Vacheron Constantin 222 44518 Diamonds 1978
CHF 155,000.00
Vacheron Constantin 222, Jumbo, 44518/415, Yellow Gold, Diamond Bezel and Center Links, Archives Extract
Serial: 536708 / mvt 685722
Circa: 1978
Reference: 44518/415
CASE: 37mm, 18K yellow gold, brilliant-cut diamond set bezel
DIAL: Gold color dial with tritium filled applied hour markers, tritium baton hands
MOVEMENT: VC 1121/1 (JLC ebauche), automatic ultra-thin, 36 jewels
BRACELET: Integrated 18K yellow gold bracelet with brilliant-cut diamond set center links
CONDITION REPORT: Watch is in overall excellent condition and all original and unpolished. There is some light wear visible on case, bracelet and screws. The dial and hands are original and lume is original and intact having aged to a rich custard color.
The movement was fully overhauled in August 2023.
NOTES: This watch comes with an Archives Extract from the Vacheron Constantin Heritage Department.
The Vacheron 222 collection was launched in 1977, following the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron (1755). Although there has been confusion over the years with the designer credited for its design, it was Jorg Hysek. It was not Gerald Genta, designer of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (1972) and Patek Philippe Nautilus (1976). Vacheron Constantin used the same base movement or ebauche ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 for the Jumbo 222 as the Nautilus and Royal Oak, but could technically claim that it was in-house since it was still merged with Jaeger-LeCoultre at the time.
There were 3 different sizes of the 222 at its launch: a Jumbo 37mm (as seen here), a mid-size 34mm and a ladies size 24mm quartz version as well.
There were only 700 Jumbo 37mm procured of the 222, which is far less than the Nautilus 3700 or the Royal Oak 5402. Even further, It is estimate that approximately 500 were made in steel, less than 100 in gold and just over 100 in steel & gold. Within those 100 gold pieces, it is certain very few came with a diamond setting like is seen here and only a handful of these were ever made. This 222 collection evolved into what is today the Overseas collection. |
|
Total Price:
CHF 155,000.00
|