Vacheron Constantin: journey to the heart of watchmaking refinement

It evokes travel and escapism, uniting performance and style. For 20 years, Overseas has been distilling its dynamic temperament through variations perfectly rooted in their time. At the heart of the Vacheron Constantin boutique on the Place de Longemalle where the new Overseas models are displayed, the journey into the world of the collection begins with two models attired for the first time in a black-lacquered dial creating a striking contrast with the contemporary shimmer of steel. A first self-winding version displays the hours, minutes, seconds and date, while the self-winding chronograph features a ‘panda-type’ dial inspired by the spirit of 1960s motorsports. A mechanical Manufacture movement, Hallmark of Geneva certification, the collection’s emblematic six-sided bezel : these new models have exactly what it takes to become indispensable daily companions. Especially since Vacheron Constantin has fitted them with an interchangeable steel bracelet composed of polished and satin-brushed half Maltese cross-shaped links. The watch is also delivered with a black alligator Mississippiensis leather strap and a black rubber strap. A perfect set of options serving to adjust one’s style to every situation.

The adventure continues with the Overseas Dual Time. Its finest asset is the simultaneous display of a second time zone at 12 o’clock, adjustable in both directions via the crown. To facilitate readings, the hours hand indicates local time, while the triangular-tipped hand points to the reference or ‘home’ time. This essential complication for all those who spend their time crisscrossing the globe is complemented by a day/night indication set to a given reference time and a pointer-type date display synchronized with local time. This particular itinerary sails to a perfect end with the refined Overseas ultra-thin perpetual calendar, a pink gold timepiece that is one of the slimmest on the market. Beneath its slender 8.10mm thick case lies a fabulously technical Manufacture movement bearing Hallmark of Geneva certification. Miniaturized in the extreme, it drives indications of the hours, minutes, perpetual calendar – day of the week, date, month and leap-year cycle on a 48-month counter – as well as moon phases. A blend of sporting spirit, absolute elegance and supreme precision, Overseas pursues its voyage taking it well beyond all known frontiers of excellence.

Brice Lechevalier is editor-in-chief of GMT and Skippers, which he co-founded in 2000 and 2001 respectively. He has also been CEO of WorldTempus since it joined the GMT Publishing stable, of which he is director and joint shareholder. In 2012 he created the Geneva Watch Tour, and he has been an advisor to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève since 2011. Also closely involved in sailing, he has published the magazine of the Société Nautique de Genève since 2003, and was one of the founders of the SUI Sailing Awards in 2009 and the Concours d’Elégance for motor boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2015.

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