Vacheron Constantin, who pulled down the entry-level price point drastically with the newly released FiftySix Collection is the guest of our pages with the Dual Time version of its sportier product line Overseas Collection.
Among the veteran brands of the Swiss watch industry, Vacheron Constantin is known for its models, mainly designed in classic dress watch style and equipped with complications that are common in traditional watchmaking. The Overseas Collection, which does not quite coincide with this general stance of the brand, is a different product group which combines modern and sporty elements in line with today’s trends.
The Luxury Sports Watch segment, which offers a more convenient and versatile structure than the traditional high-complication models in terms of usability, has become even more popular than it has always been in recent years. Dominated mostly by Rolex models, this segment includes iconic names like Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, as well as models like Girard-Perregaux Laureto and Piaget Polo S which are presented to the likes of the watch enthusiasts with their face lifted versions.
The Overseas Collection, one of the most important representatives of this segment, underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2015. Today, we have the Dual Time model, one of the latest additions to the collection, which features contemporary and sporty models suitable for everyday use without sacrificing Vacheron Constantin standards, including relatively affordable entry models.
There are two material options in the collection, 18K pink gold and stainless steel. The model we chose for our review is the stainless steel version.
The model is offered in a stainless steel case measuring 41mm in diameter and 12.8mm in height. On paper, these dimensions ??may not make you think of a hefty watch on the first place. But -perhaps because of the perception of Vacheron Constantin in my head- I can say that Overseas Dual Time is pretty hefty on my wrist. I had a similar situation with the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 model as well.
The case, which looks slightly Tonneau style with its thick and angular lugs, is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides. Mostly designed with matt finished surfaces, the case sports a fixed mirror polished bezel on the front face which is known as one of the signature details of the Overseas Collection. Below the winding crown that is decorated with the brand’s Maltese cross inspired logo, there is an additional crown used for setting the model’s Dual Time function. The case is water resistant to 150 meters –a figure that is in line with the sporty character of the model.
The model we have here sports a blue dial which is one of the most popular dial colors of recent years. Finished with Sun Beam pattern, the dial features a sub-counter for the pointer style date display at 6 o’clock and an AM/PM indicator at 9 o’clock. The hands and indices are designed in baton style. The hand set includes a central GMT hand to read the dual time zone feature. The dial is quite legible at almost any environment thanks to the Super LumiNOVA phosphor material applied on all hands and indices. There is also an inner bezel around the dial with 60 minute scale.
The model is powered by the fully in-house Caliber 5110DT. The movement, which is Hallmark of Geneva certified as with all other movements of the brand, beats at 4Hz and offers a 60 hour power reserve when fully wound. The caliber, which attracts attention with its 22K solid gold semi-skeletonized oscillating rotor, can be enjoyed with pleasure through the sapphire crystal display caseback.
The model we have here comes on the classic Overseas Collection style metal bracelet which is another signature detail of the product group. The bracelet, which is dominated with matt finished surfaces, is secured with a Vacheron Constantin signed push-button release folding clasp. In the model’s exclusive box set, there two more straps (alligator and rubber) that are secured by a stainless steel folding as well. All bracelet/strap options are compatible with the brand’s patented quick strap change system.
As an avid supporter of the luxury sports watch segment, I really liked the watch. I think Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is a perfect alternative especially for the frequently travelling watch enthusiasts who are looking for a nice luxury sports watch with its brilliant features like the matt finished case and bracelet, 150 meters water resistance rating and user friendly second time zone display which could break the Rolex GMT MasterII monopoly. Considering the 25.600,00 EUR MSRP, there may be other alternatives in the shopping list but none of them will be a Vacheron Constantin timepiece.
