A rarely seen example of a two-tone, square cased 222, this reference 46004 is an angular piece that accurately encompasses the aesthetics of the 1980s. Part of the illustrious 222 collection, it retains all the typical key design features of the series, housed within an unconventional square case.
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The Overseas Collection
In 1977, Vacheron Constantin introduced the reference 222 as a way to mark the brand’s 222nd anniversary.
The design, with its integrated bracelet and notched bezel, firmly diverged from the brand’s existing design principles. It offered a true competitor to the integrated steel sports watches introduced by the two other members of the so-called “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, namely the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Building on this foundation, the Overseas collection was first introduced in 1996, as the more contemporary interpretation of the original 222 design. The overall philosophy and several design features of the 222 – such as the notched bezel, angular integrated bracelet and overall luxurious yet industrial feel – have been transmitted onto the Overseas collection.
The original Overseas collection was designed by a team including Dino Modolo, an external watch designer, and Vacheron Constantin’s Vincent Kaufmann. Initially offered in 37mm, 35mm and 24mm, this particular example represents the mid-size version of the original Overseas design at 35mm, powered by a chronometer-grade automatic movement. Produced for a brief period from 1996 to 2004, the original Overseas collection represents Vacheron Constantin’s take on the contemporary, integrated steel sports watch.
