2025 is a historic year for Vacheron Constantin, celebrating 270 years of the brand’s history, marked by the creation of some of the most valuable and complicated watches ever made. One example is the latest model unveiled last year, Les Cabinotiers “Berkley Grand Complication,” considered the most complicated watch ever produced.
To mark this important milestone, the house will introduce several special editions that will undoubtedly leave a mark among fans.
Given the growing success of sports watches with integrated bracelets and the great interest generated by the recent yellow gold version of the famous Historiques 222, first launched in 1977, Vacheron Constantin decided to introduce the long-awaited steel version today.
Let’s find out in detail about this new timepiece, which we are sure will be a considerable success right from the start.
Features of the new Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
With the new Historiques 222, Vacheron Constantin aims to reinsert into the catalog a watch that has become iconic for the maison, while updating some key elements of the design of its creator, Jorg Hysek. The new “Jumbo” edition, due to its larger diameter than the standards of fifty years ago, is distinguished by its blue dial and 37 mm steel case.
As mentioned, this reissue takes advantage of several technical advances, starting with the bracelet joints, now redesigned to conceal the pivots and improve ergonomics, also equipped with a three-blade clasp instead of two. The caliber that replaces the iconic ultra-thin 1120 only 3.05 mm thick is the 2455/2, slightly smaller than its predecessor and only 3.6 mm thick.
The low thickness of the caliber is obviously reflected in that of the case, which in fact has a height of only 7.95 mm, remarkably thin for an automatic watch. In addition, thanks to the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), as opposed to the 2.75 Hz of the original model, the movement ensures superior precision and has a power reserve of 40 hours.
The watch features, just like the vintage model, only two hour and minute hands, retaining a decidedly clean look for the dial, with logo at twelve o’clock, date window at three o’clock, and “automatic” lettering at six o’clock.
One difference with the 1970s model is undoubtedly the case back, now made of sapphire crystal that allows the caliber and signature to be seen to celebrate the 270th anniversary.
Price and availability
The watch is now available, exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques, at a price of CHF 32,000 (about EUR 34,000), giving enthusiasts the option of not having to go up to the CHF 74,000 (about EUR 79,000) required for the yellow gold version.
In my opinion, the price reflects the history and prestige of Vacheron Constantin and, more importantly, is in line with those of similar watches, such as Patek’s Nautilus (which has been out of print for some years now) and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Jumbo.
The great interest that the yellow gold version has garnered over the years suggests that this new version, too, will be highly desired and that it is unlikely that all the demands will be met. I would not be surprised, therefore, to see prices on the “second wrist” market significantly above the list price.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the new Historiques 222 represents an interpretation, both technical and aesthetic, that is incredibly well done by Vacheron Constantin. In fact, it responds to the request that enthusiasts had been making for several years: to flank the yellow gold version with a steel one, just as it did at the 1977 launch.
And you, what do you think of this new 222?
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