Vacheron Constantin

222

There is still nothing hotter than a 1970s sports watch with an integrated bracelet, so Vacheron Constantin’s timing cannot be faulted. The venerable Swiss watchmaker energised its line-up this year with a remake of its casual luxury timepiece from the decade, the 222.

The model, designed by Jorg Hysek, debuted in 1977 to celebrate the brand’s 222nd anniversary. Fewer than 1,000 pieces were made, and it has, in recent years, become an auction-block darling. A 38mm steel model Ref 44018 from its first year of production sold last year at

Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XIV for CHF157,500, just over five times its top estimate of CHF30,000.

For its 2022 update (CHF70,000), it comes in a 37mm by 7.95mm 18-carat yellow-gold version, featuring the company’s signature Maltese cross at five o’clock, and is now powered by the in-house 2455/2 movement. A sapphirecrystal caseback was added to give a view of its new engine and its 18-caratgold rotor. When a steel update drops – as surely it will – expect this to become the next hype watch on everyone’s list.