Vacheron Constantin’s spirited new collection is designed to appeal to the worldly traveller in all of us.
Images ©Steve McCurry/Vacheron Constantin
This year, Vacheron Constantin celebrates the return of one of its most iconic ranges: the Overseas. Revealed at SIHH, this reinvented line represents a new generation of self-winding timepieces that celebrates the spirit of travel. Designed with modern travellers in mind, this comprehensive collection comprises of five thrilling models ranging from time-only watches to complex chronographs and ultra-thin timepieces.
Powering these feats of timekeeping are the self-winding mechanical calibres, each meticulously constructed by the luxury Swiss manufacturer’s very own watchmakers and bearing the revered Poinçon de Genève, the ultimate emblem of Geneva’s finest watchmaking expertise. Powering each of these movements is the oscillating weight designed to resemble a whimsical ‘wind rose’ – an enduring symbol of travel formerly utilised by sailors as they navigated the high seas.The cases of these timepieces have also been fitted with a soft iron ring that serves as a protective barrier, shielding the delicate components within from the negative effects of invisible magnetic fields. Additionally, the screwed-down design of the case provides water resistance for up to 50m for the ultra-thin model and 150m for the rest.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Ref 5500V-110A-B148
This versatile collection also comes with interchangeable straps that can be switched in an instant without using tools, while the design of the folding clasp ensures that the timepiece always remains comfortably secured on one’s wrist. Available in three different styles, these straps are designed to pair well with the eye-catching dials that come in various majestic hues, including a new shade of gorgeous brown that was launched in June this year.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time
Among the many highlights of this dynamic collection is the Overseas World Time. This superb timepiece allows the user to observe the passing of time across the globe at a single glance, making this latest addition to the Overseas family an ideal travel companion for worldly explorers. Housed inside its 43.5mm case is the Calibre 2460 WT, a self-winding manufacture movement that operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comes fitted with an impressive 40 hours’ power reserve. A glance at the enticing dial reveals an astonishing 37 time zones, including those off-set by a half- or quarter-hour in relation to UTC time. Displayed at the dial’s centre is a map which is based on a design invented by Swiss polymath, Johann Heinrich Lambert. A closer inspection of this map reveals a sublime sunburst satin-brushed finishing used on the continents that will gradually darken to indicate the shift from day to night. The secret to this lies in the unique sapphire crystal disc that works in sync with a 24-hour disc. Completing this theatrical display is the translucent lacquered disc that bears the names of the world’s major cities, while a translucent lacquered outer ring is used to read the hours and minutes.
To celebrate the launch of these remarkable timekeeping creations, Vacheron Constantin has also teamed up with respected photojournalist Steve McCurry to work on a project titled the Overseas Tour. This incredible quest involves traversing 12 various remote areas in a bid to capture poignant images that best represent the fundamental values upheld by the maison for the last 260 years.
THE WORLD THROUGH THE EYES OF STEVE MCCURRY
Here’s a look at the incredible images that were captured by the renowned photojournalist Steve McCurry as part of the Overseas Tour – which might just fuel your wanderlust.
