2215 Vacheron Constantin Royal Chronometer

Well before the 222, Overseas, or even Nautilus, there was this. It’s called the Royal Chronometer, but better known by ref. 2215. Introduced in 1975, it was replaced by the 222 just 2 years later in 1977.  Perhaps Genta spent less time looking at portholes and more time referencing the Vacheron Constantin catalogue than we’ve been led to believe. We’ll never know. Either way, this is a fascinating Vacheron Constantin that none of us will likely see in the metal, very much still mostly a mystery and the 222’s evil twin. It's a brushed baguette dial, very lovely case that wears like 37mm, and you know you have a real watch problem if you find yourself reading about this obscure corner of history. 

We don’t even know who penned the 2215. We know only that it was a reaction to the 5402 Royal Oak and predated the Nautilus. There are about 270 or fewer of them. The story of the 2215 lives in the shadow of the chic 222, waiting to be thoroughly investigated by the right journalist and historian. As it stands, the design presents many opportunities to double take. First, the 3 upper indices are diamonds, so subtle you don’t notice (more common than without). The bracelet and case are married perfectly with a bevel that flows between both seamlessly. And date at 6? Then there’s the name: Royal Chronometer. This was a standard naming convention introduced in 1907 at Vacheron for only the most accurate chronometer movements the brand made, which evolved into a wristwatch collection. And this brought it back.

According to Vacheron Constantin’s archives, fewer than 220 examples were made in steel with 50 in yellow gold. That’s by some margin the least produced sports watch of its time. Now, I know many of you will be shouting, ‘for a reason’ right now. And that might be right, the 2215 was an unmitigated failure in its day; these did not sell. Jorg Hysek then injected life into the brand with the 222. But these awkward early steps I find unendingly fascinating. So little is still know about the 2215. So few are ever available. And it’s so few of us, absolute obsessives, who care. 1 or 2 come up per year, usually around 50K US now, depending on the example. It’s daring, unknown, and the epitome of VC-niche. 

This example is a standout for its condition, coming to market from the original owner and locked in a safe over two decades. What more could one ask for. It comes from a well-regarded Belgian retailer.