This is a moment I have been waiting for! Finally I can present you the entire new 2016 Overseas Collection. It is a watch I very much liked before and now, after seeing the new ones, even like more … Have a look!
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas history goes back to the 1970s: During that period the famous reference “222” was presented. To be precise it was in 1977 to mark the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin. This sports watch was fitted with a screwed-down bezel and case-back guaranteeing water-resistance to 120 meters. Designed to suit an active lifestyle, it served as a basis for creating, in 1996, the first Overseas models. This remarkably technical collection soon became a touchstone for Vacheron Constantin. Its dynamic lines, its signature bezel and its solid case-back adorned with a depiction of the famous Amerigo Vespucci three-masted ship are an open invitation to travel the seven seas. Vacheron Constantin has gradually developed the identity codes of this line over the years, such as the metal bracelet introduced in 2004 and featuring a motif evoking the Maltese cross brand emblem.
These are by the way the four iconic luxury sports watches of the 1970s together on one picture …
… and this is a recent picture of the “old” Vacheron Constantin Overseas …
“In 2016, the new-wave, Hallmark of Geneva-certified Overseas is casting anchor in the 21st century“, says Vacheron Constantin.
The new Overseas collection meets the demanding criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva, the prestigious label of quality and excellence instated in 1886. Standing for much more than just a certification of origin, it is issued by a neutral and independent official body. The Hallmark of Geneva rewards watches assembled in Geneva according to extremely stringent criteria relating both to movement components and to the performance of the watch. Embodying a four-fold consumer guarantee of provenance, resilience, accuracy and expertise, the Hallmark of Geneva establishes high production standards serving to achieve the best possible results in terms of reliability and aesthetics, while ensuring respect for traditional hand workmanship as well as the transmission of these skills. Did you know that Vacheron Constantin has been its most loyal representative since 1901?
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph – Calibre 5200
The new automatic chronograph movement developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. The result of a five-year development process, this 263-component calibre is fitted with a column wheel coordinating the chronograph start, stop and reset functions, as well as a vertical coupling clutch preventing any jerking of the hand when the chronograph starts.
A signature feature of new Vacheron Constantin chronographs, the column wheel is adorned with a screw shaped like the Manufacture’s signature Maltese cross emblem. This movement is equipped with a twin barrel enhancing its torque and its reliability while ensuring over 50 hours of power reserve. Protected from magnetic fields by a soft iron ring, it powers the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and date indications. These functions are all displayed on a silver-toned or blue dial adorned with sunburst, snailed and velvety finishes. The facetted gold hands and hour-markers are coated with a luminescent material ensuring optimal readability.
The Overseas Chronograph comes in a stainless steel or 18 carat pink gold 42.5-mm-diameter case. Its screwed-down pushpieces, crown and caseback guarantee water-resistance to 150 metres, while its transparent back reveals a 22 carat gold oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose.
The new stainless steel models are each delivered with three interchangeable bracelets/straps: a steel bracelet with an easy-fit system, along with rubber and leather straps. The two latter are fitted with an equally interchangeable stainless steel folding clasp.
The pink gold model comes with two straps: one in leather and the other in rubber, both fitted with an interchangeable pink gold folding clasp.
TECHNICAL DATA Overseas Chronograph
References
5500V/110A-B075 – silver-toned dial
5500V/110A-B148 – blue dial
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Calibre 5200
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
22K gold Overseas oscillating weight
30.6 mm (13’’’¼) in diameter, 6.6 mm thick
Approximately 52 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
263 components
54 jewels
Indications
Hours and minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Date
Column-wheel chronograph (30-minute and 12-hour counters)
Case
Stainless steel
42.5 mm in diameter, 13.7 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Screwed-down crown and quarter-turn screw-lock push-pieces
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Tested at a pressure of 15 bar
Dial
Sunburst satin-finished base with velvet-finished flange, coated with translucent silver-toned/blue lacquer; snailed counters
Bracelet/Straps
Steel bracelet with polished and satin-brushed links in the shape of a half Maltese cross
Delivered with a second strap in black/blue alligator mississippiensis leather featuring a black nubuck lining with a micro-perforated effect, hand-stitched, large rectangular scales
Delivered with a third strap in black/blue rubber
Clasps
Stainless steel bracelet secured by a stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
Delivered with a second stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and interchangeable system (patent pending) compatible with both additional straps
Interesting to see that VC and Omega are in the vanguard of developing anti magnetic movements. Nothing like a good looking, iconic, and technologically sound watch. This will probably be an important trend as demanding consumers want more than just a pretty face with heavy marketing that is mass produced and worn in every up scale restaurant.
Very nice I think so far one of the nicest new collection I have seen. This and Mont Blanc are so far my preference.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas – Calibre 5100 – 4500V/110A-B126 – silver-toned dial.
Only with this watch is worth the existence of the SIHH.
This is one of the most beautiful watches made in recent times.