VACHERON CONSTANTIN | 222, REF 44018 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1977

Dial: greyCalibre: cal. 1121 automatic, 36 jewelsMovement number: 657'091Case: stainless steel monobloc Case number: 522'418Closure: stainless steel Vacheron Constantin bracelet and folding claspDimensions: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 195 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing and the date advancing. CASE: in very good overall condition, maintaining strong proportions and sharp edges and with a very crisp Maltese cross on the lug. There are some surface scuffs and scratches to the case. The bracelet with tight links and noticeable surface wear. DIAL: with some light staining to the outermost edge. The lume has aged, taking on a consistent patina. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Celebrating the 222^nd anniversary of the brand, Vacheron Constantin launched the reference 222 in 1977.  All too often erroneously attributed to Gérald Genta, and aesthetically one can understand why, the model was actually born of a design by Jorg Hysek.  A legendary reference in its own right, the 222 plays with a similar idea of integrating the bracelet to a monobloc case with an intricate bezel as the pièce-de-resistance. In spite of flying under the radar for many years, the 222 is gathering more and more interest from collectors, for its exceptional design, rarity and historical relevance.