Wonderland

AN ICON REBORN

Celebrating the Maison’s 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin unveils the Historiques 222 in stainless steel – a reimagined classic that’s been turning heads since 1977.

Since the summer of 2023, Brad Pitt has been hard to miss once again. But this time, it wasn’t Pitt himself on the spotlight, but the illustrious vintage timepiece fastened to his wrist: a vintage Vacheron Constantin 222 in stainless steel. It was a real if you know you know kind of choice from Pitt, but now, with the benefit of hindsight and Vacheron Constantin’s mammoth 270th anniversary year, we can confirm he was in fact foreshadowing.

In tribute to such a celebratory year, the Swiss maestros behind the maltese cross introduce the Historiques 222, now in stainless steel. From its debut in 1977, it has set the tone for a bold kind of sports watch, set away from the entire canon of pilots, divers, explorers and tool watches on the market.

What makes the 222 so distinct at first glance is, of course, an integrated bracelet like no other, with a monobloc case. It’s robust in structure, but without being blocky on the wrist, thanks to the detail of the large hexagonal central links and the slender 7mm presence. At first release, it was the world’s thinnest full-rotor automatic movement, rounded off with an elegant dial.

For those unaware, the 222 was nicknamed the ‘Jumbo’ by its fanbase. Now enticing suitors of the modern day, a new edition of the 222 frames a 37mm stainless steel offering, with a remodelling clasp (from twin-blade to triple), an anniversary signature on the caseback, and an up to date calibre, offering enhanced precision and a 40 hour power reserve.

In a game of spot the difference, the date window has moved towards the centre, no longer interfering with the minutes track so you can stay right on time. A latent tribute to its early predecessor, the inscription of AUTOMATIC on the dial reveals Super-LumiNova coating, as well as on the hands and hour markers, nodding to the hues of tritium previously used. Of course it’s Vacheron Constantin, so expect nothing but the best finishing from the crown, to the bracelet, to the bezel. It’s time to open up a new spot in your collection for this anniversary timepiece.