The Overseas Collection is a totally different product group compared to the other models of the brand which present a more dressy look. Sporting additional features like enhanced water resistance and anti magnetic shielding inspired by the technologies developed many years ago by Vacheron Constantin, Overseas timepieces can easily withstand tough conditions.
A late 19th century “ Imperator “ pocket watch with its water resistant case housing an anti magnetic movement. A perfect sample for the innovative technologies of Vacheron Constantin.
Another significant detail of the Overseas Collection is the case material. Overseas models are built in stainless steel cases unlike the majority of the brand’s products made in precious metals like 18K gold. Undoubtedly, it’s not a coincidental choice as the stainless steel connotates the sporty character of the collection better than 18K gold and platinum.
When Vacheron Constantin presented the “ 222 Collection “ in 1977, which can be considered as the predecessor of the Overseas Collection, the watch industry was having hard times due to the Quartz Crisis. Many important brands have been vanished that time while the others struggled to survive. Just then, Gerald Genta proved the market that luxury brands could also be successful with sportier, stainless steel models by presenting two legendary models; Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Phlippe Nautilus. Vacheron Constantin on the other hand was moving in the same path with the 222 model designed by Jorg Hysek.
Just like the Audemars Piguet and Patek Philppe, Vacheron Contstantin also decided to power up it’s timepiece with Jeager LeCoultre’s movement Caliber 920. Interestingly, this iconic movement had never been used in a Jaeger LeCoultre watch. The most significant features of the movement were being the thinnest automatic movement employing a full size rotor.
It took years for the Overseas Collection arrive after the discontinuation of the 222 model. The first Overseas model hit the stores in 1996 with its stainless steel case, WR150M rating, anti magnetic shielding and integrated metal bracelet along it’s distinct design details.
In the year 2004, the Overseas Collection was updated with modern lines without compromising the sporty character. The second generation Overseas Collection, which featured Jaeger LeCoultre ( Caliber 899 ) and Frederic Piguet ( Caliber 1185 ) based movements like the first generation, was discontinued and upgraded to third generation.
The new Overseas Collection 2016 offers a fascinating combination of traditional watch making and modern lines through the admiring heritage of the brand.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Collection features five different sub product groups.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph model sports 42.5mm cases with stainless steel and 18K pink gold options. WR150M rated case features sapphire crystals on both sides. The stainless steel version is being offered in blue or white dial colors while the 18K pink gold version is offered with a white dial only.
The chronograph version features the fully in-house Caliber 5200 beating at 28800vph and offering 52h power reserve when fully wound. 54 jewelled movement measures 30,6mm x 6,6mm and features “ “Hallmark of Geneva”(Geneva Seal) “.
The date only version is offered in a 41mm case with stainless steel and 18K pink gold options featuring the same blue or white dial styles.
The movement inside is an in-house caliber measuring 30,6mm x 4,7mm. 37 jewelled and Hallmark of Geneva”(Geneva Seal) approved movement beats at 28800vph and offers 60h power reserve when fully wound.
The Overseas Small Model is highlighted as the most compact version of the collection aiming for women clients. 37Mm diameter case is offered in stainless steel and 18K pink gold options features 84 round cut diamonds on the bezel. Unlike the rest of the collection, Overseas Small Model has a bracelet option for the all 18K pink gold model as well. The timepiece is available with blue or white dial choices.
The in-house developed and Hallmark of Geneva (Geneva Seal) approved Caliber 5300 beats at 28800vph and offers 44h power reserve when fully wound. 31 jewelled movement measures 22,6mm x 4mm.
Undoubtedly, one of the most fascinating models of the entire collection is the Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar. This beautiful timepiece is offered in a 41,5mm x 8,1mm measuring case made of 18K white gold. The movements inside is surely a special one. The Caliber 1120QP is based on the Jaeger LeCoultre movement Caliber 920 which was also used in the 222 model. The chronograph movement offers 40h power reserve when fully wound. WR50M rated case sports sapphire crystals on both sides.
It is safe to say that the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra-Thin is one of the most eagerly waited for models of the brand for years. It bears great resemblance with the 222 model except the case being made of 18K white gold instead of stainless steel. The 40mm x 7.5mm case houses a Jaeger LeCoultre Caliber 920 based automatic movement Caliber 1120. By choosing a no date movement, we are sure that Vacheron Constantin surprised its loyal followers. Probably a stainless steel version with a date function will grab more attention than this model but it managed to be a highly praised timepiece.
The “ Malta Cross “ figure is a common design feature. The most characteristic use of this figure takes place on the bezel. The figure became more like an un-official trade mark of the brand.
One of the most significant design details of the Overseas Collection is the integrated bracelet and strap style. Vacheron Constantin designers did their best to get the “ complete look “ of the watch with this design while keeping the wearing comfort at the utmost level. The models in the new collection come with metal bracelets but thanks to the easy strap change system, the users can switch to leather or rubber straps in a blink.
One of the most complained down sides of metal bracelets is the lack of micro adjustment feature. A very few number of brands managed to design micro adjustment systems without hurting the wearing comfort. Vacheron Constantin’s solution to the matter is both technically and aesthetically perfect. The 4mm extension adjustment featured within the double flip clasp is surely put a smile on the proud user’s face.
