Vacheron Constantin has surprised everyone this year at Watches & Wonders, not only with the release of its 222 from the Historiques archive but also with their re-invention of the Overseas. Here is what we saw in Geneva.
37 mm-diameter yellow gold 222 “Jumbo”
Vacheron Constantin is reissuing its legendary 222, launched in 1977 for the 222nd anniversary of the Maison. The watch’s bold design by Jorg Hysek marked a turning point in the history of the Manufacture, which thereby made a remarkable foray into the world of “sporty-chic” watches. Among the various existing 222 references, the one chosen to mark the return of the legend was the Reference 44018 in 18K 3N gold with a 37 mm diameter
« The 222 watch crystallises the spirit of the 1970s, marked by an evolution of design towards something more authentic, more personal or even more ‘disordered’, as well as endowed with character and organic shapes, » explained Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage.
Vacheron Constantin is offering an updated interpretation of this legendary model in its Jumbo version with the Historiques 222 watch in 18K 3N yellow gold. In keeping with the spirit of the Historiques collection, the watches composing the collection are not identical replicas of the original watch, but instead contemporary reinterpretations, endowed with the latest technical advances to optimise their reliability and comfort on the wrist.
Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton
Several “firsts” characterize the new Overseas tourbillon skeleton model. It is the first timepiece in the collection equipped with a tourbillon movement in a skeletonised version. The new Manufacture Calibre 2160 SQ, featuring hand-crafted finishes characteristic of haute horlogerie yet in a contemporary spirit, is equipped with an original regulating organ featuring a balance-spring with a Breguet overcoil.
The open-work of the barrel reveals a cover shaped like compass rose, a novel design for Vacheron Constantin. Available in 18K 5N pink gold and Grade 5 titanium, this latest version is the first Vacheron Constantin watch made entirely of this metal, including the bezel and crown.
Live Photography: Gustavo Kuri
