Designed by the celebrated designer Jorg Hysek and launched in 1977 to celebrate the maison's 222nd anniversary, the Vacheron Constantin 222 It was the first sports watch with an integrated bracelet produced by the prestigious Swiss brand. A model that marked the history of watchmaking and that, even today, remains one of the most sought-after pieces among collectors.
After the return of the 222 in yellow gold In 2023, within the Historiques collection, Vacheron has finally fulfilled a pending wish: the debut of a new version in stainless steel, presented on the occasion of the 270th anniversary of the maison. With its dark blue dial and retro charm, the new Historiques 222 in steel It was highly anticipated by enthusiasts, and is the perfect celebration of a timeless design.
A great return: the 222 in steel
At a quick glance, the new Historiques 222 in stainless steel (ref. 4200H/222A-B934) it almost entirely takes up the design of the version in 18K yellow gold (ref. 4200H/222J-B935) launched two years ago. The concept remains unchanged: replace the gold with steel, introduce a dark blue dial, and that's it. But behind this apparent simplicity lies a return of great historical relevance.
The original 222 in steel of 1977 was produced in just 500 specimens, making it one of Vacheron's rarest and most sought-after models. After being withdrawn from the catalog in the mid-80s, the 222 in steel remained at the top of collectors' wish lists for decades. It is no coincidence that our own Ed Rhee included it among his predictions for 2024, anticipating a wait that has now finally come to fruition.
Compact size and attention to detail
Like the gold version, the new one also Historiques 222 in steel stands out for its angular lines and slim profile: the case measures 37 mm in diameter for a limited thickness of 7,95 mm. The distinctive sapphire crystal is set in the fluted bezel, while the transparent case back — a novelty compared to vintage models — allows a glimpse of the movement. Water resistance is guaranteed up to 50 meters, ideal for everyday use.
A precious detail is the Maltese cross, symbol of Vacheron Constantin, positioned in the lower right corner of the case. On this steel version too, the cross is made of 18K yellow gold and precisely welded into the recessed surface of the case, adding a touch of luxury.
Blue dial and luminous finishes
The dial of the new Historiques 222 in steel faithfully follows the pattern of the yellow gold version, but introduces an important chromatic variation: the surface is finished in an elegant dark blue matte, which creates a refined contrast with the steel case.
The applied baton indexes, the central hands and the date window at 3 o'clock maintain the sober and functional style that made the 222 famous. However, to match the cold tone of the steel, Vacheron has opted for White gold for the finishes of the hands, indexes and the Maltese cross on the dial.
As in the yellow gold model, here too we find a generous application of Super-LumiNova: during the day, the substance appears white with a slightly dirty tinge, while in the dark it emits a characteristic green glow, ensuring excellent readability in all conditions.
A modern classic for a historic anniversary
The return of the Vacheron Constantin 222 in steel is not only a tribute to Jorg Hysek’s original design, but also an important sign of continuity for the brand. At a time when steel sports watches are among the most sought-after on the market, Vacheron has chosen to relaunch a piece that defined an entire era, keeping intact the spirit of the past but with a modern execution.
With this new edition, the Swiss brand not only celebrates its own 270 anniversary, but reaffirms the value of its historical icons, projecting them into the future. And for collectors, the wait has been more than worth it.