Vacheron Constantin's 270th Anniversary Surprise: The Steel Historiques 222 Reissue

In 2025, Vacheron Constantin proudly marks its 270th anniversary, a celebration of uninterrupted horological excellence and artistic craftsmanship since its founding in 1755. To commemorate this extraordinary milestone, the Maison embarks on 'The Quest'—a journey shaped by creativity, technical ingenuity, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection.

The year-long celebration begins with the relaunch of the iconic Historiques 222, a watch that epitomizes the spirit of daring creativity and precision. This stainless steel reissue honors both tradition and modern innovation, perfectly reflecting Vacheron Constantin's legacy.

A History Forged in Excellence

Founded in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron, the Maison's enduring success stems from an extraordinary balance between technical mastery and artistic sensibility. For 270 years, Vacheron Constantin has remained at the forefront of horological innovation, driven by a philosophy of continuous improvement embodied in the words of François Constantin: "Do better if possible, and that is always possible."

From pioneering the pantograph in 1839 for component standardization to crafting the ultra-complex Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication watch with 63 complications in 2024, Vacheron Constantin has consistently redefined the boundaries of fine watchmaking.

The Return of the Historiques 222

As the first highlight of its anniversary celebrations, Vacheron Constantin unveils the stainless steel Historiques 222, a tribute to the original model launched in 1977. Designed by Jorg Hysek, the original 222 was revolutionary, introducing a new vision of the luxury sports watch. Its monobloc case, integrated bracelet, and minimalist dial became an instant icon.

Vacheron Constantin reintroduces the 222, known as the 'Jumbo' among collectors, in a 37 mm stainless steel case paired with a striking blue dial. This modern reissue incorporates several technical enhancements. The bracelet’s joints have been refined, now concealing visible pins and featuring a triple-blade clasp for improved comfort and security. The caseback, commemorating Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, includes a transparent sapphire crystal showcasing the in-house Calibre 2455/2. Slightly smaller than its predecessor, this movement remains impressively thin at 3.6 mm. The oscillating weight is engraved with the original 222 logo and adorned with a fluted motif echoing the bezel. With a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) compared to the original’s 2.75 Hz, the updated movement offers enhanced precision and a 40-hour power reserve.

A closer look at the dial reveals a repositioned date window, now placed closer to the center to avoid overlapping the minute track. The vintage-style “AUTOMATIC” font and Super-LumiNova® coating on the hands and hour markers—off-white by day and glowing lime green by night—pay homage to the tritium luminescence of historical models. Vacheron Constantin's attention to detail is evident in the finishing, with a blend of vertical satin-brushing and polished elements on the crown, bracelet, and bezel, creating dynamic light reflections.

The 2025 reissue maintains the original's defining features while incorporating modern refinements. The 37mm stainless steel case, now fitted with a sapphire crystal caseback, reveals the in-house Calibre 2455/2 movement. This self-winding calibre, operating at 4Hz, offers superior precision and a 40-hour power reserve. The oscillating weight bears the original 222 logo, emphasizing the link between past and present.

A striking blue dial, baton-style hour markers, and the Maltese cross at 5 o'clock pay homage to the original design while updated bracelet construction enhances comfort and aesthetics.

An Ongoing Legacy of Technical Mastery

Vacheron Constantin's influence extends beyond design, as its contributions to horological innovation have defined the industry. Milestones include the first retrograde date display in 1940, the 2015 Les Cabinotiers Reference 57260 with 57 complications, and the 2024 Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication with a groundbreaking Chinese perpetual calendar.

Such achievements reflect a relentless quest for technical excellence. From ultra-thin movements to world time complications, Vacheron Constantin continues to elevate the art of watchmaking.

A Celebration of Enduring Excellence

As Vacheron Constantin celebrates 270 years of horological artistry, the launch of the Historiques 222 marks just the beginning of a year filled with extraordinary releases and commemorative events. This new chapter honors a legacy of technical innovation, artistic sensitivity, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

With the unveiling of the stainless steel Historiques 222, Vacheron Constantin not only reaffirms its commitment to heritage but also sets a bold course for the future—one defined by timeless elegance and groundbreaking craftsmanship.