- Vacheron Constantin celebrates 270 years of innovation and technical excellence.
- Often considered among the “Holy Trinity” of sports watches.
- The Historiques 222 is an understated icon in Vacheron’s catalogue.
Vacheron Constantin might just be the most attentive partner one could wish for. The Swiss luxury watchmaker never misses an opportunity to celebrate an anniversary, marking each new decade since the turn of the century with enviable releases that honour its 270-year history with the manufacture’s signature confidence and style.
Now, in 2025, a lost icon of its ’70s catalogue is enjoying a contemporary re-release – one that refines a celebrated collection for today’s discerning palates.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Often considered among the “Holy Trinity” of sports watches in haute horlogerie, the Historiques 222 occupies a revered position alongside Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe for defining an era of chic and stylish offerings in this popular market. First unveiled in 1977 to commemorate the company’s 222nd anniversary, the 222 quickly earned its iconic status.
Of course, it shares the same lineage as the Royal Oak and Nautilus, legendary releases in the sports watch market. But the 222, designed by the then 24-year-old Jörg Hysek, stood apart with its distinctive design elements and technical specifications like a nobbly bezel and tonneau case. It was a departure from the classic sporty iterations designed by Gérald Genta, the man behind Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe’s iconic collections.
Whilst it only enjoyed a short production period, with reportedly only a few thousand ever reaching collectors of the time, it laid the foundation for Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection, which debuted in 1996. This newer line borrowed heavily from the 222’s design language, transforming it into the Maison’s modern-day sports watch flagship.
In 2022, Vacheron Constantin paid homage to this iconic model by releasing the Historiques 222, closely mirroring the original design, yet exclusively available in 18k yellow gold. Vacheron collectors were left to wonder if the Swiss Maison would ever bring back the “Jumbo” in a more versatile material for today’s contemporary tastes.
Vacheron Constantin Resurrect an Icon
The 2025 release remains faithful to the original release, with a tidy 37 mm diameter case, integrated bracelet and notched bezel, all of which were faithfully retained in the 2022 gold re-release. However, today’s announcement reveals a contemporary classic now available in polished and satin-finished stainless steel.
Where the 2022 model catered to a more exclusive clientele, excluding old money in a category of watches known for its sporty chic, this most recent release of Vacheron’s Historiques 222 will undoubtedly combine its à la mode design, suitable for formal occasions, with the everyday qualities of the classic sports watch.
On the wrist, it’s naturally lighter than its yellow gold counterpart, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to anything less than luxurious. The 222’s matte blue dial perfectly contrasts with the introduced stainless steel frame, reminiscent of the re-release of the Overseas seen during last year’s Watches & Wonders in Geneva.
It’s a classic expression championed by the Swiss brand and at $53,500 AUD, available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques, it’s half the price of its yellow gold counterpart. But this contemporary piece fully captures the inherent charm that first set its 1977 predecessor apart.
