The Return of the ’70s Vacheron Constantin Grail We’ve Waited Decades For
The wait is over—Vacheron Constantin has finally released the Historiques 222 in steel for its 270th Birthday, and for vintage watch enthusiasts, it’s nothing short of a mic drop.
First launched in 1977 to celebrate the brand’s 222nd anniversary, the "Jumbo" 222 was Jorg Hysek’s contribution to the integrated sports watch craze.
Standing alongside icons like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus, the 222 was Vacheron’s bold departure from its usual aesthetic. Yet, despite its status, it quietly exited the brand’s catalog—until its yellow-gold reissue in 2022.
The original 222 has remained a staple in vintage circles and on the wrists of collectors eager to add a grail to their rotation.
In short, people have been hoping for a reissue of the 222 for decades. And while the 2022 yellow-gold reissue helped satisfy some of that demand, its gold case and high secondary market prices didn’t exactly scratch the itch for everyone.
Fast forward to today, and Vacheron is back—this time with a more understated but equally coveted option. The Historiques 222 in stainless steel checks all the right boxes and comes in at a more "accessible" $32,000.
The 37mm case remains faithful to Hysek’s original vision, complete with the Maltese cross at 5 o’clock—a subtle but iconic nod to the original 222. The vertically brushed surfaces, slim 7.95mm profile, and integrated bracelet make this timepiece just as "cuff-friendly" as ever.
Inside, the movement has been upgraded from the original Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre to Vacheron’s in-house caliber 2455/2—the same movement found in the 2022 gold reissue.
While it may not blow minds with its specs (40-hour power reserve, 28,800 vibrations per hour), it’s the perfect fit for an ultra-thin wristwatch.
This is the kind of release that sets the tone for 2025. The Historiques 222 in steel captures the same integrated sports watch appeal as the Royal Oak and Nautilus (or Cubitus?) but in a smaller, sleeker form factor that plays into the trend toward sub-40mm cases.
And we all know vintage watches are having a moment.
I’m calling it right now: you’re going to see this watch everywhere this year. It has all the vintage appeal collectors love, with the wearability of a modern daily driver.
Whether you’re a fan of the classics or drawn to its integrated bracelet aesthetic, this watch ticks every box.
And if I’m wrong about this being the "it" watch of the year? At the very least, you’ll still see it on my wrist.
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