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Building on the success of the yellow gold 222 reissue in 2022, Vacheron Constantin started its 270th-anniversary celebration in full swing this year with the introduction of the 222 in Steel, a long-awaited addition to its Historiques collection.

In January 2025, Vacheron Constantin kicked off its 270th-anniversary celebrations in spectacular fashion with the highly anticipated release of the 222 in steel. 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year in the watch world, with many brands celebrating their anniversaries, but none quite like Vacheron Constantin. There are only a few brands that have surpassed the 250-year anniversary mark, which, when you think about it, is quite astonishing. Vacheron Constantin is one of those brands, but even more rare is that they have been in continuous production since 1755, a feat that remains unmatched in the world of horology.

Over its 270-year history, Vacheron Constantin has created some genuinely timeless watches. From the FiftySix and Traditionnelle to the Historiques and Overseas collections, each has its own signature design that enthusiasts have come to love. These aren’t just watches—they’re pieces of horological history that have remained relevant for generations.

Related Reading: The Most Celebrated Watch Collections by Vacheron Constantin

One such timepiece that falls under the Historiques collection is the model 222. On the brand’s 222nd anniversary, Vacheron Constantin released a timepiece that would be revolutionary. While steel sports watches existed before, it wasn’t until Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak in 1972 that the category truly took off. Riding this wave of popularity, Vacheron Constantin introduced a timepiece that would not only compete with its rivals but carve out its own place in horological history—blending refined elegance with the sportier aesthetics of the era.

Jörg Hysek was the talented young designer who was in charge of bringing the Vacheron Constantin 222 to life. Hysek had quite the background prior to working at Vacheron, with the designer having a background as a sculptor in Italy. His transition into the world of horology began with a stint at Rolex, where he worked as a watch designer, refining his craft and learning the subtleties of watchmaking. Known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach, Hysek brought a fresh perspective to the luxury watch world. His design for the 222 is a perfect example of this vision—blending bold, modern aesthetics with the refinement of traditional Swiss craftsmanship.

To say that the 222 was a bold design for its time would be an understatement. As mentioned earlier, the watch’s use of the integrated bracelet design was a popular one at the time, but then Jörg Hysek took it a step further by implementing unique design codes that would eventually make it timeless. The original Vacheron Constantin 222 model came with a monoblock case construction, a unique bezel design that resembles a bottle cap, and an integrated bracelet with its own unique link design. The original 222 featured a black dial, accented by sharp rectangular hour indices and hands, along with a date window at 3 o’clock. While the design of the indices and hands brought an elegant touch to the dial, their true significance lies in how they contrasted with the rounded, curved lines of the case and bezel. This sharpness in design also complemented the crisp, refined styling of the bracelet’s integrated links, creating an aesthetic that tied the entire timepiece together.

The integrated bracelet of the Vacheron Constantin 222 is one of the most distinctive features of the timepiece, showcasing both style and function. It’s designed with a series of hexagonal center links made up of sharp lines, that flow seamlessly from the case, offering a soft, organic yet refined look. With how the links have been designed, it also ensured a tight and snug fit on the wrist as the bracelet was able to bend easily to match the contours of one’s wrist.

The Vacheron Constantin 222’s introduction in 1977 was part of a broader shift in the watch industry. Luxury brands began experimenting with more casual, sporty designs to attract a new generation of watch enthusiasts. The 222 was Vacheron’s answer to this market shift, allowing the brand to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

Initial Impressions of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Steel

When news broke that Vacheron Constantin was releasing the 222 in steel, the hype was real—and it didn’t disappoint. After the brand unveiled the 222 in yellow gold back in 2022, the watch received such a warm reception that it was only a matter of time before another 222 appeared in the collection. And what better occasion than the brand’s 270th anniversary?

On that note, Vacheron Constantin really nailed the unveiling of the 222 steel. Dropped in January, a typically quiet period aside from the LVMH releases, it was the perfect time to let the 222 steel shine. Instead of competing with a slew of new releases at Watches & Wonders 2025, the timing gave this model the spotlight it truly deserved, allowing it to capture all the attention it had earned.

Vacheron Constantin has stayed true to what made the original 222 iconic. Following the 2022 release, the brand unveiled the steel model with a stunning blue dial that takes the timepiece’s luxury and elegance to a whole new level. As expected, when the Watch Advice team first saw the release, we were all absolutely swooning over how gorgeous this watch was. And when we finally saw it in person, it did not disappoint—though, honestly, we never expected it to!

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Steel Case Design

The original 1977 Vacheron Constantin 222 had a monoblock case construction, which meant that the case was essentially made of “one piece.” This allowed the case back to be integrated into the middle or main case component, ultimately reducing the watch’s case thickness. The movement for the original model was installed through the dial side.

