Collectors all know that the 1970s was a pivotal era in watchmaking, marked by significant experimentation among brands that led to the creation of some of today's most iconic watch designs. One particularly influential design archetype was the luxury sports watch with integrated bracelets – a trend that was spearheaded by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972, followed by the Patek Philippe Nautilus in 1976, and eventually, the Vacheron Constantin Ref. 222 in 1977.
Prior to the Ref. 222, Vacheron Constantin introduced a reference that is seldom discussed but arguably paved the way for its successor: the Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royal Ref. 2215.
Introduced in 1975 and later discontinued in 1977, the Ref. 2215 we have here today represents Vacheron’s initial foray into the realm of luxury sport watches with integrated bracelets. Featuring a distinctive stainless steel case measuring 37mm x 10.3mm, this design was considered quite contemporary for its time. Despite its outward simplicity, the Ref. 2215 reveals hidden intricacies upon closer inspection. It features a semi-elongated octagonal case with a gentle concave bezel, exquisite bevelling, and a vertically brushed finish that seamlessly extends onto its integrated three-link bracelet. Also, if you look long enough, you’ll notice that there is a discernible resemblance that echoes to certain design elements of the Patek Philippe Nautilus in the Ref. 2215, though these similarities are subtle and nuanced.
The silver dial on this Ref. 2215 showcases a vertical satin-brushed texture, complemented by a set of finely crafted white gold baton hands and applied baguette diamonds at 3:00, 9:00 and 12:00. At 6:00, you’ll see that a date window aperture is discreetly incorporated, with the date wheel also finished in a similarly brushed texture to match the dial—a subtle yet thoughtful little detail. If you look even closer, beneath this date window you will find a “σ SWISS σ” signature. Here, the sigma symbol is intentionally used to signify the use of precious metal on the hands.
Powering the Ref. 2215 from within is Vacheron’s very own self-winding, Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) certified Cal. 1096. Although concealed beneath a solid engraved caseback, the 21-jewel Cal. 1096 also features Côtes de Genève striping, a free-sprung flat balance, and a beautifully decorated, engine-turned gold rotor.
As I briefly mentioned above, the Ref. 2215 saw a brief production span of only two years from 1975 until it was eventually succeeded by its legendary sibling Ref. 222 in 1977. This makes it a very rare and collectable reference to boot, especially in this particular configuration featuring baguette diamonds, which are rarely offered publicly in the market today. That being said, while the Ref. 2215 may seem overshadowed by its sibling Ref. 222, its significance simply cannot be overlooked, because without it, Vacheron Constantin's role and status in the luxury sports watch landscape might have been markedly different today.
In a market where significant attention is often given to well-established and highly acclaimed designs such as the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the Ref. 2215 shines as one of the most underrated Vacheron Constantin references for collectors. Personally, I find great satisfaction in seeking out lesser-known gems like this one. It's truly a delight for us to offer such a unique watch for sale on our site today.
