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Unprecedented Revival: Vacheron Constantin Unveils the Historiques 222 in Stainless Steel

1/13/2025

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​To mark the beginning of its 270th-anniversary celebrations, Vacheron Constantin (vacheron-constantin.com) introduces a reimagined icon: the Historiques 222 in stainless steel. This contemporary iteration pays homage to a pivotal creation in the Maison's history, blending vintage allure with an undeniable modern cool factor. The possibility of this reissue is a grail watch that collectors dream about. 

Initially launched in 1977 to commemorate Vacheron Constantin's 222nd anniversary, Jorg Hysek designed the 222 and instantly captivated the horological world. It redefined the sports watch genre, moving beyond professional utility to embrace a versatile design that merges sportiness with Vacheron's uniquely understated elegance. Its signature integrated bracelet, flat table, fluted bezel, and Maltese cross emblem at 5 o'clock distinguished the 222 as a quintessentially 1970s masterpiece.

Powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 1120, the original 222 was as functional as it was stylish, with a water-resistant monobloc case and an unprecedented slimness of 7 mm. Its baton-style hands, minimalist markers, and bold bracelet links exuded modern confidence. The current desire for steel sports watches knows no bounds, and the steel 222 hits all the right notes for what watch collectors are looking for today. (see the fever for Patek's Nautilus and Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak as perfect examples).
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For 2025, Vacheron Constantin reintroduces the iconic "Jumbo" model, now updated with contemporary enhancements while preserving its timeless charm. The stainless steel case measures 37 mm and features a captivating blue dial, embodying the bold spirit of the original.

Among the key updates:
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  • Enhanced Movement: The watch now houses the in-house Calibre 2455/2, slightly thicker at 3.6 mm but with improved precision, a 4 Hz frequency, and a 40-hour power reserve. Its oscillating weight is engraved with the original 222 logo and fluted to echo the bezel.
  • Refined Bracelet: Redesigned joints hide visible pins for a sleeker appearance, while a triple-blade clasp enhances comfort and security.
  • Updated Dial Details: A repositioned date window avoids the minute track, while vintage-inspired typography and Super-LumiNova® accents nod to the original's tritium markers.
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​The caseback now features a sapphire crystal, unveiling the meticulously finished movement and commemorating the Maison's 270th anniversary with a special engraving.

While rooted in nostalgia, this re-edition is unmistakably contemporary. With the Historiques 222, Vacheron Constantin bridges past and present, celebrating 270 years of horological artistry in style. Available later this year at Vacheron Constantin boutiques, the stainless steel Historiques 222 is a collector's dream and a symbol of daring creativity—a fitting tribute to Vacheron Constantin's storied legacy.
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Whole Hog – Introducing the ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition: A Watch That Embraces Bold Glamour and Playful Sophistication

1/10/2025

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A dazzling new timepiece from Oris (oris.ch) brings a splash of fabulousness to the start of the year. This extraordinary ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition celebrates the larger-than-life persona of Miss Piggy, the most glamorous diva of The Muppets, with a design as bold and confident as its muse.
A Collaboration Full of Joy and StyleThis new watch is Oris’ second collaboration with The Muppets, following the wildly popular ProPilot X Kermit Edition, which charmed the world with its playful “Kermit Day” feature. The Miss Piggy Edition continues this legacy with a hot pink dial, a baguette diamond marking the 12 o’clock hour, and a whimsical secret—a spyhole on the polished case back that reveals a coy, demure portrait of Miss Piggy on the lilac rotor. As the rotor spins, Miss Piggy’s image appears and disappears, adding an irresistible touch of charm.
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“We’re very excited to be working with ‘vous,’ Miss Piggy, the world’s most fabulous pig,” says Rolf Studer, Co-CEO of Oris. “Life’s too short not to have big dreams and enjoy yourself. This watch is for independent, stylish, and above all, fabulous individuals, and Miss Piggy is the perfect collaborator to bring this vision to life.”
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Watch images courtesy of ORIS Miss Piggy © Disney
Built on Oris’ iconic ProPilot X platform, the Miss Piggy Edition combines Swiss watchmaking precision with playful design. Key features include:
  • Case: Multi-piece stainless steel, 34.00 mm in diameter, with brushed and polished finishes.
  • Dial: Vibrant pink, accented by a lab-grown baguette diamond at 12 o’clock.
  • Movement: Automatic winding with a 42-hour power reserve, showcasing Oris’ dedication to mechanical excellence.
  • Bracelet: Brushed and polished stainless steel with a folding “LIFT” clasp.
  • Case Back: Polished stainless steel with a see-through spyhole, revealing the lilac Miss Piggy rotor.
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The watch is water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters) and topped with a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring durability and clarity. It is priced at USD 3,200 (CHF 2,800) and is available now.
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​Oris has crafted this timepiece for individuals who embrace life with confidence, style, and a sense of fun—just like Miss Piggy herself. Whether you’re an admirer of haute horology or simply love to make a bold statement, the ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition is a testament to living fabulously and unapologetically.
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Center Stage - Van Cleef & Arpel Creates Magic Inspired by Dance

1/7/2025

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In the captivating realm where dance and craftsmanship converge, the legacies of George Balanchine and Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com) intertwine like the intricate steps of a ballet. Their partnership, a transformative force, has illuminated the world of creativity and left an indelible mark on the history of dance and haute joaillerie.

