For decades, the world of Swiss watchmaking has been peppered with iconic sports-luxe designs—the kind that grace both boardrooms and beach clubs with equal aplomb. Now, Vacheron Constantin adds another chapter to this heritage with its newly unveiled Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in Steel, paying tribute to the original 1970s model that quietly shaped watch fashion.
Launched in 1977 to celebrate the maison’s 222nd anniversary, the original 222—designed by a young Jorg Hysek—stepped into an arena already occupied by Patek Philippe’s Nautilus and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak. While those cousins have enjoyed feverish demand, the 222 always felt like the sophisticated secret shared among those with a more subtle approach to style. That changed in 2022, when Vacheron Constantin released an 18-karat yellow-gold reissue that sent collectors buzzing. Now, this new steel rendition offers up a practical yet no-less-elegant option, perfect for those who crave an under-the-radar statement piece.
Sized at 37mm and showcasing a deep navy dial, the latest Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in Steel remains faithful to its predecessor’s clean lines and trademark Maltese cross at the five o’clock position. A modern twist comes via the in-house Calibre 2455/2, visible through a sapphire caseback. It brings a higher beat rate of 4Hz and a 40-hour power reserve—modern must-haves for those who want their watch to perform as beautifully as it looks.
While the watch revives a vintage aesthetic, the overall feel is far from retro in daily wear. The triple-blade clasp, updated bracelet design, and comfortable thickness make it wonderfully suited to contemporary life. In practice, this watch could transition effortlessly from a day at the office to an evening out—its iconic silhouette and brand pedigree ensures it never looks out of place.
Collectors may also be wondering how this release stacks up next to the Vacheron Constantin Overseas line, another of the brand’s sporty-chic offerings. In truth, both collections can sit happily in one’s wardrobe. The Overseas leans into modern angles and larger proportions, while the steel 222 is delightfully vintage-inspired and sized for those who want an iconic piece of watch history on their wrist.
With a price hovering around $32,000 (or €35,300 in Europe), this watch is by no means modest. Yet it feels more attainable than the hyper-scarce sports models from Vacheron’s well-known competitors. One can expect the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in Steel to be equally prized by collectors and newcomers alike, confirming that sometimes the strongest style statements come in understated forms—and the 1970s flair has never looked so current.
FAQs
- What makes the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in Steel unique?
It combines a faithful homage to the original 1970s design with modern updates like the Calibre 2455/2 movement and a navy dial. - How big is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in Steel?
The updated steel model measures 37mm in diameter, maintaining a classic, wearable size true to its retro roots. - Is the steel 222 considered a limited edition?
Technically it isn’t, but availability may still be limited, especially given rising interest and Vacheron Constantin’s selective production. - How does it differ from the gold version launched in 2022?
Aside from the steel construction and navy dial, much remains the same, including the iconic Maltese cross detailing and overall ’70s aesthetic. - Is the 222 more desirable than the Overseas or other luxury sports watches?
Desirability is subjective. The 222 is a cult-favorite reissue with vintage charm, while the Overseas offers a more contemporary design. Both have their devoted fans.
