Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jan 19, 2023
LOT 65
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
REF. 44018, SELF-WINDING, CENTRE-SECONDS, DATE; "222" SO CALLED "JUMBO"; STAINLESS STEEL
REF. 44018, SELF-WINDING, CENTRE-SECONDS, DATE; "222" SO CALLED "JUMBO"; STAINLESS STEEL
EUR 50,000 - 150,000
USD 54,000 - 162,000 / HKD 418,000 - 1,260,000 / CHF 49,500 - 150,000
Sold: EUR 104,000
A very fine and very rare, stainless steel, self-winding, "tonneau"-shaped, large and massive, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with snap-on case-back and bezel, black colour dial with applied radial luminescent indexes, and instantaneous date of the month.
Case-back engraved with the mention “222”; the front encrusted at 5 o’clock with a tiny cross of Malta.
Case-back engraved with the mention “222”; the front encrusted at 5 o’clock with a tiny cross of Malta.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Vacheron Constantin, Geneva
Model "222", so called "Jumbo"
Reference 44018/411
Year circa 1978
Movement No. 685 933
Case No. 522 064
Material stainless steel
Bracelet ntegrated stainless steel VC bracelet with deployant cllasp
Length 160 mm. (approx.)
Caliber K1121, 36 jewels
Dimensions 37 mm.
Weight 98.3 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories papers from Gay Frères
Notes
Designed by Jorg Hysek (born in 1953), the Ref. “222”, so-called “Jumbo”, was the response by Vacheron Constantin to the Patek Philippe “Nautilus” and Audemars Piguet “Royal Oak”, both designed by Gérald Genta (1931-2011) respectively in 1976 and 1972. Stamped “222” on the case-back in celebration of their 222nd . Anniversary, it was produced in steel, steel and gold and 18K gold in 500 pieces only over the eight-year production. All the famous names of the time were associated to this model: Gay Frères for the bracelet and Stern for the dial. The “222” is available in different materials and is, in fact, produced in very small quantities:
- steel (less than 520 examples);
- gold and steel (less than 150 examples);
- all gold (less than 150 examples).
According to correspondance with the manufacture this watch dates back to 1978.Kept in overall good condition, it is a great opportunity to acquire a milestone of oversize steel sport watches produced in lower numbers than their competitors of the time.