T he A n AT omy of B e A u T y
After restoring form and substance only three years ago to the fondlyremembered 222 of the 1970s, now Vacheron Constantin returns to offer its sporty-chic alter-ego in steel, introduced as a statement piece to highlight the year of the brand’s 270th anniversary
by Diego Tamone - ph. courtesy by Vacheron Constantin
Up to about fifty years ago watchmaking industry generally thought in a less flexible, more binary way than it does today. Of the various types of timepieces only classic and sporty models were deemed worthy of being admitted into its ecosystem. What’s more, the sports models were conceived almost exclusively for professional use. No concession to the middle way, hybrid types or improbable mixtures of parts, just clear, sharply-delineated roles. This was accompanied by limited choices in the context of style, solutions and materials. Prestigious metals, elegant approach, minimal dimensions and leather strap on the one hand and steel, dynamic look, larger dimensions and bracelet on the other. Then came the 1970s, a decade that saw a sort of cultural revolution in the watchmaking industry. Surprisingly
Daring creativity, uncompromising design and timeless style – all features of the of the Historiques 222 in steel, a revival by Vacheron Constantin of a cult model dating from the 1970s, now presented once again to celebrate the Geneva-based brand’s 270th anniversary
From top, right ,counterclockwise: a stage in the creation of the sketch, still hand-drawn; inserting the dial; positioning the hands; assembling the crystal and bezel on the 37 mm case. Above, right the Historiques 222, available exclusively in boutiques
and almost without warning the sporty-chic format began to dominate, bringing with it a new way wearing and experiencing a watch. For the Vacheron Constantin company the opportunity to implement the switch came in 1977, the year of the foundation’s 222th anniversary. While some of the most illustrious brands sought the services of stylist Gérald Genta, the Maltese Cross brand drew on the talents of Jorg Hysek, the designer behind the change, who transformed the unusual 222 from concept to reality, creating an instant classic that developed into legendary model.
The brand gave new life to this cult in 2022 when it re-introduced a full gold version in the Historiques collection and now, on the occasion of its 270th anniversary, it presents a model in steel, too. Imperceptibly refined, deeply evolved. From the automatic in-house mechanics to the ergonomics of the case and bracelet, recognisable because of its unique aesthetics, like the bracelet with its lozenge-shaped central links. Integrated and as harmonious as ever because it was conceived as a whole. vacheron-constantin.com