VIDEO: Why it took so long for the Vacheron Constantin 222 to make its comeback

Fergus Nash

For whatever reason, vintage reissues have become the undisputed rulers of watch releases. It almost doesn’t matter who the brand is or what they’re re-releasing, but if there’s history then there’s hype. But, when the brand is as lofty as Vacheron Constantin and the watch is as iconic as the reference 222, watch lovers are going to go rabid. The 1977 release signified a change in Vacheron Constantin’s trajectory as a brand, proving that luxury sports watches were the way of the future. The modern reference captures all of the spirit and dimensions of the original, with a 37mm diameter and a slender integrated bracelet that gracefully drapes over your wrist.

The dimensions are deceptive, with said bracelet giving the watch a larger stance and wrist presence than the measurements may lead you to believe. With an all-gold case construction and entirely gilt dial, you may expect it to be too blingy for modern tastes, but you may be surprised there as well. The matte finishing across the case and bracelet ensures that the tone of the 18k yellow gold is muted, allowing you to wear this taste of decadence in many versatile contexts.

“The bracelet for me is close to perfection,” says Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s Style and Heritage Director in this video. “It’s like a second skin.”

“When we talk about sport-elegant watches like the Overseas or the 222, for me, I think this is the best definition of a wristwatch.”

For Vacheron, the release seemed like a no brainer. After all, of late, the steel jumbo 222 from the ‘70s was routinely changing hands on the secondary market for over $200,000 AUD.  That demand was fuelled by the market’s increasing hunger for luxury integrated-bracelet watches. Vacheron’s 222 was ideally positioned to incite similar levels of boggle-eyed desire as their “holy trinity” colleagues were enjoying with the Royal Oak and Nautilus.  So what was behind the 222’s delayed return?

That’s what T+T founder Andrew McUtchen asks Christian in this latest video. Check it out to see what he had to say.