Geneva, May 15, 2023
LOT 530
VACHERON CONSTANTIN, REF. 44518, 222, JUMBO, FACTORY DIAMOND-SET BEZEL AND BRACELET, YELLOW GOLD
CHF 30,000 - 50,000
EUR 30,600 - 51,000 / USD 33,800 - 57,000 / HKD 266,000 - 442,000
Sold: CHF 40,000
A very fine and extremely rare, large, self-winding, 18k yellow gold and diamond wristwatch with date
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-17-54-02 |
Very good Slightly spotted Service dial HANDS Service hands |
Brand Vacheron Constantin, Switzerland
Model 222
Reference 44518/415J
Year Made in 1978
Movement No. 685585
Case No. 521951
Bracelet 18k yellow gold and diamond Vacheron Constantin/Gay Freres bracelet with deployant clasp, approx. overall length 173 mm.
Diameter 37 mm.
Caliber K1121, 36 jewels
Signature Dial, case and movement signed
Notes
In 1977, to celebrate its 222nd Anniversary, Vacheron Constantin launched its “222”, designed by Jorg Hysek, a young German designer (born in 1953): a thin "tonneau"-shaped case, with a rounded bezel and a tiny cross of Malta encrusted at 5 o’clock.
The “222” is produced in different versions:
· Ø 37 mm., with a self-winding movement with date at 3 o'clock, made on the basis of Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 920 (also used for the “Nautilus” and the “Royal Oak”);
· Ø 34 mm., with a self-winding movement with date at 3 o'clock (a derivative of the previous movement of the Manufacture of Le Sentier);
· Ø 25 mm., with quartz movement.
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).
Manufactured for only 7 years, it will be replaced in 1984 by the “333”, a rectangular evolution that will last only 2 years.
This example reference 44518 is part of the diamond-set 222 series and was produced according to the Vacheron Constantin in 1978. While the gold version was only produced in 150 examples, the version with the bezel and partial bracelet are extremely rare, only a few examples have appeared on the market as of today.
Provenance
Property of the original British owner