Designed by Jorg Hysek for Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary in 1977, the 222 was the company’s answer to the famed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta in 1972.
Unlike the Royal Oak, which became a legend and has bolstered Audemars Piguet sales ever since, the Vacheron Constantin 222 was discontinued in 1984, after what’s believed to be less than 1,000 were ever produced (in stainless steel, yellow gold, and two-tone).
As you may recall, Vacheron Constantin reissued a chic 18K yellow gold version of the Historiques 222 in 2022. It was well received. Naturally, consumers wanted an option to buy it in stainless steel, and now in 2025, the Richemont-owned company has delivered that.
The new Historiques 222 (Ref. 4200H/222A-B934) features a stainless steel case and integrated bracelet that measures a conservative 37 mm x 7.95 mm. The 222 is an attractive dress watch and wears slightly larger than the dimensions might suggest, making it an ideal fit not just on smaller to medium wrists, but in some cases even on wrists that are 7″ and above (thanks in part to the broadness of the bracelet).
Framed by a fluted bezel, like the original 222, the re-issue comes with a matte blue dial, with a Maltese cross emblem applied just above the printed “VACHERON CONSTANTIN, GENEVE” logo. The time is indicated via simple 18K white gold baton hands, applied indices, and a framed date aperture at 3 o’clock displays the day of the month.
In addition to being placed on the dial at 12, Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese cross is embossed in yellow gold on top of the case (in the lower right quadrant). The crown (embossed) and bracelet (engraved) also feature the brand’s signature Maltese cross. A Maltese Cross is also embossed on the oscillating weight and engraved on the movement. And finally, we see the Maltese Cross engraved twice, around the perimeter of the sapphire crystal caseback.
Through the caseback, you can see Vacheron Constantin caliber 2455/2 which measures 26.2 mm x 3.6 mm, beats at 4Hz, with 27 jewels, 194 total components, and a power reserve of 40 hours. A gold oscillating weight, embossed with “222” completes the thin movement, which likely lacks the premium free-sprung balance system you might expect to find on a watch in this price range — in favor of thinness.
The Historiques 222 (Ref. 4200H/222A-B934) is water resistant to 50 meters and has a triple folding hidden clasp, for a clean, relatively snag-free wearing experience, that will work best with dressy attire.
Vacheron Constantin timepieces, especially Overseas and 222 models, generally retain value well, so even though the price is lofty for a stainless steel time and date-only watch at $32,000, resale will likely be good (not quite as good as Rolex, Patek, or AP).
The Historiques 222 is worth the price because it’s a (very) popular model, made by one of the oldest and most prestigious brand names in watchmaking, and is a limited-production boutique exclusive.
Learn more at Vacheron Constantin.
Photos by Vacheron Constantin.
