Long-distance travel begins with a watch on the wrist. The Overseas collection has been designed to reflect this spirit in which elegance is adorned with robustness, attention to detail underscores essentials and aesthetics adapt to every circumstance. True to these principles, the brand is introducing four new models in pink gold and steel, featuring a 35 mm diameter of the gemset versions and 34.5 mm for the non-set models.
- New sizes in the Overseas collection measuring 34.5 and 35 mm diameter.
- Four references in steel and pink gold, in gemset and non-set versions, with a sunburst blue or pink lacquered dial
- A sporty-chic aesthetic true to the Overseas spirit
A new silhouette
The new diameters prompted the in-house designers to rethink the silhouette of the models, which are now slimmer and more ergonomic, giving them a slender appearance. “These new watches correspond to an aesthetic trend dictated by more classical standards”, explains Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage at Vacheron Constantin. “It is characterised by a reduction in the size of the watches, which are equally suited to both men’s and women’s wrists.”
Harmonious dials
Each piece is loyal to the collection’s emblematic codes found on the larger-diameter models. The hours and minutes indications are accompanied by central seconds and a date display at 3 o’clock. The minutes track, placed around the rim in a single row, features a velvety finish creating harmonious light effects with the sunburst satin-brushed decoration of the lacquered dial. The two models in 18K 5N pink gold as well as the non-set steel timepiece adopt the collection’s iconic blue dial, while that of the steel watch set with 90 diamonds feature a delicate shade of pink. To ensure excellent legibility at night, the hours and minutes hands as well as the hour-markers in pink or white gold – depending on the version – feature Super-LumiNova® inlays.
Interchangeable buckle/clasp bracelet/strap system
Thanks to its strap interchangeability system that is as simple as it is practical, the Overseas self-winding watch can be adapted to any situation. Each reference comes with three bracelet/straps: an integrated metal bracelet (in 18K 5N pink gold or steel depending on the case), and two straps in rubber and calfskin. Another new feature is that the calfskin and rubber straps are now all equipped with an interchangeable clasp/buckle: a folding clasp on the steel models and a pin buckle for the gold versions.
The precision of Calibre 1088/1
Calibre 1088/1 has been chosen to set the pace for these new products and drives the hours, minutes, seconds as well as the 40-hour power reserve. This 144-component movement with a 4 Hz rhythm is equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism, enabling precise adjustment of the timekeeping functions. Featuring rear bridges bearing the Côtes de Genève motif, it is fitted with the collection’s emblematic rotor in 22K gold, adorned with a compass rose and visible through the sapphire crystal on the caseback.
Sum-up
Four new references in steel and 18K 5N pink gold enrich the Overseas collection, in a 34.5 mm diameter for the non-set versions and 35 mm for the gemset models. With these new sizes suited to both men’s and women’s wrists, the case design has been subtly refined. Three of the new models feature a sunburst blue lacquered dial with a velvety finish for the minutes track, while the fourth in gemset steel is graced with a pink hue. The new watches are fitted with an integrated metal bracelet in 18K 5N gold or steel, depending on the model, secured by two additional interchangeable leather and rubber straps with pin buckles or folding clasps. The colour of the two additional straps corresponds to that of the dials: blue on the non-set gold and steel versions, and gemset beige-pink on the steel variation. Calibre 1088/1 has been chosen to power these pieces. Equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism enabling precision adjustment, it is fitted with the 22K gold rotor bearing the collection’s emblematic compass rose, which ensures winding with a 40-hour power reserve.
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Interview with Christian Selmoni
Why these new sizes?
These new 34.5 and 35 mm diameters correspond to growing demand from our customers for a smaller size, thus ensuring greater discretion on both women’s and men’s wrists.
How the Overseas is a true travel companion ?
I invite you take a step back in time! As early as the late 19th century, timepieces embodying remarkable advances in terms of anti-magnetism and water-resistance marked the beginnings of the Maison’s sports watches, such as the 1885 model resistant to magnetic disturbances and the 1898 pocket watch protected against humidity. The 1930s then saw the appearance of steel watches, characterised by a screw-down bezel and caseback and an unbreakable sapphire crystal. In the 1970s, Vacheron Constantin once again introduced several models designed for active life, including the 1975 Chronomètre Royal, the company’s first steel watch with integrated bracelet, as well as the famous 222. The latter was a sports watch water-resistant to 120 metres that inspired the creation of the first Overseas models in 1996, driven by the spirit of travel and openness to the world. This remarkably technical collection quickly became a benchmark for the brand, and its codes evolved over time, particularly with regards to the metal bracelet, which as of 2004 featured a motif evoking the brand’s Maltese cross emblem. In 2016, the certified new-wave Overseas resolutely took its place in the 21st century and marked a new aesthetic signature for timepieces destined to become true travel companions.
