Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronometer: First of The Line, Top of The Line

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas is about to celebrate 20 years of taking the fight to AP and Patek. This 37mm 18-karat yellow gold Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronometer is a timeless testament to the instant-classic style that Vacheron launched in 1996. With first-of-the-line collector cache and full-fledged rival status alongside the Nautilus and Royal Oak, this Overseas Chronometer is the perfect birthday present to yourself in honor of the Overseas‘ two-decade milestone.

At 37m in diameter, only 9mm thick, and a delightful 43mm from lug to lug, the original Vacheron Overseas Chronometer exudes the refined proportions for which the Geneva maison is renowned. Never a brand to join a bandwagon, Vacheron Constantin eschewed the 1990s trend towards oversized sports models, and the original Overseas wears with traditional comfort and elegance that many devotees of rival brands can nearly remember. Even on a wrist as small as 15cm in circumference, the compact case and silken bracelet of the original Vacheron Constantin Overseas wears with great comfort and style.

And style is a Vacheron Constantin hallmark. The Overseas recalls the great 1977 reference 222 without slavishly replicating the memorable Jorg Hysek design. An integrated bracelet with tapered links, a faceted bezel within a cushion-style case, and the raised structure of the bezel itself speak to the conventions of the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, but the recurring Maltese Cross motif and intricate finish is all Vacheron.

Each element of the case appears rich and feels massive on the wrist. For a 37mm watch, this Overseas Chronometer packs impressive substance. The entire bracelet is polished, faceted, chamfered, and brushed under the influence of human hands. A robust gold double-deployant clasp with BOTH a Maltese Cross clamshell closure and sliding trigger is braced against violence and accidental release. This is the arts-and-crafts of high horology in practice; it complements the watchmaking chops of the mechanical artisans.

Speaking of mechanical artisans, the Vacheron Constantin caliber 1310 does justice to their skill. Vacheron took a good thing and made it better; Girard-Perregaux’s caliber 3100 automatic movement received dramatic upgrades to its finish and specification to become the COSC Swiss Chronometer-grade 1310. With a modern 4hz (28,800 VpH) beat rate, hacking (stop) seconds for synchronization to a reference time, and 3.25mm ultra-thin construction, both precision and refinement come standard. The 27 jewel Vacheron Constantin caliber 1310 features a 45-hour power reserve, and it holds the distinction of being the first and last Overseas movement to receive the Swiss Chronometer designation.

With 2016 fast approaching, it’s time to start the party early. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Vacheron Constantin Overseas with this 37mm Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronometer in 18-karat yellow gold. See it in high-resolution images on www.watchuwant.com.