Vacheron Constantin has adopted a more traditional case design for the Historiques 222 steel, which means that its a press-ft case back with a sapphire window opening showing the movement. Even with this case design, it only measures 7.95mm thick, which is an impressive feat, making this a slim wearable timepiece just as the original model was. The tonneau-shaped case measures 37mm, the exact size offered in the original 222. This modern re-interpretation features vertical brushed finishing on the case surface, while the side profile has horizontal brushed finishing. This gives the case a subtle aesthetic look, which when paired with the bezel stands out beautifully under light.

One of the most defining aspects of the original and now the Historiques 222 is the signature notched bezel, which has often been linked to a bottle cap due to its serrated edge. When this design was first conceived for the original 222, it wasn’t simply done just for aesthetics, it was actually inspired by the industrial styling trends of the 1970s, where sharp geometric lines were becoming increasingly popular, especially in watchmaking.

Jörg Hysek, the designer behind the original 222, took a unique approach by integrating this notched bezel with the angular monobloc case, creating a seamless look. The aesthetic was both functional and stylish, giving the original 222 a bold yet refined character that distinguished it from other integrated sports watches of the era. This signature design is retained in the Historiques 222 steel, which now has a circular brushed finish to match with the case nicely.

The circular base on which the bezel sits has beveled edges, which Vacheron Constantin has given a polished finish. At different lighting angles, this polished finish shines to create a beautiful contrast against the brushed surfaces, enhancing the watch’s overall depth and refinement. This subtle interplay between finishes gives the 222 an eye-catching presence on the wrist, where the polished bevel catches the light, creating a striking visual effect. It’s a small yet deliberate detail highlighting Vacheron Constantin’s attention to craftsmanship, ensuring that even the simplest design elements contribute to the timepiece’s elegance.

Other elements of the case construction further elevate the character of the timepiece. The polished crown stands out beautifully against the brushed case, seamlessly complementing the polished finishes of the bezel and case back. Adorning the crown is Vacheron Constantin’s signature Maltese cross, a hallmark of the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship. Interestingly, the Maltese cross is also subtly positioned on the case at the 5 o’clock mark—a design choice that adds a unique visual touch while staying true to the original 222’s distinctive aesthetic.

The 222’s case construction played a crucial role in defining its identity within Vacheron Constantin’s lineup. Unlike the softer, more rounded profiles seen in traditional watch designs (and other collections in Vacheron Constantin’s lineup), the 222 embraced a more modern, almost industrial appearance. The case and bezel of the 222 are a testament to the brand’s ability to balance sportiness with luxury. This combination of bold design choices and fine finishing is exactly what makes the 222 such an icon—both in the past and today.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Steel Dial Design

The dial of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 steel stays true to the design of the original model, while introducing a fresh, modern take that captures attention wherever it goes. I love blue dial watches, so this is right up my alley. Vacheron Constantin has chosen a striking blue hue, which has a matte-like finish that allows the dial elements to shine (literally). Depending on the lighting, the blue shifts between a deep navy and a vibrant azure blue, which adds to the luxurious appeal of the watch.

Every detail of the Historiques 222 steel dial remains true to the original model. The layout is clean and highly legible, a core design principle of the first creation. The sharp rectangular hour markers and the baton-style hour and minute hands are now made from 18k white gold and come with polished surfaces that exudes luxury and elegance, especially when they catch light. The indices and hands are filled with white SuperLumi-Nova, which also perfectly contrasts them against the beautiful blue backdrop.

Another distinctive feature of this timepiece is the date window at 3 o’clock. While I normally don’t like the date window not colour-matching the dial, in this case, it’s perfectly okay as it resembles the original 222 design that featured a white date wheel. Irrespective of this, the white date wheel seems fitting on this dial, especially with the white lume on the indices. Like the original model, it was a great design choice to remove the 3 o’clock hour maker to integrate the date window for a more balanced look.

Calibre 2455/2 Movement

As expected, Vacheron Constantin has used their in-house Calibre 2455/2 movement inside the new Historiques 222 steel, the same movement in the gold Historiques 222 released in 2022. The Calibre 2455/2 movement measures 26.2mm in diameter and 3.6mm in thickness, allowing the timepiece to be quite thin! The movement operates at a high-frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz), ensuring a high accuracy level is retained in the watch. The movement’s power reserve is only 40 hours, and while this is small by modern-day standards, it is expected from high-frequency movements.

