Immediate Elegance: Vacheron Constantin Overseas watches

The world’s oldest Swiss watch manufacturer continues its legacy with the recent addition of two new models from the ‘Overseas’ collection, which is distinguished by sporting and technical influences.

THE FLAGSHIP MODEL OF THE COLLECTION is the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar watch. Immediately striking for it’s elegant amalgamation of an 18-carat pink gold case, a hushed, stone-coloured dial and a refined brown ‘Mississippiensis’ alligator strap. This type of leather could mean that the alligator came from the Mississippi … more likely it’s the scientific term for American alligators – or both. Either way, this is a real gem of haute horlogerie powered by a Calibre 1136 QP with a 40-hour reserve. The mechanical self-winding movement is comprised of 228 parts that operate the chronograph as well as those of the perpetual calendar – including the 48-month counter with leap years as well as the moon-phase display.

The second model, the Overseas Chronograph, comes in stainless steel with a deep blue dial that is instantly evocative of the ocean. The case is 42 mm-in diameter and houses the Calibre 1137 – another mechanical self-winding chronograph movement but this time of 183 parts. The strap on this beauty takes the Vacheron Constantin logo of the Maltese Cross and creates a half cross design that really makes it stand out. It’s unusual to have stainless steel used alongside a movement of such complexity, as when all is said and done it’s a comparatively cheap material, but regardless, both of these models are triumphant expressions of technical mastery and time-tested, inspired design.