A return to yellow gold is one of the hottest trends this year as watchmakers increases the use of precious metals to justify sharply rising prices.
1970s retro styling is also still in fashion.
Combining the two in one of the most talked about launches at Watches & Wonders is Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques 222.
The watch, in 18ct yellow gold, is a reissue of an iconic reference from 1977 designed by Jorg Hysek.
Mr Hysek, who was just 24-years-of-age at the time, was commissioned to create a watch for Vacheron that would compete with hot luxury sports watches designed by Gerald Genta: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus.
The resulting 222 became a family of watches, but its most iconic was the Reference 44018 in an angular 37mm 18ct yellow gold case with integrated matching bracelet.
And it is this watch that has inspired the 2022 Historiques 222, a faithful recreation with a few modern enhancements including a higher frequency movement, the Calibre 2455/2, with 40 hour power reserve and a special oscillating weight engraved with the original 222 logo.
Naturally, the exquisitely finished movement with a Côtes de Genève quality seal, can be seen through an exhibition case back.
“Above and beyond its status as an icon, the 222 watch is a wonderful tribute to the work of our designers and engineers, and an illustration of their ability to perpetuate the avant-garde spirit of our Maison,” says Louis Ferla, CEO of Vacheron Constantin.
Frustratingly for Vacheron Constantin’s authorised dealers, the Historiques 222 is only being sold in the brand’s own boutiques for £53,500.
