222 Ref.46003 Original owner with box

This Vacheron Constantin 222, reference 46003, is a rare mid-size rendition of the iconic luxury sports model introduced in the late 1970s. Measuring approximately 34 mm in diameter, this timepiece was acquired from its original owner, who originally purchased it in Northern Italy in the early 1980s.

The case and integrated bracelet underwent restoration to correct significant long-term wear, incorporating laser welding to rebuild missing material on worn surfaces before undergoing careful manual refinishing by an artisan in Italy. The case back was intentionally left unpolished to preserve the shallow factory reference engraving. Post-restoration, the case presents in excellent condition, with a single mark noted on the bezel near 9 o'clock.

The integrated bracelet consists of 18 total links, including 4 removable links, accommodating a wrist size of up to 175 mm. Due to the handcrafted nature of the restoration and newly installed internal pins, the bracelet exhibits slight variations in link dimensions, link spacing, and edge bevel consistency. Additionally, the surface finishing across the links shows slight variance in polishing angles rather than a uniform flat plane, accompanied by an initial stiffness that will ease with wear. Scratches and dents remain visible on the inner surfaces of the links.

The dial is completely original and unrestored, displaying visible surface oxidation consistent with age. Luminescent material is missing from several hour markers as well as areas of the hands, which also show cracking and surface oxidation. To preserve full historical integrity, a deliberate choice was made to leave both the dial and hands entirely untouched and unrestored. Following case and bracelet restoration, the watch was submitted through Pisa Orologeria, the authorized Vacheron Constantin retailer located in Milan, to the manufacture for an official service estimate. The quote was declined to avoid a requested dial reprint, serving as secondary confirmation of the watch's originality before it was mechanically serviced by an independent watchmaker.

The watch is accompanied by its original Vacheron Constantin presentation box.