INTRODUCING: The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222

Vacheron Constantin has one of the more rich histories in the watch industry, despite being a largely under-the-radar brand (at least here in The States). To harken back to one of their more treasured designs, the brand has come to Watches & Wonders with an almost identical reissue of one of the coolest watches in their storied history - The Vacheron Constantin 222.

THE BASICS:

Brand: Vacheron Constantin

Model: Les Historiques 222 (ref. 4200H/222J-B935)

Case Material: Yellow Gold

Case Size: 37mm x 7.95mm

Water Resistance: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal

Movement:  VC caliber 2455/2

Movement Specs: Automatic, 28,800 VpH, 27 Jewels, 40-Hour Power Reserve, Geneva Seal

Strap Options: Solid Gold Bracelet

THE JUICE:

The Vacheron Constantin 222 was one of those watches that was quickly overshadowed by other brands doing the “Integrated Bracelet” thing in the 70’s. The most common one that gets brought up is the Royal Oak, a Genta Designed industry giant that’s really hard to set up a defense against. In the case of the 222, which wasn’t designed by Genta (it was designed by a very young Jorg Hysek), and therefore it fairly quickly rotated out of production 7 years later - but that didn’t stop it from dominating the collectible auction scene - fetching as much as six figures.

The brand has brought the model back in an almost identical fashion. The integrated bracelet is often described as “Snake-Spine” and is integrated directly into the case. Similarly, a Maltese gross is embossed into the 4 0’ clock lug, adding that extra pizzazz of 70’s goodness.

Obviously, the brand has utilized an updated movement for the new 222. Instead of an older JLC movement, the brand has opted to utilize the 2455/2, which is significantly thicker than it’s predecessor. That space has been made up in the case, presenting a slightly more chunky watch, all things considered. The movement is clean, featuring a branded 222 rotor, all the hallmark geneva striping and perlage you’d expect from Vacheron Constantin, and the specs to check out. The movement beats at 28,800 VpH, 27 jewels, and features a power reserve of 40-hours.

The watch is gold on gold on gold. The case, bracelet, handset (although green tinted luminova filled), indices, and dial are all the signature yellow gold color. In fact, even the date-wheel is tinked to an aged hue to match. If Gold is your thing, maybe the 222 is for you.

I can’t help but think of old-world Las Vegas, straight out of the 70’s. It’s fun, unique, and definitely presents all the vintage charm you’d expect from the brand. I hope this new 222 is the start of a new collection for the brand - one firmly rooted in it’s history.

So how much is the Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222?

Price for the watch is “On Request”, which means it may not have been determined at the time of this article. We will update the article when the brand gets back to us.

Read more about the watch on Vacheron-Constantin.com