Hands-on review of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Limited Editions “Everest”

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With the help of Cory Richards, the Genevan brand launches new versions of its well known sporty line: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Limited Editions “Everest”. The models bring the idea of a tool watch and modern luxury together implementing the well known Overseas look with titanium components and a more textured blue-grey dial. We have a look today at both novelties, the Overseas dual time “Everest” Reference 7910V/000T-B922 and the Overseas chronograph “Everest” Reference 5510-000T-B923.

"Overseas dual time “Everest” Reference 7910V/000T-B922 — Overseas dual time “Everest” Reference 7910V/000T-B922

While the story of the Overseas starts in the ’70s, these sporty interpretations root in 2019, when Cory Richards was wristed with a titanium/tantalum dual time prototype during its Everest climb. This super sporty piece made waves not only between the brand’s fans. This unusual piece was auctioned at Phillips in NYC for $106,250, on the 10th of December to benefit the National Geographic Society. The prototype inspired the two pieces we are seeing today.

Overseas chronograph “Everest” Reference 5510-000T-B923

For the new watches, Vacheron Constantin opted for a combination of stainless steel and grade 5 titanium, a textured dial and sporty straps. The pieces in the review are prototypes and various details might be changed in the final product (but not dramatically):

Overseas dual time “Everest” Reference 7910V/000T-B922

Overseas chronograph “Everest” Reference 5510-000T-B923

Sportier than ever

The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Limited Editions “Everest” promises a serious approach towards sportiness with an interesting combination of materials and colours.

The visual impact is striking. The contrast of the different metals makes it stand out. The combination of metals greys looks very good for my taste. Both cases are pure Overseas with the familiar lines and polished-brushed combo. The dual time comes in a 41mm steel case, while the chrono is accommodated in a larger 42.5mm steel case. Until now nothing special – you might say.

The difference from the non-limited series comes on other details: the bezel, crown, pusher guards and pushers in titanium. So, in principle, the most beaten parts received an upgrade – titanium. The darker metal brings not only a change in look but also increased protection. The scratch resistance of titanium is superior to steel. Interesting to see that the bezel ring was manufactured in steel, since it is not an exposed component and, moreover, accentuates the contrast. I can only salute this choice of materials and implementation. The parts that are most exposed are protected by the natural properties of the titanium 5 grade while the rest of the watch enjoys the easier manufacturing and look properties of the steel.

Another important and noticeable detail is the number of straps included in the package. Usually, the Overseas comes with a bracelet in the case metal, a leather and a rubber strap in colours matching the dial. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Limited Editions “Everest” comes only with two straps: a super comfortable and good looking Cordura (the ones I chose for the photographs) and a grey rubber strap. This watch is all about sports and tools pieces and leather and metal make no sense. I want to especially note how cool the fabric strap is: the Cordura® fabric is petrol grey (grey with some blue accents), it comes with orange stitching and features a black nubuck leather lining that increases the comfortableness. I absolutely love it. What I am not particularly happy with, and I hope it is just the case of these two prototypes, is the classic polished Maltese buckle. While the watch is robust and well protected, the polished buckle will fastly acquire scratches.

A new approach for the dial finish

One of the beauties of the “traditional” Overseas is the colourful lacquered dial. The classic 22-27 layers of lacquer dial (just about the same as a luxury car paintwork where you have primer, colour paint and several clear lacquer layers) was replaced by a textured (hammered or sandblasted) look with the grey-blueish finish.

The dial’s finish makes it perfect for the additional elements: large three-dimensional and multifaceted 18K gold applied indexes filled generously with SuperLuminova, applied Maltese cross and printed name and indexes. The face of the watch also features an inclined inner bezel (white printing on a glossy grey surface) with a register for the seconds. The Chrono version bears richer details to be able to measure precisely the second’s quarters.

The subdials are similar on both versions: a recessed round with a circular pattern. The Overseas dual time “Everest” Reference 7910V/000T-B922 is fitted with such a subdial at 6 o’clock. This large indication takes care of the date. At 9 o’clock, an arched indication with two positions serves as AM/PM info for the dual time complication. A short orange hand is responsible for the actual second time. Again we found a generous amount of luminescent material on the wide arrow tip.

The dial of the Overseas chronograph “Everest” Reference 5510-000T-B923 is split in a classic, familiar layout: running seconds at the 9 o’clock position, central chrono seconds, 30-minutes indication at 3 o’clock and 12 hours counter at 6 o’clock. The subdials have similar sizes (smaller as the singular one on the Dual Time) and present the same circular pattern. On both pieces, the functions use orange hands: second time and AM/PM indication on the Dual Time and baton hands for seconds, minutes, respectively hours on the chronograph.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chrono features an aperture at half-past four for the date. The complication is highlighted by a grey frame. Both watches feature 18K gold running seconds (central on Dual Time) and darkened grey 18K gold hours, minutes hands highlighted with blue SuperLuminova.

Mountains on the wrist

It is not unusual to be impressed by the back view of a Vacheron Constantin watch. But the Overseas Limited Editions “Everest” watches bring new heights into the game (pun intended). This poetic phrasing refers to the gorgeous rotor weight that governs the view of the movement. Just like to mountains (engraved on the 22k slid gold piece) govern the rest of the world. The engravings are depicting the peaks visible in one of Cory’s pictures taken during the expedition. The relief is in-detail sculpted and one can have a glimpse of how sunlight plays and reflects on those amazing peaks and slopes.

Both watches received the same beautifully hand-engraved precious detail. The rotor also bears centrally the compass rose (winds’ rose) as decoration. To mention: the engraving is slightly different from the one present in the Overseas Dual Time prototype that Cory used.

The watches are powered by in-house calibres finished in the exceptional Vacheron Constantin style. It has received a NAC treatment to better fit with the dark grey face theme and also to create a more powerful contrast with the rotor weight that is in this way highlighted.

The Overseas dual time “Everest” Reference 7910V/000T-B922 is powered by the Calibre 5110 DT/2, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Beating with 28,800 vibrations/hour, this automatic movement can run on itself up to 60 hours – an impressive number for a self-winding. You can observe in the picture above the Geneva hallmark (Geneva Seal (English), Poinçon de Genève (French), or Genfer Siegel (German) reserved exclusively for the watches produced/decorated in Geneva.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas chronograph “Everest” Reference 5510-000T-B923 is powered by the 4Hz Calibre 5200/2, another beast featuring an exceptionally long power reserve – 52 hours. The column-wheel chronograph configuration is visible above. And the Geneva hallmark as well.

The specific well-done finishes include the Geneva stripes and polished chamfer for bridges, perlage on the mainplate, polished screw heads and sinks and gilded engravings. The watches offer a considerate pleasure to the eyes of the viewer: lovely architecture and well-executed handwork.

Exploring luxury (the luxury for exploring)

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Limited Editions “Everest” are more close to the idea of tool watches than the usual Overseas. The classic pieces tend to visit the borderline between dress and sporty while the Everest Editions are clearly oriented towards adventure. I see a clear idea of a luxury tool watch: a watch bearing all we love at Vacheron Constantin but in an implementation that can really withstand the vicissitudes of … climbing Everest?!? Why not!

When I first saw these two watches I was happy to see sports watches that I would really wear everywhere. Why? Simple! As sporty and beautiful as the traditional Overseas collection is, scratching those pieces hurts, while a scratch on the Overseas Everest comes more than sure with a story that might even be worth telling. Sad that “Everest” is limited to only 150 pieces each version. But after all, is a brand of connoisseurs and true luxury is limited.