Introducing the New Vacheron Constantin 222 in Stainless Steel

In honor of Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, the brand announced the release of the long-anticipated stainless steel Historiques 222. We’ve all waited for it, and Vacheron Constantin has finally delivered. Let’s take a look!

History

While the Nautilus and the Royal Oak are most quickly identified with integrated bracelet sports watches, the 222 has arguably been the enthusiast’s niche alternative. Released in 1977, just one year after the Nautilus, to commemorate the 222nd birthday of Vacheron, the 222 was the beautiful creation of design legend Jorg Hysek.

An incredibly unique execution with tonneau case, scalloped bezel, and an incredibly 70’s integrated bracelet, the watch was striking and beautiful, and also relatively rare. Manufactured in two sizes, the midsize was made in 1000 examples, and the ‘jumbo’ in just 700. This makes this the rarest of the flagship integrated bracelet models of the holy trinity.

By the late 1980s, Vacheron discontinued the 222 completely. Then, in 2022, Vacheron reintroduced the 222 in yellow gold to wide acclaim. The era of the 222 had returned.

The New 222

Ever since the 2022 precious metal 222, collectors have all requested the same thing: a stainless steel version— the most logical configuration for an integrated bracelet sports piece. Next to the more modern Overseas, the 222 feels like the heritage model for the brand, and the original premise of the 222. With 3 years elapsed since the release of the precious metal variant, it was high time for the model to be extended to stainless steel. As European Watch Company CEO Joshua Ganjei put it: “The introduction of the steel 222 is a logical next step for the brand. Now that the gold 222 has been on the market and slightly fizzled, it’s time to re-engage and energize collectors with the introduction of the model in steel”. 

At 37mm in stainless steel, the 222 comes in slimmer then 8mm with a 50m water depth rating and a compact 45mm lug to lug. It’s an incredibly comfortable set of proportions and remarkably aligned with the original 222. Vacheron didn’t really mess with the formula from 1977, but they significantly updated the solidity of the bracelet and upgraded the movement from the JLC based caliber 1120 to an in-house higher performing caliber with superior finishing visible through an exhibition caseback. 

While much of the design has remained faithful to the traditional 222, the one tasteful contemporary concession from the brand was the incorporation of a beautiful blue dial. Vintage examples were usually outfitted with black, gray, or white dials, but the blue of the new 222 brings a fresh feel to the collection for the first time. For those favoring a purely vintage aesthetic, this is certainly different than anticipated. But for many, it’s an ideal blend of heritage aesthetics and modern finishes. That has always been the beauty of the Historiques collection as a whole, and it is certainly felt on this new model. 

The other major change for the new 222 is in price. Positioned at the high-end of stainless steel sports pieces at $32,000, this is still a much more accessible offering than the gold variant which was more than double the price at $74,000. For context within the Vacheron collections, this is still several thousand dollars more than the Overseas Jumbo, priced $25,000 in steel with a blue dial. 

It remains to be seen how many examples Vacheron will make of this new model, but we can expect production to be quite a bit more limited than the Overseas. This will still be the niche model for Vacheron that is perfect for the collector that wants a departure from the norm. If you want the modern sporty Vacheron, you go the Overseas route. If you are a lover of Vacheron history and appreciate 70s design, that’s when the 222 will be the ideal option for your collection. 

Final Thoughts

No. This piece is not a Nautilus or a Royal Oak. It’s not trying to be. Those watches are pop culture sensations. And while many fault the 222 with being less successful, the 222 isn’t trying to compete. Vacheron hasn’t achieved the broad cultural appeal of Patek or AP, but that has made many enthusiasts favor their watches as a purist’s alternative to the more recognizable offerings. 

Whether you agree with this mentality or not, the new stainless steel Vacheron 222 pays a testament to the beautiful history of one of Vacheron’s most beloved models, and it deserves consideration for your collection. We can’t wait to get hands-on with the new release when it comes through our doors here at European Watch Company.