A classic Vacheron Constantin watch gets a steel makeover
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222, first released in 1977, has been revived in stainless steel to coincide with the Maison’s 270th anniversary
By Cayle Reid
HERE’S A FEW THINGS that hadn’t happened by the year 1755: the foundation of the United States of America, the identification of the first dinosaur fossils, and the beginning of the industrial revolution. Australia wouldn’t even become a sovereign state for almost another 150 years. But you know what had happened by the year 1755? The eponymous founder of Vacheron Constantin, Jean-Marc Vacheron, had started making watches.
Suffice to say, Vacheron Constantin has been around for a long time. The watchmaker’s journey began 270 years ago in 18th century Geneva, when Jean-Marc Vacheron began a watchmaking apprenticeship. This established one of the Maison’s core principles: the transmission of knowledge and skills from generation to generation.
Just as Jean-Marc Vacheron learned from his mentors, he passed down his knowledge to his successors – a tradition that has continued to this day. So, for a watchmaker with such a rich history, it’s no surprise that Vacheron Constantin is leaning on the past to celebrate its 270th anniversary with the release of a new iteration of a beloved classic, the Historiques 222 – this time in stainless steel.
When it was first released in 1977, the Historiques 222 (so-called because it was introduced for Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary) marked a significant departure from the conventional sports watch. Designed by Jorg Hysek, the original model subverted norms with its sleek yet sporty design, with a monobloc case, distinctive fluted bezel and finely crafted integrated bracelet setting it apart. Unlike many sports watches of its era, which were primarily designed for pilots and divers, the 222 bridged the gap between formality and practicality.
The 2025 revival stays true to the essence of the original while incorporating several modern refinements – just as Jean-Marc Vacheron would have intended. Set in a 37mm stainless steel case, the new edition features a striking blue dial, a signature Maltese cross at 5 o’clock, and an improved bracelet design for a more ergonomic feel.
The movement has also been updated. The watch now houses Vacheron Constantin’s Calibre 2455/2, a high-precision movement which is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. Slightly more compact than its predecessor, the updated movement provides improved accuracy and a 40-hour power reserve. Also on the caseback, next to the ‘Swiss Made’ emblem, is a special commemorative logo signifying Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, engraved at the 7 o’clock position. This emblem is unique to timepieces released in the anniversary year.
True to Vacheron Constantin’s reputation for meticulous attention to detail, the new Historiques 222 features refined finishes, with a combination of vertical satin-brushing and polishing. The vintage-style ‘AUTOMATIC’ inscription, repositioned date window and Super-LumiNova-coated hands and hour markers are all homages to the tritium-based details of the original.
By resurrecting the Historiques 222, Vacheron Constantin is honouring its rich history while wholeheartedly embracing advancements in modern watchmaking. There’s more to come, too. The redesigned Historiques 222 is only the first release in Vacheron Constantin’s global campaign celebrating its 270th anniversary, with more releases set to follow later this year. Stay tuned.
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