Vacheron Constantin 222 Returns to Steel Case

Vacheron Constantin has already launched one of this year's hottest watches – the Historiques Ref. 222 stainless steel watch (model: 4200H/222A-B934). It doesn't have many complicated functions, just a basic watch with hour, minute, and date indicators, but it has indeed become one of the most phenomenal watch models of the year, even gaining recognition from watch enthusiasts and being dubbed the "new steel king."

While the Vacheron Constantin 222 watch, launched years ago, was available in multiple materials including gold, two-tone, and steel, and in various case diameters, it has always been one of the brand's most cherished timepieces. However, perhaps due to its anniversary edition status, it wasn't continued until the 2022 Geneva Watch Fair, when the much-anticipated 222 returned in all-gold. This year, for its 270th anniversary, a stainless steel version was also released, further fueling its popularity. Best cheap watches online, discover our affordable replica Omega Speedmaster moonwatch watches collection.

The revived 18K gold 222 watch is indeed stunning. Leaving aside its historical significance and rarity, the unibody case and all-gold construction alone are breathtakingly beautiful, appearing almost like a single block of gold. However, its retail price of over 600,000 RMB makes it unaffordable for most. Therefore, with the reappearance of the all-gold 222, the demand for a more accessible steel version has grown significantly.

Now, with the steel version's re-emergence, it's almost impossible to distinguish between the historical model and the newly upgraded version. Only minor changes are made to the date window, and even the "Automatic" lettering at 6 o'clock is in the same font as the original. After all, the 222 is too classic to need many changes; the more aesthetically it pays homage to the original, the more it will appeal to.

The 37mm stainless steel case, once considered a "jumbo," is now considered small even in the small-diameter watch market. The deep blue... The dial features white gold baton hands and bar hour markers, coated with Super-LumiNova® luminescent material for an oxidized, aged effect. It appears off-white during the day and a bluish-green at night, giving it a truly vintage look reminiscent of the last century.

The most iconic feature is the fluted bezel, along with the 18K gold Maltese cross embossed on the lower right corner of the case front. At only 7.95mm thick, and thanks to Vacheron Constantin's ergonomic optimizations, it offers a truly premium wearing experience. The finishing is exquisite, with almost all exposed components, from the case and bezel to the bracelet and crown, undergoing jewelry-grade polishing. Extensive vertical satin brushing and subtle polishing enhance the overall luxurious feel. The case back has been changed from a closed design to a transparent one, and the case itself has been upgraded from a two-piece to a three-piece design. Through the transparent sapphire crystal, we can see the 3.6mm thick 2455/2 automatic movement.