Why didn’t you adapt the gemset versions to the same diameter as the non-set ones by adjusting the diamond size, or vice versa?
This difference, which is barely perceptible to the naked eye, is essentially explained by gemsetting issues. While the case remains the same, the size of the bezel is subtly increased to provide more space for the prong setting chosen to achieve optimal light refraction. As we have two rows of diamonds in the bezel notches shaped like the branches of the Maltese cross and we did not want to reduce the carat weight of the stones, we worked on the dimensions of the bezel.
What does the interchangeable buckle/clasp bring?
The interchangeability concept is in fact taken a stage further in order to give owners a chance to modify the appearance of their watch in step with their wishes and circumstances. As they are now able to change the buckle/clasp and bracelet/strap tool-free, they can simply acquire new leather or rubber straps offered by Vacheron Constantin and adapt them to the buckles/clasps already in their possession.
What can you tell us about the calibre powering these models?
For these new models, we were keen to offer a mechanical self-winding model comprising calibres equipped with the collection’s characteristic rotor. As these are basic models with three hands and date, we needed a reliable, robust and precise calibre. In other words, a movement that has already proven its worth within our collections. We therefore chose Calibre 1088/1, which meets all these conditions, equipped in these versions with a stop-seconds mechanism and perfectly in line with the concept of a sports watch water-resistant to 150 metres.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas self-winding Technical Specifications
References
4605V/200R-B978: blue dial
4605V/200A-B971: pink dial
Calibre
1088/1
Manufacture calibre
Mechanical, self-winding
22K gold Overseas oscillating weight
20.80 mm (9’’’) diameter, 3.83 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
144 components
26 jewels
Indications
Hours, minutes, centre seconds
Date
Case
18K 5N pink gold / Steel
35 mm diameter, 9.33 mm thick
Bezel set with 90 round-cut diamonds
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Screwed-down crown
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 15 bar (approx. 150 metres)
Dial
Translucent blue/pink-lacquered, sunburst satin-finished base and velvet-finished external minutes track
18K 5N pink gold /18K white gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®
Straps
4605V/200R-B978: 18K 5N pink gold (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by a 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
4605V/200A-B971: steel (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by a steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
Additional straps
4605V/200R-B978: blue calfskin leather with light-grey stitches, blue rubber. Delivered with a 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle with interchangeable system, compatible with both additional straps
4605V/200A-B971: beige-rosé calfskin leather with tone on tone stitches, beige-rosé rubber. Delivered with a steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and interchangeable system, compatible with both additional straps.
Total diamond-setting
90 diamonds, for a total weight of approx. 0.86 carats (guaranteed minimum carats)
Vacheron Constantin Overseas self-winding Technical Specifications
References
4600V/200R-B979: blue dial, 18K 5N pink gold case
4600V/200A-B980: blue dial, steel case
Calibre
1088/1
Manufacture calibre
Mechanical, self-winding
22K gold Overseas oscillating weight
20.80 mm (9’’’) diameter, 3.83 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
144 components
26 jewels
Indications
Hours, minutes, centre seconds
Date at 3 o’clock
Case
18K 5N pink gold / Steel
34.5 mm diameter, 9.33 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Screwed-down crown
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 15 bar (approx. 150 metres)
Dial
Translucent blue-lacquered, sunburst satin-finished base and velvet-finished external minutes track18K 5N pink gold /18K white gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®
Straps
4600V/200R-B979: 18K 5N pink gold (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by a 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
4600V/200A-B980: steel (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by a steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
Additional straps
4600V/200R-B979: blue calfskin leather with light-grey stitches, blue rubber. Delivered with a 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle with interchangeable system, compatible with both additional straps
4600V/200A-B980: blue calfskin leather with light-grey stitches, blue rubber. Delivered with a steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and interchangeable system, compatible with both additional straps.
4600V/200A-B980: only available in Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in continuous production for nearly 270 years, faithfully perpetuating a proud heritage of watchmaking excellence and stylistic sophistication through generations of master craftsmen. At the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie and understated elegance, the Maison creates timepieces with unique technical and aesthetic signatures, and an extremely high level of finishing touches. Vacheron Constantin brings to life unparalleled heritage and a spirit of innovation through its collections: Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Métiers d’Art, Overseas, Fiftysix, Historiques and Égérie. It also offers its discerning clientele of connoisseurs the rare opportunity to acquire vintage pieces within the Les Collectionneurs assortment, as well as unique and bespoke timepieces by means of its Les Cabinotiers department. #VacheronConstantin #OneOfNotMany