The Vacheron Constantin 222 Overseas 60001 was introduced in 1977 to celebrate Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary. It was created by a young German designer named Jorg Hysek and produced from 1977 to 1984?fewer than 100 examples in variations of steel and gold were made.
The design of the Vacheron Constantin 222 is particularly striking. When it was introduced, it departed almost entirely from the standard notion of a luxury dress watch, which was typically classic in appearance. Despite the precious metal and steel case seen in this example, the watch leaves us with a sense of understated luxury, thanks to its slim design, proportionate size and robust performance.
With its tonneau shape and a scalloped bezel ring circling the case, the design of the reference 60001 is particularly distinctive. A subtle contrast between brushed and polished surfaces can be found throughout, accentuating the high level of finishing involved. It also features a small Maltese cross, just below the five o?clock mark on the top of the case itself, in reference to Vacheron Constantin?s signature symbol.
Structurally speaking, the case is a monocoque, or unibody, setting it apart from other similar sports watches in the period with its almost completely flat caseback and slender profile. Because of its unique case and bracelet design, it wears larger than its dimensions would otherwise suggest, wrapping itself around the wrist. The bracelets and clasps were made by the famed bracelet maker Gay Fr?res, who produced the first Oyster bracelets for Rolex as well as integrated bracelets for the original Nautilus and Royal Oak.
The Vacheron Constantin 222 is one of a group of integrated-bracelet sports watches introduced during the 1970s, which began with the Royal Oak in 1972 and then with the Patek Nautilus in 1976. A year after the Nautilus came out, Vacheron introduced the 222 with a design not by G?rald Genta, but by designer Jorg Hysek, who was just 24 years old.
With only 500 examples of the 222 produced across all metals in its seven-year life, it is rarer than its contemporaries. The original run of the 222 lasted seven years and fewer than 100 were produced in two-tone, all with integrated bracelets.
This Vacheron Constantin 222 bears testament to one of the most disruptive periods of watchmaking in the wake of the Quartz crisis. Alongside the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, it represents the efforts of the so-called “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking to remain relevant in this new context, with their integrated bracelet sports watches. This ladies’ size ref. 60001 “222” in yellow gold and stainless steel is preserved in remarkable condition.
As the oldest watchmaker in continuous production, with more than 265 years of expertise under its belt, Vacheron Constantin understandably places heritage at the heart of its operations. And while this is reflected even in its modern-day creations, nowhere is this more important than its innovative Les Collectionneurs initiative. Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. Jean-Marc Vacheron established the company in 1755. Vacheron Constantin remains at the pinnacle of high horology, considered part of the ?Holy Trinity? alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet
Dimension
Fits a wrist size of 6 inches or smaller.
