Vacheron Constantin 222

There are watches that make headlines, and there are others that should make headlines.  Here, we have a watch from the latter category.  Released in 1977, the 222 was the quiet celebration of Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary. Its designer, Jorg Hysek, had moved to Geneva at a young age and quickly became enamored with watches. Hysek worked for Rolex for a number of years before creating his own design firm, and Vacheron Constantin was one of his very first clients.  Debuting one year after the Patek Philippe Nautilus and five after the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the 222 never quite achieved the hype and renown of the former two. That being said, its design is just as interesting as those two vaunted models and is deserving of respect and admiration.  In 2022, Vacheron Constantin re-released the 222 as part of the coveted ‘Historiques’ collection. The 37mm yellow gold piece preserved the brilliant design, maintaining the fluted bezel, angular case, unique bracelet, and slim wris