Vacheron Constantin 222 (Ref. 46004/411) "Square Case", 1982

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Few watch brands are as respected or revered within the watch world as the 3rd oldest watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin, whose doors opened in 1755. Known most notably for their quality of craftsmanship and design whether it is an ultra-complicated moon phase calendar or a simple dress model. There is a reason Vacheron Constantin belongs to the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, and its the brand's precise execution that transcends generations and a devotion to innovation that has solidified its regaled position within horology. The 1970s have proved to be one of the most influential decades in modern watchmaking history, an era of experimentation and nuance, and this is seen across every major Swiss watchhouse in this era. The Vacheron Constantin 222 is a true reflection of the shift in watchmaking of this era, especially when considering it was the very first sports model introduced by Vacheron Constantin. The 222 is easy to compare to the other expensive stainless steel integrated bracelet sport model watches produced by brands predominantly known for complicated dress watches in the 1970s, i.e. the Royal Oak and Nautilus. Though this is no mistake as the 222 was born out of competition for the two other Genta-designed watches. And though the three models may seem very similar at first glance, it’s really only the use of integrated bracelets and the ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 920 movement that is similar between the models. The 222 is genuinely its own beast and is to be respected as such. Designed by Jorg Hysek and introduced in 1977, the 222 birthday of the watchmaking house, the 222 model feels distinctly Vacheron Constantin. The faceted bezel, the uniquely geometrical bracelet, and the simple yet sophisticated dial approach add up to a sports model that is dripping with elegance. The 222 was discontinued in 1985, making for a very brief production run. Within its brief tenure, the 222 was produced in a number of case sizes and shapes, as well as a number of metals including stainless steel, solid yellow gold, and two-tone. Stock # VC222 Brand Vacheron Constantin Style 222 Model 46004/411 Serial 54XXXX/70XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Grey Millimeters 31x38 Bracelet Vacheron Constantin / Gay Freres Integrated Stainless Steel Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The beautifully faceted and finished square case retains all of its original factory angles, geometry, and brushing with honest signs of gentle use present. The bezel retains all of its original finishing in crisp condition with minimal signs of use present. The case retains its original VC-signed crown. The case back retains its original factory markings in crisp condition. The original stainless steel integrated Gay Freres bracelet is also in excellent condition, retaining 17 links on the watch that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 6 3/4-inch wrist. The watch also comes with an additional link that increases the bracelet size to 7 inches. DIAL & HANDS The original slate grey dial takes the "less is more" approach with a simple and sophisticated design that is highly legible and functional. the dial itself shows no signs of aging and remains in virtually flawless condition. The tritium lume hands achieved a charming golden patina that accents the watch perfectly, under U.V. light inspection some of the lume plots show nominal degradation at the edges of the plots but all remain intact. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. ACCESSORIES