Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 4200H/222A-B934 37 MM STEEL Replica 1:1

Description

QUICK HISTORICAL REMINDER

In 1972, the watchmaking world saw the introduction of a brand new concept: the elegant sports watch with an integrated bracelet in a steel case, with a high-end ultra-thin movement and a price that was higher than most gold watches of the day. This watch, the Audemars Piguet 5402ST, produced a storm in the watch world, a thoroughly disruptive concept that would be followed by Girard-Perregaux in 1975 (Laureato), Patek Philippe (Nautilus) and IWC (Ingenieur SL) in 1976 and, in 1977, by Vacheron Constantin and its 222 model. And together with the AP and PP, this Vacheron forms the so-called Holy Trinity of elegant sports watches.

While Gérald Genta, the celebrated watch designer, created the blueprint for the AP and PP, the Vacheron Constantin 222 (because it celebrated the 222nd anniversary of VC) was designed by a then-young man named Jorg Hysek. Like Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, the 222 was a radical breakaway from its traditional dress watches. The 222 included all the classic elements of the genre, starting from its barrel-shaped case, prominent bezel with a complex shape, a bracelet fully integrated within the whole design, an ultra-thin movement and the typical combination of luxury and casualness. It originally came in steel, with a 120m water-resistance and yet a thickness of only 7mm. It was powered by the calibre VC1120, based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 920 (like PP and AP). The Jumbo version was a time-and-date watch without seconds that measured 37mm in diameter. Later, smaller versions and gold models would be released.

Design-wise, all the elements created by Hysek have been kept, and the new steel version retains everything the gold model brought back. First, the original notched bezel with its rather unconventional profile has been retained. Second, the Maltese Cross at 5 o’clock, a hallmark of the vintage 222, is still present. And while it was done in contrasting white gold on the gold 222, here it is made in contrasting 18k yellow gold. Finishing techniques have been respected, too, with circular brushed surfaces on the bezel, vertically brushed surfaces on the case, horizontally brushed surfaces on the sides and thin polished bevels around the case and the bezel. The fit and finish of this steel version are superb, as you’d expect from Vacheron Constantin.