George Balanchine, the visionary choreographer whose genius revolutionized ballet, was not only a master of movement but also a connoisseur of elegance and grace. His groundbreaking collaborations with Van Cleef & Arpels in the mid-20th century marked this convergence of dance and design, culminating in the radiant three-part masterpiece ballet performance called "Jewels" inspired by emeralds, rubies, and diamonds with music by Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky.
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​"From the very early days of Van Cleef and Arpels, the founding family had the idea to capture the concept of the beauty of movement and a particular form of fragility and femininity found in nature, in flowers, in butterflies, dragonflies. Concepts that are also essential sources of inspiration in ballet," explains Nicolas Bas, the group chief executive officer of Richemont. "Expressions of movement, very sophisticated and delicate, would be captured literally or conceptually in their work as jewelers."

Fast-forward to today, where iconic dance performances inspire a new chapter in horological splendor: the Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale watch, part of The Poetry of Time collection. Drawing upon the timeless art of ballet, the enchanting world of Van Cleef & Arpels unveils a trio of exquisite timepieces that pay homage to the magic of dance.​

​The first, the 'Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale watch,' is a testament to the ballet's whimsy and wonder. Its dial, adorned with shimmering diamonds and vibrant gemstones, depicts the curtain rising on a new ballet production. Each hour is marked by a dance of color and light, making this timepiece a true work of art. 
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The theatrical-inspired dial, a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels' meticulous artistry, features an extraordinary blend of white and rose gold, colored sapphires, blue tourmalines, diamonds, sugilite, onyx, and lapis lazuli. The intricate plique-à-jour and champlevé enamel techniques, sealed and shaped enamel, enamel beads, and miniature painting, all meticulously crafted, bring the dial to life. Once wound, the manual movement holds a power reserve of 40 hours, a testament to the brand's commitment to unexpected excellence.

In contrast, the series of three timepieces, "Diamant, Rubis, Emeraude," exudes a regal elegance reminiscent of the ballet's grandeur. A symphony of intricate engravings and celestial motifs adorns the case and dial, evoking the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky's iconic score. TECH DETAILS TK

​Today, Van Cleef & Arpels' commitment to the world of dance extends beyond horology and haute couture. The Maison proudly sponsors emerging dance groups and champions modern choreography and performances. This dedication ensures that the spirit of innovation and creativity, championed by Balanchine, continues to thrive with the next generation of dancers and choreographers.

"We've expanded our support and our collaboration besides traditional ballet in opera houses to more contemporary forms because now it is part of today's repertoire. Still, in 1967, a dance like "Jewels" was a very new, contemporary, and avant-garde piece, and we want to keep that tradition. Over the years we've had many, many collaborations with many different types of artists."
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In 2020, Van Cleef & Arpels initiated the series, 'Dance Reflections by Van Cleef and Arpels.' This series supports the creations of contemporary choreographers and scenographers, aiming to discover new, experimental forms and a more modern repertoire. It reintroduces and brings avant-garde pieces from the '60s, '70s, and '80s by renowned choreographers such as Lucinda Childs, The Trisha Brown Dance Company, and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker to a contemporary audience.  

The romance of dance and haute horlogerie is a testament to the enduring legacy of artistic performance and Van Cleef & Arpels, where innovation meets tradition and artistry knows no bounds. "I strongly believe in a trend of more sophisticated, complex, and diverse offerings for women's watches, including mechanical watches that can be traditional movements revisited or completely new approaches to mechanical watchmaking. For Van Cleef & Arpels, it's been an exciting evolution."
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    ​Author

    This journey is a return to my roots and an expansion of the passion I've held across years spent with some of the most influential media houses in the luxury space. At Condé Nast and Hearst, I learned to appreciate storytelling that resonates as deeply as it informs—my time with Surface Magazine cultivated my fascination with the intersection of art, design, and culture, while Watch Journal and Watches International sharpened my focus on the storied elegance and precision of horology and jewelry craftsmanship. Each role has shaped my vision for this blog and my commitment to sharing these narratives with depth and authenticity.

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