Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Vacheron Constantin 222 Steel and Gold Ref 46003, late 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin (maker)
- Date
- late 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dimensions
- Case 33 mm
- Stock no.
- W-1428
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-1428)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Vacheron Constantin 222 Steel and Gold Ref 46003 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-1428), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron & Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated late 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 33 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
A classic from the integrated era… The Vacheron Constantin 222 is one of the classic 1970s integrated bracelet sports watches. Called the 222 because it was launched in 1977 on the 222nd anniversary of the brand’s founding and often incorrectly credited as a Genta design, the 222 was designed by Jörg Hysek. The watches followed the traditional pattern of 1970s horizontal manufacturing, with Stern dial, JLC movement and Gay Freres bracelet. This example is classed as the mid-size model and has an case in stunning condition! We love how cool the Maltese cross looks, embossed on the five o’clock lug. The silver dial has a gentle vertical brushing and has sigma markings at the bottom, signifying that the hour markers are made from solid 18kt gold. The bracelet is also in beautiful condition and would fit upto an 18cm wrist size. It is estimated that there were only 1000 of these watches made, so be sure to be quick and not miss this stunning example. The Jaeger-LeCoultre movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Specifications : - Vacheron & Constantin 222 - Ref 46003 - 33mm x 42mm steel and gold case - Serial 554xxx dates to late 1970s - Vertical brushed sigma dial - JLC-based movement - Gay Freres made integrated bracelet - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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