White gold
222 Jumbo 44018 — White gold
The only known white-gold 222, made in 1982 to be gem-set but left plain at the client’s request; caseback stamped 44518. Sold for CHF 571,500 in 2023.
Usually quoted as fewer than 500 in steel, about 150 in yellow gold and fewer than 100 in steel and gold, plus one white gold. Dated examples (case numbers): steel 522'106, 522'120 and 552'113 (1977), 522'399 (1980); two-tone 536'739 (1979), 549'158 (1981); white gold 536'730 (1982); yellow gold 571'209 (1985, after the usual end date).
Identifying details
- Unique piece
Documented as the only example made (e.g. marked “1/1”).
- Screwed bezel
Bezel fixed by visible screws (eight on the Santos), a decorative signature as much as a fastening.
- Integrated bracelet
Metal bracelet designed as one with the case.
- Date
Date display.
- Gold Maltese cross on case
Small gold Maltese cross inset into the case, as on the 222.
Variants of 44018
Reference overview →| Variant | Production |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel | 1977–1984 |
| Yellow gold | 1977–c. 1985 |
| Steel and yellow gold | 1977–1984 |
| Steel and yellow gold · Prototype bracelet | Undated |
Case & movement
- Reference
- 44018
- Production
- 1982
- Case material
- 18k white gold
- Water resistance
- 120 m
- Movement
- Automatic
- Date
- Yes
- Caliber
- Vacheron Constantin 1121
Dial, bezel & hands
Unknown attributes are left out rather than guessed.
Movement
Vacheron Constantin 1121
Vacheron’s date version of the ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 automatic, the same base as AP’s 2121 and Patek’s 28-255; used in the original 222. The no-date 1120 is its sibling.
Automatic · 36 jewels