The Vacheron Constantin 222 watch was launched in 1977, on the occasion of the brand's 222nd anniversary. Unlike popular belief, the design of this integrated sports watch was not crafted by Gerald Genta but rather by 24-year-old Jörg Hysek. The watch's design is inspired by the Nautilus and the Royal Oak, featuring a monobloc, tonneau-shaped case with a distinct bezel and a high-quality integrated bracelet.

This model was offered in three sizes, including the 37mm "jumbo" size, the 34mm size, and the 24mm size. Although it is commonly believed that only 500 units of the 222 were produced during its eight-year production, factory records indicate that there were more than 1,300 ladies versions, around 1,000 mid-size models, and approximately 700 "jumbo" models. The rarest of these watches were those made of white gold, with a few examples having silver or white dials.

Despite being overshadowed by other popular watches for a long time, the Vacheron Constantin 222 is now gaining popularity among collectors due to its rarity and exceptional quality. Recently, the brand has even relaunched the 222 in 18K gold, further elevating the watch's status.