Brand: | Vacheron Constantin |
Model: | 222 |
Reference: | 60001 |
Gender: | Uni-sex |
Year: | 1977 |
Material: | 18kt gold stainless steel |
Dial Color: | gold |
Dimensions: | 45mm x 37mm |
Watch Movement: | automatic |
Bracelet/Strap: | 18kt gold stainless steel |
Box/Paper: | Handmade Leather Travel Pouch |
Condition: | Excellent |
These babies are rare….
The Vacheron 222 Jumbo is considered among collectors to be on par with the masterpieces of Gérald Genta, The Audemars Piquet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe nautilus. It was designed by Georg Hysek though. But the design is a real masterpiece. Rumor says that next year VC will come with a commemorative piece to celebrate the iconic watch that they introduced in 1977. So don’t wait, the prices on thesepieces will continue to rise.
The Vacheron 222 was released in 1977 to celebrate the 222th anniversary of the Manufacture. Designwise the watch looks really a lot like the APRO and Nautlius due to the balanced case design with an integrated bracelet. It looks really clean and has a great 70s vibe. For the distinctive design Vacheron Constantin leaned on a young maverick designer in their stable by the name of Jorg Hysek. However, for many years Hysek's contribution was obscured in favor of Gérld Genta--even by Vacheron Constantin executives themselves. Just until a couple of years ago a article appeared on the Vintage Lounge which contributed the design to the actual designer, Georg Hysek.
The VC 22 came in 3 different kind of case materials (stainless steel, yellow gold, and two-tone) and a medium and jumbo size 34/37mm. The 37mm stainless steel is the most sought version. The ‘222’ was limited to 500 pieces in stainless steel, 100 in gold and only 120 in gold/steel combination. The model was produced for just seven years and made in 500 timepieces in all metal and dial combinations. (this is rumor from sources at VC). If you compare it with the A-series APRO, of which only 2000 pieces were produced, followed by the B, C etc series, and the Nautilus 3700-01A (steel with large bracelet): about 3500 pieces, the VC “222” is really rare. Price of the stainless steel JUMBO babies hit 40k at this moment, still under the level of A-seris APRO and early Nautilus.
Here you buy a two-tone VC “222” Jumbo, for half of the price a stainless steel. It is the ultimate summer watch. The VC 222 just looks amazing when you go to the beach. This is such an exceptional watch for the discerning collector looking for a dash of 1970s flamboyance. Sun’s out, guns out!
CASE:
In the spirit of the era's steel luxury sport watches, this 222 has a bold case with broad shoulders and an integrated steel bracelet with large, geometric center links. The tonneau-shaped case was one piece, and had an ingenious design with the screw down fluted bezel, which enclosed the movement and made it waterproof to 120 meters. It has a solid steel caseback with a bold "222" engraving.
DIAL:
The dial has clear stick markers, long rectangular hands, and a small date window at 3 o'clock.
MOVEMENT:
Underneath that is the Vacheron Constantin caliber 1120, an ultra-thin automatic movement, originally made by Jaeger-LeCoultre, that was also used in the first Royal Oak and first Nautilus. It might not be a true in-house Vacheron movement, but it was the right movement for the job, and it's probably one of the best movements of all time. Funny fact, , is that Jaeger LeCoultre never housed this movement in one of its own watches! The combination of slim proportions and robust performance make it perfect for watches such as these.
CONDITION:
Stainless steel case with integrated bracelet is in excellent condition with only the slightest signs of wear consistent with careful handling. Dial is in likewise excellent condition with fine even patination to the luminescent elements of the hour markers and hands. Vacheron Constantin signed crown. Vacheron Constantin case back with 222 engraving is in very good condition.
This particular Vacheron Constantin 222 has just undergone a full service with an old watchmaker from Vacheron Constantin in Switzerland. This work was carried out by using original parts.
As with all of our pre-owned watches this watch comes with a full 12 month warranty with ourselves that will be invoked from the day of purchase.
Viewings can be arranged at our office by appointment.
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: 222
Reference: 60001
Year: 1977
Movement No: 291474xx signed Omega
Case: stainless steel and 18 carat gold.
Dimensions: 45mm x 37mm
Crystal: plexi glass
Dial: Original gold dial with applied baton indices and original hands, both with inlaid luminous. Dial comes with a date window
Calibre: Vacheron Constantin caliber 1120, an ultra-thin automatic movement, originally made by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Crystal: plexi glass
Bracelet/Strap: 18 carat gold and stainless steel bracelet
Box/Papers: watch only
Condition: very good original condition,