In an era where businesses sprout and wither with alarming efficiency, it is truly impressive to find one that has endured revolutions and pestilence; witnessed the transition from candlelight to electricity; journeyed from horse-drawn carriages to self-driving cars; and stayed relevant in a constantly changing world. Vacheron Constantin, among the oldest watchmaking firms in continuous operation, enters its 270th year in 2025.

The Geneva-based company has previously marked significant milestones with extraordinary timepieces that show the world just how it manages to maintain such incredible longevity. For its 200th anniversary in 1955, it released a trio of watches powered by the Calibre 1003, making them the thinnest watches of their time at 1.64mm in height. For its 250th anniversary in 2005, it presented a collection of horological marvels that included the ultra-complicated Tour de l’Ile, with an original combination of 16 complications that can be read off on a double-sided display, making it the most complicated wristwatch ever produced in a series; the record-breaking Saint Gervais with its 250-hour power reserve, and the L’Esprit des Cabinotiers – a unique secret clock concealed within an eight-petaled pink gold orb hand-engraved with a sky chart drawn by Robert de Vaugondy, geographer to Louis XV.

The 270th anniversary certainly promises more mastery and finesse, but it is kicking off the celebrations with an ode to the recent past: the Historiques 222. Eager to align with the zeitgeist of a society enamoured with the luxury sports watch category in the 1970s, Vacheron Constantin commissioned renowned watch designer Jorg Hysek to create the original 222, coinciding with the Maison’s 222nd anniversary.

The original 222 debuted in stainless steel, with precious metal variants following later. Its distinctive design elements included an integrated bracelet with hexagonal centre links, a fluted bezel and Vacheron Constantin’s signature Maltese cross, uniquely positioned at 5 o’clock within the monobloc case. The minimalist dial featured baton hands and hour markers, while the ultra-thin calibre 1120 – then the world’s thinnest full-rotor automatic movement – powered the watch and provided a date display at 3 o’clock.

It was only in 2022 that the model made its first return – in full yellow gold – maintaining the dimensions of the original “Jumbo” while incorporating modern improvements. The updated construction abandoned the monobloc case for enhanced comfort and serviceability, while the in-house calibre 2455/2 was proudly displayed through a sapphire crystal caseback. Yet collectors continued to pine for the steel version that started it all. Their wait is now over.

The new steel Historiques 222 mirrors its golden predecessor’s proportions and engineering, measuring a refined 37mm in diameter and 7.95mm in height. The case combines vertical brushing with polished bevels, while the midnight blue dial offers sophisticated contrast with the stainless steel. The signature yellow gold Maltese cross, positioned at 5 o’clock on the case flank, adds a subtle touch of precious metal.

“The 222 is a legendary timepiece and is greatly appreciated by collectors – not least because its initial production run in the late 1970s was very limited. The distinctive character of the 222 has made it one of Vacheron Constantin’s most recognisable models over the last few decades,” says Chief Marketing Officer Alexandra Vogler. “By kicking off its 270th anniversary with this iconic timepiece – one that is vintage yet resolutely contemporary – the Maison is weaving past and present together.”

This article will also be featured in the upcoming WOW Spring 2025 issue.

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