Royal Chronometer Ref. 2215

VACHERON CONSTANTIN, ROYAL CHRONOMETER, ref. 2215, AUTOMATIC

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Introduced around 1907 in the pocket watches, the « Royal Chronometer » line is the Vacheron Constantin line for high-end precision watches, The best of the know-how of the brand. Launched in 1975, like the caliber 1096, ref. 2215 was produced in a very small numbers. Our watch was produced among the first in 1976.  At the time to face quartz invasion, manufacturers had to bring new ideas, design and superior quality wriswatches pn the market, such as Audemars Piguet did with its Royal Oak (1972) or Patek Philippe later with its Nautilus (1976). The present watch is a true testimony of the future orientation and production of the famous brand. Its typical 1970s style is actually so fashion.

Built in a large water-resistant brushed stainless steel case, this sporty and elegant tonneau-shaped wristwatch is powered by a certified chronometer, mechanical and self-winding caliber 1096, a 12 lines movement, rhodium-plated, with cotes de Geneve decoration, 21 jewels, lever escapement, annular beryllium balance, adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber, free-sprung flat balance-spring and engine-turned gold rotor. The movement has also a hack feature to set time to the second. The movement is numbered 673’720 and was made around 1973-1974.

We also find a stepped concave bezel, a screw case back, concave corners (that reminds the bezel). The case back is engraved with the individual number « 105 » and case number « 514422 ». The inside case back is engraved with the reference number « 2215 » and case number again « 514422 ».Under the mineral glass, a mint brushed silvered dial with applied baton indexes, an outer minute/second division, an aperture for gold rimmed date at 6, sweep center second, and steel baton hands. The stainless steel link bracelet is removable and bears a deployant clasp.  The approx. overall length is 195 mm and will fit almost all wrist. Dial, case, movement and bracelet are signed.

It is very hard to find some literature about this watch, may be for two reasons, it was not a commercial success at the time, which means it is actually a collectible watch now, and very few watches were produced, not enough to write books. Ref. 2215 can be considered as a numbered edition, either in gold  or stainless steel. However, connoisseurs will not miss the opportunity to get this rare watch, as Royal Chronometer were mostly cased with gold case, all references together.

Like the AP Royal Oak (1972), the Nautilus Patek Philippe (1976),  our Vacheron shares a strong design and an inimitable personality. A rare and elegant 1970s sports watch to really consider.

Condition: 9.5/10, slightly re-polished at Vacheron Constantin workshops recently, crystal glass replaced by VC.