By far, the best release of the year...maybe the decade. If I had a grail, this would be the one, even with the smaller case size. Absolutely stunning.
You’d have to have balls (or ovaries) of granite to wear this publicly in London! But safety aside this is the most blingy watch I’ve seen that manages to be genuinely beautiful, elegant and classy. If they launch a steel version I think it might be even nicer than the Royal Oak. I’m pleased for Vacheron Constantin. This is rightly getting enormous attention and appreciation from loads of watch channels
@r2l100 I travel to London from my home country to sell luxury watches to grey market dealers quite frequently. I observe my surroundings like an eagle everytime I'm present. I have a VC chrono, a Royal Oak, a Daytona and a Speedy in my collection and I have never dared to take a single one with me to London. I usually wear a Seiko diver or a Frederic Constant at most because I can afford to lose those. Do not draw attention to yourself though, the city is packed with knife-wielding degenerates who will rob you of even a 1k watch. If you insist, then you should at least not venture outside of West-Central London but that's only my advice.
@r2l100 You were playing with fire, especially with a Rolex. I personally don't think you need to get rid of your best watches because of these bums but avoid wearing them on public transport or in dodgy areas and never wear any bracelet other than stainless steel or leather. But follow your gut instinct in whatever decision you make about your watches. Wish you well mate!
This is stunningly beautiful. It most cases I don't like watches that have that kind of 70's look to them, but this is the exception. I am such a big fan of VC. Thank you Adrian
Out of my league, but can appreciate this one greatly and one of the best releases at Watches & Wonders.. if not possible THE best. Great high level re-introduction to the 222 in all gold. I anticipate and greatly look forward to a stainless steel version later down the line. This is better than the Overseas. Also, the simple Maltese cross in the bottom corner is cool and that motif is not overdone like it is all around the watch and bracelet like it is on the Overseas.
VC absolutely nailed it with the 222. I can’t see it coming as a steel version, though - or if it does it will be the nee Nautilus in terms of availability. The closest thing as an alternative is probably a vintage Rolex Oysterquartz. Similar dimensions, similar style.
Great work Adrian, I love this watch. My AD has put me down one the waitlist ? Let's Hope. It would be a great addition with my VC Overseas Chronograph with the blue dial. Its expensive, but will be a bargain long term.
Historical examples and modern will both be future classics. The Overseas keeps getting better. VC doing a lot of cool things. Their thin dress watches are also gorgeous, vintage or modern. Can't call them overlooked in general, but out of the holy trinity they are most definitely overlooked.
What’s the limiter for the power reserve? Would extending that to 70 or even 120 hours make the movement significantly thicker? At 40hrs, it would have to be the daily beater. As a dress watch, drop the date and make it handwound?
I like the video style Adrian, I really do. I think my grail (or one off) is the Overseas in yellow gold whit the blue dial. There is something about that color combination, that's just perfect. Also VC is a bit more under the radar compared to Rolex or AP and I like that in watches.
The Maltese cross is one of things I love the most about this watch. Without it looks dull. I also love the overseas but it would look 10 times better with the same cross on it
I have to admit, when I first saw photos of this watch, I didn’t like it. But knowing about the details and execution to making the watch (plus the history), I’m converted. And like you, hate that I can’t afford these watches. Hope to see one in the wild though.
The skeleton overseas looks amazing: and the price reference you had “a lot” is probably true for more than 99% of the population, but for the lucky few, that’s a nice way to enjoy horology.
Such a stunning watch. The corners of the case stick out to me. Can’t stop staring at them. Not sure if it would feel the same on my own wrist. Interesting. Love how the pattern of the bracelet links look. Appears almost like a snake skin pattern. A reach perhaps but it looked that way to me. :)
@ 4:25 as intro of the paragraph, @ 4:35 ... man, it's been a long time a smile spontaeously came out of my heart! [ ... and that's annoying ... ] With a cup of coffee , Love it! ...Ohw Adrian, do you think there is a chance that VacheronConstantin will also go for a Titanium version?
You said exactly what I'm hoping for, that they release this in a steel version. The 222 looks gorgeous, never liked the overseas, but this has got me.
It’s very nice, but I think most people would still rather have a royal oak if they are available for purchase. Sure, many will still end up buying the 222 just as a runner up, and I really wish the 222 would at least have a small second.
It’s a glorious piece. Even though it’s 10 x more than I’d ever likely be able to spend on one purchase for this hobby/interest, it’s interesting to hear about them and the heritage.
