Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar

OVERSEAS, a unique perspective on the world

Vacheron Constantin is reinventing one of its iconic collections, Overseas. Created in a spirit of casual elegance and practicality, five new models (12 references) equipped with Manufacture movements – including three new calibres – embody the new generation of self-winding timepieces inspired by the spirit of travel. All models, whether in steel or gold, from the simplest to the most complicated, bear the Hallmark of Geneva and are fitted with easily interchangeable bracelets/straps, a guarantee of comfort anywhere in the world. Alongside watches featuring simple displays (hours, minutes, seconds, with or without date), the collection also comprises chronographs and ultra-thin timepieces.  

A bit of history 
 
From the late 19th century onwards, timepieces embodying remarkable breakthroughs in terms of anti-magnetism and water-resistance were the first steps towards sports-oriented watches from the Maison. A model created in 1885 was designed to withstand magnetic disturbances thanks to the incorporation of palladium, gold and bronze components. In 1898, Vacheron Constantin presented a water-resistant pocket watch capable of withstanding extreme conditions. The formal characteristics of its sturdy case heralded the design of contemporary sport watches. The 1930s saw the emergence of steel “form” watches distinguished by screwed- down bezels and casebacks, as well as by unbreakable sapphire crystals. The technical attributes and the sporty appearance of these timepieces were confirmed through an aesthetic approach combining a “form” case with a 10-sided case topped by a round disc. This trend was reinterpreted several decades later, during the 1970s, by various iconic models including the famous “222” presented in 1977 to mark the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin. This sport watch was fitted with a screwed-down bezel and caseback guaranteeing water-resistance to 120 metres. Designed to suit an active lifestyle, it inspired the 1996 creation of the first Overseas models, powered by the spirit of travel and openness to the world. This remarkably technical collection soon became a touchstone for the Maison. Its dynamic lines, its signature bezel and its solid caseback 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 identify 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. In 2016, the new-wave, Hallmark of Geneva-certified Overseas is casting anchor in the 21 st century. 
 
Design signature 
 
Flowing, ergonomic lines, subtle light effects and delicate finishes place the new Overseas models firmly within a timeless yet distinctly contemporary aesthetic universe. The curves of the case ensure seamless integration with the bracelet or strap, a feature that is both technically sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing. The six-sided bezel and the fluted crown with its grooves evoke the Maison design codes. The rounded, polished and satin-finished opening dips towards a refined dial topped by a sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides. Coated with a translucent blue, silver-toned, rosy beige or grey lacquer – depending on the model – that intensifies the depth effect, the dials alternate between sunburst, snailed and velvety finishes. The gold luminescent facetted hands and hour-markers echo the gold frame surrounding the inner bezel ring, while the Arabic numerals ensure optimal readability. The screwed-down caseback fitted with a sapphire crystal reveals a 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose, a universal symbol indicating the cardinal points for travelers, and adorned with sandblasted, polished and finely grained finishes. 

Comfort and user friendliness: self-winding calibres, water-resistance and interchangeable bracelets/straps 
 
In keeping with the travel spirit, Overseas timepieces meet practical demands in order to guarantee their owner ideal comfort and user friendliness. They are equipped with mechanical self-winding movements ensuring a generous power reserve. Protected from magnetic disturbances by a soft iron ring, these calibres are endowed with remarkable precision and durability, while the case with a transparent and generally screwed-down caseback ensures water-resistance to 50 metres for the ultra-thin models, and to 150 metres for the others. 

The new Overseas models are all about modularity, with three types of easily interchangeable stainless steel or precious metal bracelets – complete with an easy-fit system for enhanced comfort – as well as leather and rubber straps. An ingenious interchangeability device for the bracelets/straps and the folding clasp, serves to secure them in place without any need for tools, while guaranteeing the same robustness as a fixed bracelet or strap. 
 
The Overseas bracelets/straps display remarkable finishes: the metal bracelets are domed and graced with a satin-brushed finish as well as polished interior angles evoking the half Maltese Cross motif; the rubber strap also bears a motif inspired by the same famous Vacheron Constantin emblem; while the alligator leather strap has a flat tip and a velvety nubuck lining accentuated by a micro-perforated effect, hence combining comfort & sporty aesthetics.

The Hallmark of Geneva, a firm commitment for 130 years 
 
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 developed and 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. Vacheron Constantin is its most loyal representative since 1901.

Overseas ultra-thin perpetual calendar – Calibre 1120 QP

The Overseas Ultra-thin Perpetual Calendar displays its technical complexity with the collection’s characteristically understated air of distinction. This timepiece bearing the Hallmark of Geneva certification and available exclusively in Vachereron Constantin boutiques houses the emblematic Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1120 QP, an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement equipped with a perpetual calendar complete with moon phases. This function calls for impressive feats of miniaturisation in order to adjust to calendar irregularities while requiring no adjustment until the year 2100, as well as to accommodate its 276 components within a space barely 4.05 mm thick. Beating a the frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour and endowed with an approximately 40-hour power reserve, the mechanism drives the hours, minutes, perpetual calendar – with day of the week, date, month and 48-month leap-year indications – as well as moon phases. The 18K white gold 41.5 mm-diameter case frames a grey dial lightly punctuated by blue accents, while the sapphire crystal caseback reveals a 22K oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose and subtle finishes. This new reference radiating a pleasing appearance in every situation is fitted with an interchangeable white gold bracelet complete with easy-fit system, complemented by two leather and rubber variations, both secured by a white gold buckle.