There are times when something is so good, it can become troublesome. This is the current dilemma Vacheron Constantin faces with its Overseas collection. To clarify, such is the demand for the fine watchmaker’s offering in the luxuriously-sporty category, that when new additions are announced a waves of DMs rip through watch communities with people trying to get their connections to ensure they can get their hands on one. It’s a problem, but a nice one to have.
Fortunately, after 265 years of continuous operation, solving problems is very much part of Vacheron Constantin’s skillset. After the blink-and-you-missed-it offering of last year’s Overseas “Everest” limited editions, this year the venerable watchmaker has fuelled the fire by introducing its first tourbillon skeleton watch to the Overseas collection – with two stunning versions (18K pink gold and Grade 5 titanium) and interchangeable strap options.
Tantalisingly, the reference made from titanium is the first by the Maison to be entirely made from the metal – from crown to bezel and bracelet to case.
The self-winding Manufacture Calibre 2160 powering the timepieces has been redesigned for purpose and entirely skeletonised in accordance to the Maison’s “Anatomy of Beauty” theme, which pays particular attention to the meticulous finishing. The open-worked design has allowed for the pieces to be lighter and thinner than previous models, with the thinness particularly notable due to the choice of a peripheral gold oscillating weight, which also enables a completely clear view of the rear of the movement.
In terms of aesthetics, the 18k pink gold version is a showstopper with the appealing contrast of the slate grey and the gold on the case and integrated bracelet.
While Vacheron Constantin’s reputation for perfectly embodying the traditional notion of luxury watchmaking is its de facto calling card – renowned for its expensive, beautiful, gentlemen’s watches made from precious metals, often with mind-bendingly delicate engravings – as a collection the Overseas has become a modern must-have for watch collectors, particularly in the past decade. The trouble for watch fans now, is just how to get your hands on one.
See more from Watches and Wonders 2022 here.
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