Marking its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled a steel iteration of its Historiques 222 reference. Originally unveiled in 1977, the Historiques 222 is one of the Maison’s most recognizable models yet. Now clad in contemporary steel and boasting a slightly more affordable price point than its precious metal counterpart, the new 222 faithfully upholds all its vintage charm as designed by Jorg Hysek back in the ‘70s. From its 37mm case size, slim profile, matching integrated bracelet to its fluted bezel stamped with the Maltese cross, the new reference is faithfully reimagined down to the movement, featuring the same ultra-thin 2455/2 caliber that was also used in the 2022 yellow gold re-edition.
Nicknamed “Jumbo” by collectors, this modern iteration is fitted with a blue dial. It includes several technical improvements such as redesigned bracelet joints hidden behind visible pins for better ergonomics and a triple-blade clasp for enhanced security. The caseback, now engraved with a signature to commemorate the Maison’s 270th anniversary also features a transparent sapphire crystal that offers a peek into its in-house movement.
The movement itself retains the elegance and precision of its predecessor while offering a higher frequency of 4 Hz for better timekeeping accuracy and an increased 40-hour power reserve. The date window has been moved closer to the dial’s center for a more balanced appearance, while the hands and hour-markers are also coated with Super-LumiNova, nodding to historical timepieces’ tritium hue.
The new Historiques 222 in steel is priced at $32,000 USD and will be available exclusively through Vacheron Constantin’s boutiques. For more information, visit the Maison’s official website.
The post Vacheron Constantin’s Iconic Historiques 222 Arrives in Contemporary Steel appeared first on Hypebeast.