Vacheron Constantin marks 270 years with the steel Historiques 222

A stylish steel watch pays tribute to Vacheron

By Nathan S.R Published January 14, 2025

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 — Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Vacheron Constantin / Vacheron Constantin

To celebrate its 270th anniversary and usher in the new year, Vacheron unveiled a steel variant of the Historiques 222, a watch that dates back to 1977.

The original Historiques 222, the brainchild of Jorg Hysek, was rolled out with a pioneering design. Most watches had a sports-like look in the ’70s, but the Historiques 222 changed all that, bridging two worlds with a formal and casual design. It featured an integrated bracelet and a case topped by a fluted bezel and stamped with a Maltese cross at 5 o’clock. It also featured an ultra-thin Calibre 1120 and measured 3.05 mm, making it the world’s thinnest full-rotor automatic movement at the time.

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The watch was re-introduced in the market in a new color on its 42nd anniversary in 2022. It captured the attention of many enthusiasts. Everyone wanted a piece, and they asked for more—a steel model of the Historiques 222. Well, Vacheron Constantin granted their wish for its 270th anniversary. According to the brand, the new watch is just a teaser of what’s to come.

Featuring a 37 mm case, the 2025 Historiques 222 was upgraded to keep up with the times. For starters, it comes with a triple-blade bracelet that boosts the comfort levels. Unlike the original model from 1977, this new version features a sapphire glass case back, complemented by an engraving of the 270th anniversary.

Even though Vacheron gave this model a makeover, it still preserved the 222 logo, carved on the caliber. The timepiece is also characterized by a satin finish that highlights various components—the bezel, crown, and bracelet. It retails at $35,000.

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Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…

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Vacheron Constantin unveils zodiac series with hand-crafted dials

Vacheron Constantin introduces the Métiers d'Art promo shot

Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial, a 12-piece series celebrating the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Each timepiece features a hand-guilloché illustration of one zodiac sign and its associated constellation, marked by diamond stars and powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 2160 tourbillon movement.
The collection represents the pinnacle of Vacheron Constantin's artistic craftsmanship, combining 270 years of watchmaking heritage with innovative decorative techniques. Each 39mm white gold case is set with 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 3.87 carats, creating an uninterrupted circle of light around the dial.
The series showcases the manufacture's mastery of hand-guillochage, a technique developed by Vacheron Constantin's master guillocheur that transforms traditional abstract patterns into figurative art. Each zodiac sign requires approximately 16 hours of meticulous work, involving countless hand-guilloché triangles formed from densely packed straight lines, with each triangle set at a different angle.
The four zodiac signs representing human figures (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius) feature additional opaline details, while all twelve dials incorporate diamond-set constellations marking principal stars. The gem-setting process requires 27 hours of skilled work, with sapphires channel-set on the bezel to create the impression of floating stones.
Powering these artistic masterpieces is the self-winding Calibre 2160, comprising 188 components yet measuring only 5.65mm thick. The tourbillon movement operates at 2.5 Hz and provides an 80-hour power reserve, with a 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight allowing unobstructed viewing of the meticulously finished movement.
The dial construction involves eight separate steps, with each artisan required to preserve the work of preceding craftsmen. Movement finishing reflects Vacheron Constantin's commitment to haute horlogerie excellence, featuring perlage decoration, hand-bevelled bridges with Côtes de Genève patterns, and Poinçon de Genève certification.
The series draws inspiration from ancient astronomical traditions spanning 5,000 years, continuing Vacheron Constantin's long tradition of celestial timepieces while demonstrating how traditional métiers d'art can evolve into new forms of decorative expression.

Fashion & Style

Citizen celebrates 40 years of aqualand with limited anniversary edition

Four decades deep: Citizen's limited aqualand edition celebrates electronic depth-sensing innovation

Citizens aqualand 40 years

Citizen celebrates 40 years of underwater innovation with the Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary Limited Edition, a tribute to the 1985 model that introduced electronic depth meters to professional diving. This $595 limited edition retains the iconic design elements of the original while incorporating modern materials and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The first Aqualand was a breakthrough in 1985, being the world’s first diver’s watch with an electronic depth meter. This innovation transformed professional diving by providing real-time depth data alongside standard timekeeping functions, setting a new standard for underwater instruments.
The anniversary edition closely mirrors the distinctive look that made the original famous. The crown is positioned at 4 o’clock, three push buttons are thoughtfully placed, and the round depth sensor at 9 o’clock echoes the original’s signature feature. The updated model uses a gray, brushed stainless steel case with gold accents, lending a celebratory feel for the 40th anniversary.
Technically, the new Aqualand maintains the pioneering spirit of its predecessor. The digital display shows time, calendar, alarm, and chronograph functions, and in dive mode, it measures depth and dive time. The ascent rate alarm warns divers if they ascend too quickly, enhancing safety during decompression.
The BENEBiOL™ polyurethane strap is made from plant-based materials, offering durability in water while reducing environmental impact. This eco-friendly approach underscores Citizen’s commitment to responsible manufacturing without sacrificing performance in marine environments.
Powered by the Cal.C520 movement, the watch operates within ±20 seconds per month and supports full digital functionality. The watch meets ISO standards for 200-meter water resistance, making it suitable for professional diving. It features luminous hands and markers, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and a 1/100-second chronograph with a 100-minute counter for precise underwater timing.
The case back features a special design inspired by the original sensor, adding a unique touch exclusive to this anniversary edition. Limited to 5,800 pieces and launching in July 2025, the watch is aimed at both diving professionals and collectors who appreciate technical innovation in timepieces.
At $595, the Aqualand 40th Anniversary Edition offers a chance to celebrate the history of electronic diving watches while delivering modern performance, proving that thoughtful evolution keeps classic technologies relevant and reliable. Find out more at www.citizenwatch.com.

Fashion & Style

Patek Philippe vs. Vacheron Constantin: Who offers what you’re looking for?

Decoding the differences in prestige, craft, and value

Mecca Patek Phillipe yellow background

Sure, both are great watch brands, but which of these two titans makes the sort of watch that impresses you the most? Few rivalries are as intense and long-standing as the competition between Patek Philippe vs. Vacheron Constantin. Both are celebrated for Swiss watchmaking, both are revered throughout the industry, and both are considered top tier in construction, heritage, and the air of exclusivity associated with each timepiece.

Yet, even with these similarities, choosing between the two brands makes the decision all the more difficult and a matter of personal philosophy. Which luxury watch brand speaks to your creativity and sense of style the most? In this evaluation, we'll cover each watch brand’s signature styles, what each is best known for, and investment potential to help you come to a decision: Which of these dynamic watchmakers do you find the most impressive, and which deserves to be seen on your wrist?