The 222 has been synonymous with the unparalleled performance and cutting-edge innovation of Vacheron Constantin since it was first introduced in 1977. 

Debuting on the occasion of the company’s 222nd anniversary, the luxury sports timepiece was designed by 24-year-old designer Jörg Hysek. It was one of several integrated bracelet models released at the time, including the Gérald Genta-designed Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak. 

Launched at the Basel watch fair in 1977, the 222 was sold in a set with a money clip that matched the design of the notched bezel which, along with the gold Maltese cross set into the bottom right corner of the brushed metal case, differentiated the 222 from the sports watch conventions of the time. 

During its initial production, the 222 was available in a two-hand “Jumbo” size of 37mm, as well as a 34mm “mid-size” case with three hands and a 24mm, quartz-powered women’s model. Steel, yellow gold, white gold and two-tone finishes were available across all models in the range, and there were even a few in white gold with diamond-set bezels or diamonds sprinkled across the bracelet links.

Yet, despite its sleek, groundbreaking design, the 222 has flown somewhat under the radar since its launch, having not found a continual place in the brand’s catalogue. It wasn’t until 2022 that the original “Jumbo” 222 from 1977 was revived as the yellow gold Historiques 222, released to mark the 45th anniversary of the model. Now, after much demand, the Historiques 222 arrives for the first time in steel for 2025, marking the 270th anniversary of the venerable watchmaker. 

‘Since the turn of the century, Vacheron Constantin has taken each decade anniversary as an opportunity to talk about its history and the values handed down through the centuries,’ says Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s style and heritage director. ‘These milestone anniversaries celebrate a philosophy that combines mechanical research and innovation with a deep commitment to craft and a stylistic approach that is both progressive and highly respectful of classical elegance.’ 

Alexandra Vogler, Vacheron Constantin’s CMO, adds: ‘The 222 is a legendary timepiece and is greatly appreciated by collectors – not least because its initial production run in the late 1970s was very limited. In 2022, a numerically symbolic year, the maison presented a Historiques 222 edition in yellow gold. The Jumbo version in stainless steel is the next logical step.’

The new steel Historiques 222 benefits from a number of technical improvements to fit, finish and construction. Its signature integrated bracelet is now fitted with a triple-blade rather than a twin-blade clasp and has been redesigned to hide the visible pins and improve ergonomics. The caseback, meanwhile, has been fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal pane to reveal the in-house calibre 2455/2. This enhanced movement is equipped with a dedicated oscillating weight engraved with the original 222 logo, as well as a 40-hour power reserve. Elsewhere, for an elevated final touch, the watch’s hands and hour-markers are coated in Super-LumiNova, appearing off-white by day and lime green by night – a subtle reference to the hue of the tritium used in the house’s historical timepieces. 

‘The distinctive character of the 222 has made it one of Vacheron Constantin’s most recognisable models over the last few decades. By kicking off its 270th anniversary with this iconic timepiece – one that is vintage yet resolutely contemporary – the maison is weaving past and present together,’ says Vogler. ‘This 270th anniversary will also bring its share of horological surprises and expressions of watchmaking expertise – undoubtedly worthy of standing alongside the previous anniversary models.’

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel, £30,800; vacheron-constantin.com