Vacheron Constantin “Full-Set 46003 Two-Tone” 222

Description

The Vacheron Constantin 222 was first released in 1977 to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the brand. This watch was born in the same era as the Nautilus and the Royal Oak, famously designed by Gerald Genta, and during a time when Swiss watchmaking was redefining itself in the face of the Quartz Crisis. This model, designed by Jorg Hysek, shares similar characteristics as the famous Genta-designed watches. This particular Vacheron 222 is a reference 46003, and is their “mid-size” option, and clad in stainless steel and yellow gold.  Further, this particular example was fit with a very rare black gloss dial, and comes complete with its original Vacheron Constantin box and Warranty booklet (originally sold in 1987).

The watch itself is in great vintage condition, with an unpolished case which has developed a beautiful patina, near-mint dial with no visible flaws, and lovely original tritium lume, aged to a nice yellow color.  Additionally, the bracelet appears fully linked and shows minimal stretch.