Vacheron Constantin Phidias Chronograph

There are watches that make headlines, and there are others that should make headlines.

Here, we have a watch from the latter category. A Phidias Chronograph, this piece builds on the 222 foundation.

Released in 1977, the 222 was the quiet celebration of Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary. Its designer, Jorg Hysek, had moved to Geneva at a young age and quickly became enamored with watches. Hysek worked for Rolex for a number of years before creating his own design firm, and Vacheron Constantin was one of his very first clients.

The 222 was the progenitor to the Overseas Gen 1 which was introduced in 1996. But before the Overseas came the Phidias, one of the sleepers of the 80s. Released in 1989 the Phideas was Vacheron's next attempt at a successful integrated bracelet sports piece. Using the same bracelet link profile of the Gen 1 Overseas, the Phidias shown here is executed in yellow gold with chronograph complication. 

The automatic winding piece is one of the forgotten designs of the era, with a round case shape transitioning straight into the bracelet, a three register chronograph display, date at 6 o'clock, and barrel pushers to control the automatic winding chronograph movement. 

The 222 has recently gained lots of attention with its reissue in the Historiques collection. The Overseas is obviously the flagship from Vacheron, but the Phidias is the design you likely have never seen. With its own distinct personality and quirks, this piece is a beautiful and rare design from a Holy Trinity powerhouse. While not the cult appeal icon that the Overseas is, this piece deserves a serious look for its whimsical case and bracelet. A future classic? Maybe!

Few watchmakers can claim a lineage as long or as rich as that of Vacheron Constantin.

Established in 1755, the manufacture soon had a reputation for the elegance of its products, which included pocket watches with complicated movements and engine-turned dials. Even today, these are marks of a watchmaker’s expertise due to the skill and precision involved in crafting them. For Vacheron Constantin to have achieved such a feat in the eighteenth century is nothing short of remarkable.

This expertise carried the firm through the 19th century, earning it gold medals at National Exhibitions and blazing trails in the area of anti-magnetic timepieces. The 20th century saw further achievements, such as the opening of its boutique on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it still resides today.

Even through the Depression and the Second World War, when many watch companies were forced to band together with competitors or else face closure, the manufacture continued to thrive. Whether via its vintage-inspired Historiques collection or its adventurous Overseas line, modern Vacheron Constantin is a horological force to be reckoned with.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.