TLDR
Although we have some similarities (mostly in the looks department), you will be shocked to learn that Brad Pit and I are in slightly different tax brackets.
He’s one of the biggest actors on the planet and I’m one of the biggest watch writers in my household. Similar, right? You would be forgiven for comparing us, but alas, we are not the same.
I tell you this to give you some perspective on why he wears a Yellow Gold Vacheron Constantine 222 and I do not. You win this time Bradley.
When that watch was released in 2022, it took the world by storm. Amidst the ever-popular category of integrated bracelet sports watches, the 222 is royalty. Slotting neatly above its Audemars Piguet brother and on par with Patek’s Nautilus, in my mind anyway, it’s the first watch from Vacheron that has lit a fire under the bottoms of watch enthusiasts in a long time. There was only one problem, however: It was $123,000 Australian dollarydoos (official currency).
Well, if you were holding back on purchasing one, I have some great news! Vacheron Constantine have just released the Historiques 222 in steel. With a blue dial no less!
I was lucky enough to try the new 222 on when it was in the Time+Tide studio for photography and oh boy, is it nice!
Dimensions are the same as its 18k gold predecessor, 37mm x 7.95mm thick. The movement is VC’s 2455/2 self winding caliber that has a gorgeous 18k gold rotor decorated with the 222 insignia. It’s a hell of a thing, but the impressive stats aren’t why I love it.
When I slipped the bracelet over my wrist I instantly got goosebumps, you can even see my hairs standing up in the photos. It's visceral. This has only happened once before when trying on a watch, the Piaget Polo 79 made my heart skip a beat and this is the same. That watch, however, is a little thicker than the 222 and tickles my fancy for different reasons. The VC is a second skin, with a bracelet that is silk-like in its articulation. It's an incredible feeling watch.
I don’t want to distract from the images too much but I’ll finish by saying that this is one of the best watches I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying on. I’m very lucky, and if you have the chance, get it on your wrist. You won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy the photos!
Cya in the next one. x
