VACHERON CONSTANTIN, REF. 46003/411 ‘222’, A RARE AND ATTRACTIVE STEEL AND GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH

In 1977, Vacheron Constantin launched the Reference 222 ‘Jumbo’ to celebrate 222 years of continuous watch manufacturing. Designed by Jörg Hysek, the watch was produced in a limited edition of 500 examples in stainless steel, 120 in stainless steel and gold, and 100 in 18k gold. With such a classic yet bold 1970’s sport design, the reference 222 has become increasingly sought after by collectors who have come to admire its Seventies sports watch aesthetic.

The Ref. 46003 was the mid-size version (34 mm.) of the original 222 ‘Jumbo’ model. It is believed that Vacheron Constantin only produced about 1,000 pieces of the mid-size model. The Ref. 46003 featured a monocoque case with a flat caseback and slim profile. The integrated bracelet was manufactured by the renowned Gay Frères, who also made bracelets for Rolex, the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Heuer. This reference was powered by the self-winding Cal. 1124, a movement based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 889. The Ref. 222 was discontinued in 1984 but was revived again in 2022 in the brand's Historiques collection, but only in the ‘Jumbo’ size for now.