Vacheron Constantin 222 46003/411

222, Reference 46003/411 | A mid-size yellow gold and stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet | Circa 1982 Vacheron Constantin

Dial: champagne Calibre: cal. 1124 automatic, 34 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down bezel Case number: 554’052 Closure: yellow gold and stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet and folding clasp Size: 34 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Accessories: none Released in 1977, the Vacheron Constantin 222 celebrated Vacheron's 222nd anniversary in what was a radical move away from the traditional dress watches Vacheron had become renowned for as it marked Vacheron's decision to compete with their two largest rivals' new stainless steel sports models, the Royal Oak from AP and the Nautilus from Patek Philippe. Designed by Jorg Hysek, the 222 features aesthetic similarities to both of those two aforementioned models. It features a one-piece construction tonneau-shaped case, a unique bezel and an integrated bracelet made of long hexagonal bars that connect H-shaped links. The model was discontinued in 1985, Vacheron produced very small quantities of the 222 making it an exceedingly rare watch.