In an period the place companies sprout and wither with alarming effectivity, it’s actually spectacular to seek out one which has endured revolutions and pestilence; witnessed the transition from candlelight to electrical energy; journeyed from horse-drawn carriages to self-driving vehicles; and stayed related in a continuously altering world. Vacheron Constantin, among the many oldest watchmaking companies in steady operation, enters its 270th 12 months in 2025.
The Geneva-based firm has beforehand marked important milestones with extraordinary timepieces that present the world simply the way it manages to keep up such unimaginable longevity. For its two hundredth anniversary in 1955, it launched a trio of watches powered by the Calibre 1003, making them the thinnest watches of their time at 1.64mm in top. For its 250th anniversary in 2005, it offered a set of horological marvels that included the ultra-complicated Tour de l’Ile, with an unique mixture of 16 issues that may be learn off on a double-sided show, making it probably the most difficult wristwatch ever produced in a sequence; the record-breaking Saint Gervais with its 250-hour energy reserve, and the L’Esprit des Cabinotiers – a singular secret clock hid inside an eight-petaled pink gold orb hand-engraved with a sky chart drawn by Robert de Vaugondy, geographer to Louis XV.
The 270th anniversary definitely guarantees extra mastery and finesse, however it’s kicking off the celebrations with an ode to the current previous: the Historiques 222. Desperate to align with the zeitgeist of a society enamoured with the posh sports activities watch class within the Seventies, Vacheron Constantin commissioned famend watch designer Jorg Hysek to create the unique 222, coinciding with the Maison’s 222nd anniversary.
The unique 222 debuted in chrome steel, with valuable metallic variants following later. Its distinctive design components included an built-in bracelet with hexagonal centre hyperlinks, a fluted bezel and Vacheron Constantin’s signature Maltese cross, uniquely positioned at 5 o’clock throughout the monobloc case. The minimalist dial featured baton fingers and hour markers, whereas the ultra-thin calibre 1120 – then the world’s thinnest full-rotor automated motion – powered the watch and supplied a date show at 3 o’clock.
It was solely in 2022 that the mannequin made its first return – in full yellow gold – sustaining the size of the unique “Jumbo” whereas incorporating trendy enhancements. The up to date building deserted the monobloc case for enhanced consolation and serviceability, whereas the in-house calibre 2455/2 was proudly displayed by way of a sapphire crystal caseback. But collectors continued to pine for the metal model that began all of it. Their wait is now over.
The brand new metal Historiques 222 mirrors its golden predecessor’s proportions and engineering, measuring a refined 37mm in diameter and seven.95mm in top. The case combines vertical brushing with polished bevels, whereas the midnight blue dial gives refined distinction with the chrome steel. The signature yellow gold Maltese cross, positioned at 5 o’clock on the case flank, provides a delicate contact of valuable metallic.
“The 222 is a legendary timepiece and is vastly appreciated by collectors – not least as a result of its preliminary manufacturing run within the late Seventies was very restricted. The distinctive character of the 222 has made it one in all Vacheron Constantin’s most recognisable fashions over the previous few many years,” says Chief Advertising and marketing Officer Alexandra Vogler. “By kicking off its 270th anniversary with this iconic timepiece – one that’s classic but resolutely modern – the Maison is weaving previous and current collectively.”
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