sports elegant category—a term applied retrospectively, of course—bridged this divide with elements of both. Its watches were characterised by their stylish designs and luxurious sensibilities that, in turn, were balanced by technical, functional details, with the integrated bracelet being the final piece of the puzzle in their designs.
Above Vacheron Constantin 222 ref. 44018 “Jumbo”
Vacheron Constantin 222 ref. 44018 “Jumbo”
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For Vacheron Constantin, the 222 ref. 44018 “Jumbo” was the icon that defined the then nascent sporty chic category in the brand’s line-up. Designed by legendary watch designer Jorg Hysek and unveiled in 1977 for the 222nd anniversary of the maison, it marked a stylistic evolution for Vacheron Constantin. Although some of its design vocabulary, such as angular outlines and an integrated bracelet, had already appeared in some previous watches, the “Jumbo” can be considered a complete departure from previous designs due to its significantly different overall design language.
From its monobloc case to its refined yet subtly sporty aesthetic, the “Jumbo” was clearly the opening lines of a new chapter within Vacheron Constantin’s story. In the decades since its introduction, it has become an icon—not just for the brand, but for the era as a whole. It’s thus of little surprise that the maison has chosen to bring the timepiece back in the Historiques collection for a new generation of connoisseurs.
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The Modern Take
The new Historiques 222 retains all the salient details of its predecessor, but comes updated with modern improvements as a refreshed iteration of the original “Jumbo” watch. Like the original, it sports a 37mm case in yellow gold, which has been fitted with an integrated bracelet for a cohesive overall design. The flat case back and fluted bezel have been retained as well to make the Historiques 222 practically indistinguishable from the “Jumbo” at a glance.
Above Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
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Eagle-eyed observers will, however, notice the tweaks that Vacheron Constantin has made to improve the performance and comfort of the new timepiece. For a start, the Historiques 222’s bracelet has been updated for a closer, more comfortable fit on the wrist, with its links’ previously visible pins now also hidden for a cleaner look. In much the same way, luminous tritium paint used in the original has given way to Super-Luminova—in an identical hue, naturally. On the technical front, the Historiques 222 is driven by Calibre 2455/2, which has a higher 4Hz frequency (compared to 2.75Hz for the original) to deliver better precision. This movement can be admired via the new see-through case back, where its various finishes are on full display alongside the specially engraved rotor bearing the “222” logo of the original “Jumbo” watch.
Above The new see-through caseback of the Historiques 222
The new see-through caseback of the Historiques 222
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Viewed in its entirety, the new Historiques 222 is a reverent tribute that also builds on the original 222 ref. 44018 “Jumbo” that Vacheron Constantin introduced in 1977. Unsurprisingly, demand has been brisk; collectors are especially taken with the faithful reproduction of the original’s design, down to its period-accurate size, but also appreciate the modern improvements to the watch. This timepiece is available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
Above Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
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