Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel is the Watch We’ve Been Waiting For

Nick Hall
By Nick Hall - News

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  • To celebrate 270 years of operation, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled a Historiques 222 in stainless steel.
  • The re-edition is inspired by the original 1977 model, which was released to mark the watchmaker’s 222nd anniversary.
  • It is powered by the in-house calibre 2455/2 movement, which features a dedicated oscillating weight.
  • The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel is priced at CHF 32,000 (AUD$56,500).

Cast your mind, if you will, back to 1977. The face of rock music was about to change for good with the release of Led Zeppelin IV, the Jobs and Wozniak-led Apple Technology was in its infancy and the late Jimmy Carter was only just kicking off his Presidential term, but in Geneva, a long-awaited anniversary was taking place. With the unveiling of the Historiques 222, the brand’s first integrated bracelet sports watch, revered Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin marked 222 remarkable years of production. A slim, streamlined and intricately crafted timepiece, Jorg Hysek’s masterpiece was the perfect way to ring in the anniversary and now, almost 50 years later, we’re getting a sequel.

The mark 270 years since Jean-Marc Vacheron first opened the doors to his Geneva-based manufacture, Vacheron Constantin has reworked an icon, releasing an updated Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel. Every bit a modern classic, the latest reinterpretation of the boundary-pushing timepiece pays homage to the brand’s illustrious heritage whilst staying true to its forward-thinking ethos.

An advertisement for the original 1977 Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 | Image: Supplied
An advertisement for the original 1977 Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 | Image: Supplied

The stainless steel release comes just three years after Vacheron Constantin unveiled a Historiques 222 edition in yellow gold. The highly-coveted model proved to be a stand-out favourite amongst celebrities and collectors, earning its rightful place amongst the top watch releases of the year. With the 2025 edition, nicknamed ‘Jumbo’, the maison has revived the distinctive character of the 222 whilst also playing up to its sporty pedigree.

At 37mm in diameter and just 7.95mm thick, ‘Jumbo’ may feel like an odd moniker, but underneath the caseback, which bears a signature representing Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, the new 222 is a stunning mix of brain and brawn. It is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal to reveal the in-house calibre 2455/2, a remarkable mechanical, self-winding movement crafted in 22K 3N yellow gold and featuring a dedicated oscillating weight. Slightly smaller in diameter than its predecessor, this calibre is only 3.6mm thick, which is the primary reason behind its marginally reduced 40-hour power reserve. Make no mistake, however, this movement is a work of art.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934 | Image: Supplied
Calibre 2455/2 inside the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934 | Image: Supplied

As Vacheron Constantin explains, the oscillating weight is engraved with the original 222 logo and edged with a fluted motif reminiscent of the bezel. Additionally, the 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) frequency ups the accuracy when compared with the 2.75 Hz original model, demonstrating just how far the brand’s research and development efforts have come.

On the dial, the date window has been moved towards the centre—a subtle update that now gives the minutes track a little more room to breathe—while the vintage font of the “AUTOMATIC” inscription is a fitting nod to the collection’s past. Contemporary additions include Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and hour-markers, with a combination of vertical satin-brushing and polishing leaving the timepiece with an extraordinary luminescent effect.

Of course, the Historiques 222 is best known for its unique integrated bracelet design, which has again been reworked for this anniversary edition. The joints of the bracelet—which is now fastened with a triple-blade rather than a twin-blade clasp—have been redesigned to hide the visible pins and improve ergonomics. Most importantly, however, it comes in a striking stainless steel case, which Alexandra Vogler, Vacheron Constantin CMO, described as the “next logical step” in the range’s evolution.

“The 222 is a legendary timepiece and is greatly appreciated by collectors – not least because its initial production run in the late 1970s was very limited,” Vogler said. “The Jumbo version in stainless steel is the next logical step. The distinctive character of the 222 has made it one of Vacheron Constantin’s most recognisable models over the last few decades.”

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934 | Image: Supplied
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934 | Image: Supplied

With 2025 just a few weeks old, Vacheron Constantin is clearly not wasting any time in celebrating the 270-year milestone, and the festivities aren’t likely to stop soon. Volger revealed that further anniversary pieces, inspired by the maison’s incredible collection of historical timepieces, will be unveiled throughout the year.

“By kicking off its 270th anniversary with this iconic timepiece – one that is vintage yet resolutely contemporary – the maison is weaving past and present together,” Vogler said. “The Historiques 222 will be followed by other new models throughout this anniversary year”.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel is priced at CHF 32,000 (AUD$56,500) and will be available exclusively via Vacheron Constantin boutiques. It is presented on an integrated stainless steel bracelet featuring the maison’s traditional Maltese cross-shaped buckle.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel Ref. 4200H/222A-B934 | Image: Supplied

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Historiques 222 Stainless Steel
  • Reference: Ref. 4200H/222A-B934
  • Diameter: 37mm
  • Thickness: 7.95mm
  • Movement: Calibre 2455/2 mechanical, self-winding
  • Power Reserve: 40 hours
  • Water-Resistance: 50 metres
  • Price: CHF 32,000 (AUD$56,500)
The original 1977 Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 | Image: Supplied
The original 1977 Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 | Image: Supplied
Nick Hall

Editor-in-Chief

Nick Hall

Nick Hall is an award-winning journalist and the current Editor-in-Chief of Man of Many. With an extensive background in the media industry, he specialises in feature writing, lifestyle and entertainment content. Nick is a former Mumbrella Publish Awards ‘Editor of ...