PHOTO COURTESY OF VACHERON CONSTANTIN

Nobody would have seen this coming but the return of Vacheron Constantin’s legendary 222 is certainly welcome news for watch enthusiasts.

The cult classic designed by Jorg Hysek was first unveiled in 1977, in celebration of the Swiss watch brand’s 222nd anniversary, and remains a collector’s favourite today. The sporty-chic timepiece, which was released in 24 mm, 34 mm and 37 mm (a.k.a ‘jumbo’) sizes, was retired in 1985, but is now back in celebration of its 45 years.

Part of Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques collection of reimagined classics, the new 222 is a re-edition of the 37 mm ‘Jumbo’ crafted in 18K 3N yellow gold. Same yet different, the design has retained the aesthetic codes of the initial 222 model with a few contemporary updates.

This includes the tonneau-shaped case construction, fluted bezel, gold-toned dial with straight hour markers and baton-type hands (whose luminescence takes on a green-tinted hue at night, in reference to the tritium used on the original) and integrated bracelet, with a few subtle adjustments for improved comfort and a more ergonomic wear.

Similarities aside, one of the biggest differences worth noting would be the movement. The case, embellished with the beloved Vacheron Constantin Maltese Cross emblem at 5 o’clock, has a transparent exhibition back that showcases the new-generation in-house Calibre 2455/2.

Operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and endowed with a 40-hour power reserve, the self-winding Calibre 2455/2 movement delivers enhanced precision. It’s also engraved with the original 222 logo and surrounded by a fluted motif echoing the bezel for a level of finishing as meticulous as that of the original.

Intrigued? The Historiques 222 will be exclusively available at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

For more information, do visit VACHERON-CONSTANTIN.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF VACHERON CONSTANTIN