Calibre 2455/2 is the evolution of the original Calibre 2455, which was first introduced in 2007. Vacheron Constantin used the Calibre 2455 in their Traditionelle timepieces, with the watches displaying the date at 3 o’clock alongside a constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock. The Calibre 2455/2 was introduced in 2022 for the Historiques 222 gold. Being derived from the Calibre 2455 movement, the constant seconds counter was dropped for a seamless integration into the iconic 222 design. One of the notable features of the Calibre 2455/2 movement is that it features a stop-seconds mechanism, allowing for precise time setting—a feature that halts the balance wheel when the crown is pulled out. The Calibre 2455/2 Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to combining historical design with modern movements offers enthusiasts a timepiece that honors its legacy while providing contemporary performance!

If you know Vacheron Constantin, they are a brand that is committed to haute horlogeri, where movement finishing is held to the highest standard. While Calibre 2455/2 doesn’t have various finishing techniques like the brand’s other movements that make them exceptional aesthetically, it is still meticulously finished and bears the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, signifying high quality and craftsmanship. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement showcases traditional finishing techniques, including côtes de Genève and perlage, along with 18k gold winding rotor, enhancing its visual appeal.

How Does It Wear?

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Steel is a watch that series a balance between elegance and sportiness, offering a wrist presence that commands attention without being overwhelming on the wrist. At 37mm, the timepiece, as you would expect, sits comfortably even on my slim wrists (16.5cm). The watch offers a compact yet substantial feel that is suited for most wrist sizes. Despite the 37mm case size, the Historiques 222 still exudes an impressive wrist presence, all thanks to its bold design and the beautiful integrated bracelet.

Comfort is another area where the 222 excels. With its sharp, hexagonal center links, the integrated steel bracelet contours perfectly to the wrist, offering a natural and effortless fit. The brushed and polished finishes complement each other beautifully, not only visually but also in terms of comfort, with no sharp edges to dig into the skin. The construction of the case and bracelet makes the watch feel light on the wrist, and with a case thickness of 7.95mm, you can sit with it comfortably throughout the day, even during long periods of wear.

The bracelet on the 222 is a standout feature, not just for its unique link design but also for the attention to detail in its construction. Vacheron Constantin has cleverly hidden the pins that secure the links, so from the side profile, you only see a clean, uninterrupted design. The only visible screws are near the clasp, allowing for adjustments. Speaking of the clasp, it’s beautifully executed—when closed, it seamlessly forms the Maltese cross, adding a subtle but refined touch.

The one drawback of this integrated bracelet is the lack of micro-adjustment. While I understand Vacheron Constantin’s decision to stay true to the original 222, it would have been great to see a modern update incorporating some adjustability without compromising the overall design.

The versatility of the 222 makes it suitable for a variety of occasions. Its sporty yet refined aesthetic means it can easily transition from day to night. Whether you’re wearing it with a casual T-shirt and jeans or pairing it with a more formal suit, the Historiques 222 steel complements both. It’s the kind of watch that can be worn every day, effortlessly elevating any outfit without feeling out of place. Unlike its gold counterpart, the steel offers more versatility too, especially if you choose to have this timepiece as your daily. The durability and craftsmanship ensure that it can withstand the rigors of daily wear as well, while its refined design makes it a perfect choice for more special occasions.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to start the Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary celebrations than with the return of the 222 in steel, as part of the brand’s Historiques collection, showing us that this is yet another example of the brand knowing exactly what enthusiasts want! The timepiece has remained faithful to the original 1977 222, while refining the details such as movement, case finishing and dial colours to meet modern expectations and standards. From the beautifully finished case to the seamlessly integrated bracelet and the updated calibre 2455/2, every element reflects Vacheron’s commitment to quality and heritage.

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While the lack of micro-adjustment on the bracelet might be a minor drawback, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience of wearing the watch. The 222 in steel delivers on every front—design, comfort, and history—making it a statement piece that holds up just as well today as it did when it first debuted. Whether as a daily wearer or part of a collection, it’s a watch that commands attention in all the right ways.

Reference: Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Steel – 4200H/222A-B934

Specifications

• Case Size: 37mm
• Case Lug-To-Lug: 45.3mm
• Case Thickness: 7.95mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel, brushed/polished
• Dial: Blue dial with matte finish. 18K gold baton-type hour/minute hands and straight hour-markers. Both are highlighted with lime green SuperLuminova®
• Movement: In-house Calibre 2455/2
• Power Reserve:  40 hours (28,800 VpH/4Hz Frequency)
• Water Resistance: 50m (5 bar)
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
• Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel with polished/satin-finished links and triple folding clasp.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $53,500

Availability: Available now through all Vacheron Constantin retailers and boutiques or through the brand’s website Vacheron-constantin.com.au