What is the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Azure Dial?
It celebrates the 30th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection. Introduced in 1996, the Overseas collection was a versatile luxury watch designed “as an invitation to travel.” It succeeded the Chronomètre Royal of 1975 and the 222 of 1977. Its notched bezel affixed by screws to a flat case became a signature design element of the collection.
The second generation, unveiled in 2004, was “bolder and sportier,” and featured an integrated bracelet with links resembling the brand’s Maltese cross emblem. Models with complications as well as those set with precious stones were part of the second generation.
The third (and present) generation, unveiled in 2016, has featured complications such as a chronograph, dual time, world time (discontinued), perpetual calendar and tourbillons as well as gem set watches. One of the most game-changing aspects of the third generation Overseas is the “intuitive self-changing interchangeable strap system,” enabling the wearer to switch from the bracelet to a strap without the need for any tools. Typically, an Overseas model is delivered with a bracelet and a leather and rubber strap (the exact mix depends on the specific reference), adding to its versatility and the living up to the collections’ ethos of a “spirit of travel and exploration.”
The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Azure Dial is a limited edition of 200 individually numbered pieces.
Also Read: Vacheron Constantin enhances the Overseas collection with tempting new models
What are its dial features?
It features a lacquered azure dial with a sunburst and satin-finished centre. The minute track on the outer dial features a velvet lacquered finish. The central hour and minute hands, date hand (3 o’clock), day of the week hand (9 o’clock) and month and leap year hands (12 o’clock) and applied hour-markers are made from 18K white gold.
What is the case, bracelet and strap features?
Its case is made from 18K white gold, measuring 41.5 mm (diameter) * 8.1 mm (thickness). Dial side and caseback feature a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 5 bar or approximately 50 metres.
The watch comes with a bracelet made from 18K white gold fitted with a triple-blade folding clasp made from 18K white gold.
A second and third strap in white rubber and blue denim (header image) respectively are provided, with an interchangeable pin buckle made from 18K white gold.
How thin is the movement?
Only 4.05 mm! The calibre 1120 QP/1, measuring 29.60 mm (diameter) or 12 ½ lignes, is an ultra-thin automatic movement that drives the hours and minutes, perpetual calendar functions of date, day of the week, month and leap year and moon phase display. It comprises of 276 parts and 36 jewels, beats at a luxurious frequency of 2.75 Hz or 19,800 vph and delivers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
Also Read: Vacheron Constantin updates its innovative perpetual calendar
What do we think?
Vacheron Constantin was 261 years old in 2016, the year it launched the third generation Overseas. The brand is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker in the world. Oozing with prestige, featuring a back catalogue of timepieces second to none and part of the famed Holy Trinity alongside Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, the brand has remained under the radar for much of its existence. The third generation Overseas transformed the brand’s visibility to a larger horological audience.
Collectors were lining up for an Overseas, with the Self-Winding model (Reference 4500V succeeded by 4520V) and Dual Time model (Reference 7900V succeeded by 7920V) among the most popular. As a result of the unprecedented demand for the Overseas, collectors began to pay attention to the brand’s other collections, such as the Patrimony, Traditionnelle and Historiques.
In my opinion, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Azure Dial is also a reflection of third generation Overseas’ impact on the brand. It is indeed a special piece.
Also Read: Vacheron Constantin unveils the sublime new Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin 2500V
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Additional Details
Name: Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Azure Dial
Reference: 4300V/220G-H119
The watch is hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève or Geneva Seal.
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 120,000 (inclusive of taxes)
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