Latest Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Marks 30th Anniversary
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Overseas collection, Vacheron Constantin introduces a new interpretation of its Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin, combining an 18K white gold case with a new azure blue dial.
This latest creation brings together the spirit of travel that has defined the Overseas since its introduction in 1996 with one of the Manufacture’s most accomplished ultra-thin complications.
The Overseas has always occupied a distinctive position within the Vacheron Constantin collection. Conceived as a contemporary expression of sport-chic watchmaking, it succeeded the legendary 222, introduced in 1977, and drew upon the same combination of refinement, functionality and technical sophistication. Its characteristic bezel, secured by screws to the flat case and inspired by the Maison’s Maltese cross emblem, immediately established the collection’s identity.
Over three generations, the Overseas has evolved considerably while retaining those defining characteristics. The second generation, introduced in 2004, brought a bolder interpretation of the design together with an integrated bracelet whose links evoke the Maltese cross. In 2016, the third and current generation introduced more fluid lines, new movements and, significantly, a quick-change strap system that allows the character of the watch to be transformed without the need for tools.
For this anniversary edition, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to give the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin a new colour identity. The azure dial is lighter, less intense and less saturated than the deeper blue introduced in 2016. Designed to evoke the sense of escape and wide-open spaces associated with the Overseas universe, its character changes subtly with the light, creating a particularly natural relationship with the understated lustre of the white gold case.
The lacquered dial has considerable visual depth, while the matching blue moon phase disc reinforces the overall harmony. Against this backdrop, the perpetual calendar indications and applied 18K white gold hour markers provide the necessary contrast, maintaining legibility without disturbing the restrained aesthetic of the design.
Beneath the dial lies the real technical achievement of the watch. Vacheron Constantin’s Calibre 1120 QP/1 measures just 4.05 mm in thickness and incorporates a complete perpetual calendar with moon phase indication. Its architecture allows the 41.5 mm watch to retain a remarkably slender profile of only 8.1 mm.
A perpetual calendar is among traditional watchmaking’s most demanding complications. Rather than simply displaying the date, the mechanism automatically recognises months of 28, 30 and 31 days and takes leap years into account. In this case, no correction is required until 2100, when the Gregorian calendar omits a leap day because the year is not divisible by 400. It is a deceptively simple display concealing a considerable amount of mechanical ingenuity.
The movement is self-winding and comprises 276 components, with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Beating at 19,800 vibrations per hour, Calibre 1120 QP/1 is also certified with the Geneva Seal, underlining the level of technical and finishing standards expected of a Vacheron Constantin movement.
The transparent sapphire crystal case back provides an opportunity to appreciate that craftsmanship. Côtes de Genève and bevelling decorate the bridges, while the mainplate receives perlage and the calendar components feature vertical or circular satin finishes. Even components that will ultimately disappear beneath the assembled movement receive the same attention to detail.
At the heart of the movement’s exploration theme is its 22K gold oscillating weight, engraved with a compass rose. It is a fitting detail for a collection whose identity has always been connected with travel, movement and discovery.
The watch is supplied with three interchangeable options. Its integrated 18K white gold bracelet features satin-finished and polished links inspired by the half Maltese cross, together with a triple-blade folding clasp incorporating a micro-adjustment system. Two textured rubber straps, in white and denim blue, offer a more contemporary interpretation and can be fitted without tools.
This versatility has become an important part of the modern Overseas proposition. The same watch can move effortlessly between the formality of its white gold bracelet and the more relaxed character of its rubber straps, reinforcing the original idea of the Overseas as a watch designed to accompany its wearer wherever the journey leads.
With its combination of white gold, azure lacquer, an ultra-thin perpetual calendar and the practical versatility of three interchangeable straps, this 30th anniversary edition offers a particularly elegant interpretation of the Overseas. More importantly, it demonstrates how Vacheron Constantin can evolve an established design while retaining the technical expertise and sense of purpose that have defined it for three decades.
Limited to 200 pieces, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin is both a celebration of the collection’s history and a reminder that, in fine watchmaking, the most sophisticated journeys are often those made within the movement itself.
Technical Specifications:
OVERSEAS PERPETUAL CALENDAR ULTRA-THIN
Reference: 4300V/220G-H119
Calibre
1120 QP/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Self-winding mechanical
Overseas oscillating weight in 22K gold
29.60 mm (12½’’) in diameter, 4.05 mm thick
Approximately 40-hour power reserve
2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour)
276 components
36 jewels
Watch certified with the Geneva Seal
Display
Hours and minutes
Perpetual calendar (date, day of the week, month, leap year)
Moon phases
Case
18K white gold
41.5 mm diameter, 8.1 mm thick
Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
Water-resistant to 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial
Lacquered azure
Moon phase disc and moon in 18K white gold
Hour, minute and counter hour markers and hands in 18K white gold
Hour and minute hands and hour markers accented with blue Super-LumiNova® (Vacheron Constantin is not the owner of the Super-LumiNova® trademarks, which are the property of a third party)
Straps
18K white gold bracelet with satin-finished, polished links in the shape of a half Maltese cross, secured by a 18K white gold triple-blade folding clasp with pushers and an adjustment system
Second strap in white rubber and third strap in Denim blue rubber, interchangeable 18K white gold pin buckle
Price
Upon request
For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin