Description:

VACHERON CONSTANTIN Automatic, Model 222, Ref. 44018/411 - “222”, movement no. 686020, case no. 522252, made in 1978 An extremely fine, rare and collectible, thin, large, tonneau-shaped, stainless steel, automatic wristwatch with black slate dial, luminous Baton white gold indexes, gold rimmed date, luminous white gold hands, stainless steel bracelet with double folding clasp. Accompanied by a Certificate of authenticity. Fitted with a Cal. 1121, 12 ½ line, extra-flat, 36 jewels, rhodium-plated, Seal of Geneva, straight line lever escapement, self-compensating flat balance spring, Gyromax-type balance, shock-absorbers, rotor segment in 21k gold, self-winding, three-body case construction, screwed bezel. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 7.30 mm. Approx. overall length for bracelet 175 mm. The US Advertising of the model was stating: “Live the Legacy. The two/two/two to own one is a rare privilege; to wear one is to share in history”.

When talking about watchmaking icons, Vacheron Constantin's 222 "Jumbo", Ref. 44018, immediately comes to mind. As one could read on the US ads of the time: "Live the Legacy. The two/two/two to own one is a rare privilege; to wear one is to share in history".

This rare model has marked its time, an era and the history of the brand. Launched in 1977, produced in 500 pieces in steel over a period of 7 years, in different materials, commemorating the 222nd anniversary of the brand, this model has become a true watchmaking icon and a collector. When the first waterproof luxury watches in steel appeared in the 70's, Vacheron Constantin had to re-invent itself and create an unusual model in total rupture with its classic production.

While at Patek Philippe, with the Nautilus (see lot 54) and at Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak (see lot 53) the models were designed with a two-body construction (monobloc type), Vacheron Constantin, in association with a young talented designer Jörg Hysek, choose a slightly different solution. Indeed, the two-body construction, composed of a bezel secured to a monobloc middle case/back, does not facilitate the assembly and services.

On the 222, there is a three-body construction: a fluted steel bezel that screws onto a solid monobloc case back, housing the dial and movement, with caught between the two, a tonneau-shaped middle case, fitted with an upper and a lower gasket. This innovative architecture allows an excellent waterproofness, at 120 m., but also adds an easy maintenance in a very contained thickness. Like its sister watches, the 222 shares the famous Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 1121 base. Sporty, elegant and refined, the model has also been produced with an attractive grey dial (see lot 104). Aware of the importance of the model and its attractiveness to collectors, Vacheron has reintroduced the model 222, in its Historiques Collection, in 18K yellow gold under the reference 4200H/222J.

Finally, the subtle and magical visible detail that says so much about the brand's desire for perfection, innovation, pride and excellence, the famous Maltese Cross in gold, applied to the case, as the ultimate seal of quality.

  • Notes: CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

    THE PURCHASE PRICE PAYABLE BY A BUYER IS THE TOTAL OF THE FINAL BID PRICE PLUS THE BUYER'S PREMIUM (25% OF THE AUCTION PRICE OF EACH LOT), AND ANY APPLICABLE SALES OR USE TAX.
    ONCE A BID IS PLACED BY THE BIDDER ONLINE, IT CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN. LOTS ARE SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR CONDITIONS OF SALE, DESCRIBED TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AND CANNOT BE RETURNED. THE ONLINE CONDITION REPORT IS NOT AN SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, WHICH YOU MAY SEEK, REGARDING THE CONDITION OF A LOT.
    PHOTOS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION REPORT. ANY DEFECTS NOT MENTIONED IN THE DESCRIPTIONS BUT VISIBLE IN THE PHOTOS WILL BE CONSIDERED AS DESCRIBED AND WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY CLAIMS. THE ONLINE CONDITION REPORT MAY NOT DESCRIBE ALL DEFECTS IN A LOT, SUCH AS RESTORATIONS, DEGRADATIONS OR ADAPTATIONS. PHOTOS ARE NOT RETOUCHED. THE COLORS MAY DIFFER FROM REALITY. THE DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN AS AN INDICATION AND MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE MEASUREMENTS MENTIONED BY THE MANUFACTURERS, ESPECIALLY FOR CONTEMPORARY TIMEPIECES. FOR WATCHES, WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE FUNCTIONING OR THE PRECISION OF THE MOVEMENT, NOR THE WATERPROOFNESS OF THE CASE.

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December 11, 2022 2:00 PM CET
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