Vacheron Constantin, the oldest watch manufacture with uninterrupted history is commemorating its 270th anniversary in 2025, beginning with the unveiling of this new Historiques 222 in stainless steel three years after the release of the Historiques 222 in yellow gold.

In 1755, in Geneva, Jean-Marc Vacheron embarked on what would become an extraordinary journey—one of relentless pursuit of excellence passed down through generations. The passion, skill, and creativity of the men and women at the Manufacture have shaped Vacheron Constantin’s identity, striking a perfect balance between technical mastery and artistic sensibility. Deeply ingrained in the workshops, these values are key to understanding the brand's enduring legacy. Since the dawn of the 21st century, Vacheron Constantin has consistently celebrated its heritage, looked to the future, and introduced a series of exceptional timepieces, each marking a new decade with both tradition and innovation.

To commemorate 270 years of craftsmanship, tradition, and progress, Vacheron Constantin will launch a series of celebrations throughout 2025, beginning with the eagerly anticipated reissue of the legendary Historiques 222 in stainless steel. With a case measuring 37 mm in diameter —only 7.95 mm thick— and a water resistance rating of 50 meters, the new Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel is fitted with a gorgeous smooth matte blue dial with white gold polished Maltese cross applied to the dial and
white gold hour markers and hands highlighted with SuperLumiNova.

“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. In 2022, a numerically symbolic year, the Maison presented an Historiques 222 edition in yellow gold. The Jumbo version in stainless steel is the next logical step. The distinctive character of the 222 has made it one of Vacheron Constantin's most recognisable models over the last few decades. 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. The Historiques 222 will be followed by other new models throughout this anniversary year”. — Alexandra Vogler, Vacheron Constantin CMO.

This iconic model was first unveiled in 1977 to celebrate the Maison’s 222nd anniversary and it represented a bold departure from the sports watches of its time. Designed by Jorg Hysek, it broke away from the professional, tool-like designs capturing a new cultural shift that blurred the lines between sportiness and sophistication. The 222 was not only a break from traditional sports watch norms but also a quintessential expression of 1970s design, introducing a new aesthetic signature to the Maison.

With its integrated bracelet, the original 222 featured a functional, flat-case construction crowned by a prominent fluted bezel, and a Maltese cross at 5 o'clock. The monobloc case, which required the movement to be inserted from the top, was water-resistant to 120 meters thanks to its screw-down bezel. Displaying hours, minutes, and date, the model’s slender profile —just 7 mm thick back then— was made possible by the ultra-thin Caliber 1120, the world’s thinnest full-rotor automatic movement at the time, measuring only 3.05 mm. The simple baton hands, hour markers, and the large hexagonal links of the bracelet exuded a robust yet modern elegance.

“Since the turn of the century, Vacheron Constantin has taken each decade anniversary as an opportunity to talk about its history and the values handed down through the centuries. These milestone anniversaries celebrate a philosophy that combines mechanical research and innovation with a deep commitment to craft and a stylistic approach that is both progressive and highly respectful of classical elegance. While talking about the Maison’s remarkable heritage is one thing, putting it into practice is another. Each of these anniversaries is marked by timepieces that perfectly illustrate the values cultivated within the Manufacture since 1755. As an example, the Maison marked its 250th anniversary with the Tour de l'Île, featuring what was –at the time– an unprecedented combination of 16 complications. Celebrating the following decade, the Reference 57260 took centre stage; with 57 functions, it was the most complicated watch ever made at the time”. —Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director, Vacheron Constantin.

Often dubbed the ‘Jumbo’ by collectors, this reissued model incorporates several technical upgrades, including redesigned bracelet joints that hide visible pins and enhance ergonomics. The new case back features a transparent sapphire crystal, revealing the in-house Caliber 2455/2, which retains its slender 3.6 mm thickness despite a slight reduction in diameter. The movement, now with a higher frequency of 4 Hz —28,800 vph— compared to the original's 2.75 Hz, offers superior precision and boasts a 40-hour power reserve. Its oscillating weight is engraved with the original 222 logo and features a fluted motif that echoes the bezel design.

On the dial, the date window has been repositioned towards the center, no longer intruding on the minute track, while the "AUTOMATIC" inscription is rendered in a vintage font. The SuperLumiNova-coated hands and hour markers —off-white by day and lime green by night— pay tribute to the tritium used in vintage models. The watch’s finishing showcases Vacheron Constantin’s signature attention to detail, with a combination of vertical satin brushing and polishing on elements like the crown, bracelet, and bezel, producing captivating light reflections.

Like all pieces in Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques collection, the 222 steel represents a milestone in the Maison’s history. The 2025 re-edition, though faithful to the original design and its nostalgic allure, stands as a fully contemporary creation.

Sticker Price USD 32,000. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.