News: Is This Vacheron Constantin’s Hottest Overseas Watch Ever?
For many years it was thought that Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas model was yet another luxury steel sports watch that owed its existence to the fecund mind of Gerald Genta. Its precursor, the similar-looking 222, emerged in the same decade as Genta’s Royal Oak and the Nautilus. Alas, the great man can’t take the plaudits for this one.
This was the brainchild of another fabled watch designer, Jorg Hysek, who went on to design numerous other models for various brands throughout the 80s and 90s.
Launched in 1977, the 222 disappeared within seven years, but re-emerged—albeit with a bit of cosmetic surgery—as the Overseas in 1996. Since then it’s become arguably Vacheron Constantin’s most in-demand model, housing the most complex functions in VC’s repertoire, from tourbillons to perpetual calendars.
This is the first time we’ve seen this stunning combination: a column-wheel chronograph in rose gold with a mesmerising sunburst blue satin-finished dial that also appeared on the tourbillon version that came out last year.
It’s powered by the self-winding in-house calibre 5200 movement, which has a power reserve of 52 hours and is visible through the open caseback. The rotor, as is customary with this hallowed brand, is 22k gold and heavily stylised, while the hawk-eyed among you will notice the signature Maltese cross logo incorporated into the column-wheel. It also bears the prestigious Geneva seal.
Vacheron Constantin, despite being the world’s continuously active watchmaker, took a while to make its first in-house chronograph, relying on external manufacturers until as recently as 2015. But it’s certainly making up for lost time with stunning models like this.
It’s available now, but only in the brand’s boutiques.
Case | 18k rose gold
Dimensions | 42.5mm
Dial | Blue sunburst
Crystal | Sapphire
Water-resistance | 150m
Movement | Vacheron Constantin Caliber 5200
Power Reserve | 52 hours
Frequency | 28,800 VpH
Strap | Rose gold bracelet, with additional straps in blue calfskin leather or rubber, both with 18k rose gold buckles
Functions | Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, date, chronograph
RRP | £70,500
