On July 16, 2023, at Wimbledon final, Brad Pitt was found wearing the legendary Vacheron Constantin 222 stainless steel watch, causing a huge sensation. The 2023 Wimbledon final featured exciting tennis tricks that captivated audiences around the world. As the oldest tennis event in the world, Wimbledon has always had a special appeal, especially when celebrities like Brad Pitt wear special time timings. This year's final features a fascinating showdown that will go down in tennis history.
On a warm and sunny afternoon, two outstanding athletes fought for tennis immortality on the iconic centre court of the All England Lawn Tennis and Gateball Club. In the end, Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, the ATP-ranked number one in the men's singles, ended Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon winning streak since 2018.
Returning to watches, the Vacheron Constantin 222 is an iconic timepiece that holds a special place in the hearts of watch lovers and me all over the world. Launched in 1977 to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin, the world's oldest watch manufacturer, this legendary watch represents a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern fashion design.
Many ignorant watch collectors mistakenly regard Gerald Genta as its creator, a watch that was actually designed by German artist and watch designer Jörg Hysek Sr. (pictured below), whose son Jörg Hysek Jr., director of sales and business development at De Bethune. In addition to the design of the Vacheron Constantin 222, Jörg Hysek Sr. is also famous for designing watches such as the Breguet Marine and TAG Heuer Kirium.
The Vacheron Constantin 222 is instantly recognizable by its slender profile, one-piece bracelet, flat-top case shape, grooved serrated gear-shaped bezel and the Maltese cross engraved at 5 o'clock in the lower right corner of the case. During the Watch & Wonder 2022, the Vacheron Constantin 222 was resurrected in a full 18K gold reissue with some changes compared to the original model.
Introduced in 1977, the 222 was not only a groundbreaking integrated bracelet watch, but also introduced a functional architecture with a flat case top and a protruding fluted bezel. Its monolithic case requires the movement to be loaded into the case from above (similar to the 1972 AP Royal Oak "Jumbo"), and thanks to the screw-down bezel, it is water-resistant up to 120 meters.
With an ultra-thin movement of only 3.05 mm thick and actuation indicators for hours, minutes and dates, the 222 boasts a slim 7 mm. Stick hands and straight hour markers similar to the 1963 reference 6782 Turnograph confirm the understated and refined aesthetic, while exuding a solid impression thanks to the bracelet screwed into the middle of the case and featuring a large hexagonal central link.
Originally launched in a 37mm version nicknamed "Jumbo", the 222 was subsequently introduced in 34mm and 24mm steel, yellow gold or two-tone versions, polished or set with precious stones, but always adorned with the Maltese Cross logo at 5 o'clock in the lower right corner of the case.
The 222 was produced in limited quantities until 1985 and is the legend of the first sports fashion watch in the history of watchmaking. The dial exudes sophistication with stylish stick hour markers, luminescent hands and an understated date display. The 222 is powered by a very reliable automatic movement that ensures accurate timekeeping and a long service life. With its classic and modern aesthetic, Vacheron Constantin 222 is a symbol of high taste and of the Maison's enduring tradition.
While I don't look much like Brad Pitt, I might be able to wear the iconic vintage Vacheron Constantin 222 stainless steel watch on my 7.25-inch wrist, just like him. This watch has a refined and very stylish appearance, and despite the small case size, it can be worn like a glove even on larger wrists.