A vintage Certina Automatic model that clearly took inspiration from the Vacheron Constantin 222 model of the same year.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The Vacheron Constantin 222, designed to celebrate 222 years of the company, launched in 1977. This watch clearly takes some inspiration from that design, and it also features the last in house movements developed by Certina, which were launched in 1976. These facts lead us to believe this watch was made circa 1977.
CONDITION
The Vacheron Constantin 222 is a highly prized watch, with prices to suit. The watch closely resembled the style of both the Genta designed Audermars Piguet Royal Oak (launched 1972) and Patek Philippe Nautilus (1976) with the angular design, distinctive bezel and integrated bracelet. Not everyone has these sorts of funds, so Certina and others took some of the styling clues and made similar looking watches, but more affordable. So out go the 18k links and bezel to be replaced by gold plated items. On the Certina the bracelet is not integrated, so can be swapped for a leather strap if preferred. This bracelet, with the original but unsigned clasp, is in exceptionally good condition and is a good size too. It is not the only thing that is exceptional. We have attached a photo of this watch on our timegrapher, with a consistent timing result of +/- zero seconds a day. This is the first time we have ever seen this, and the team at Vacheron Constantin would applaud Certina for achieving this. The movement is Certina’s own calibre 919/1, a 25 jewel automatic movement running at 28,800 bph and with a quick set date. We do not think you would find a better example of this watch outside of a museum.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.2 mm
Width without crown 35.6 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 39.1 mm
Case Thickness 10.7 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 198 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.