With its latest launch – a ‘panda dial’ chronograph – Vacheron Constantin is showing no signs of bringing an end to the ever-growing waiting lists for the Overseas.
A combination that is loved by collectors – as demonstrated by the demand for the Rolex Daytona, Tudor Black Bay Chrono and recent TAG Heuer 70th Anniversary Carrera, to name but a few – there is something about the white face and black subdials that proves irresistible.
With the new Overeseas, the dial is, in fact, silver-toned with a sunburst satin finish. The black snailed chronograph counters have markers coated in white gold and hands coated in glow-in-the-dark Super-LumiNova.
The 42.5mm steel case houses Vacheron’s in-house, self-winding Calibre 5200 movement with twin barrel, column wheel and Maltese cross-shaped screw that controls the watch’s chronograph function. There is also a gold oscillating weight, which is visible through the exhibition caseback.
As with all Overseas, there is a quick-change bracelet system, enabling a tool-free swap between the steel bracelet, calfskin leather and black rubber strap that are all provided.
With an emphasis on travel and adventure, the first Overseas chronographs were released in 1999, redesigned in 2004 and revisited in 2016. Today they are some of the most recognisable models in the Vacheron collection with a popularity among enthusiasts to match.
According to Christian Selmoni, the brand’s style and heritage director, “Since their creation, more than 20 years ago, Overseas chronographs have been synonymous with exploration for the manufacture. [They] combine the spirit of haute horlogerie… with the refined sporting elegance suggested by the chronograph function. In a way, the Overseas chronographs have always marked a desire for controlled yet subtly disruptive breakthroughs, a desire to explore other watchmaking territories and to experiment with new creative fields.”
The watch is priced at £31,200.
