HANDS-ON: The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is a seriously luxurious travel watch
Nick KenyonThe Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection represents sports watch pedigree through and through and the Dual Time is no exception. While the collection features everything from simple three-handed time-only watches all the way to tourbillons and perpetual calendars, arguably the most important complication for a sports watch is the GMT function. After all, what self-respecting professional athlete in the 21st century isn’t jet-setting around the world as they compete, skipping time zones like a stone over a pond. If that’s the lifestyle you’re living, then the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is not only an interesting take on a contemporary watch by a very traditional watchmaker, but it also just makes sense.
The case
The 41mm stainless steel case features the angular design that you see across the entire Overseas collection, which draws clear historical inspiration from the first Vacheron Constantin sports watch from 1977, the ref. 222. The ref. 222 was released in 1977 in response to the moves by both Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet to produce steel sports watches with their Nautilus and Royal Oak collections respectively. While the two sports watches from the other two members of the Swiss Holy Trinity were designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, the ref. 222 was designed by the German Jorg Hysek who was only 24 at the time. In turn, the Overseas collection was launched in 1996 as a direct descendent of the ref. 222, designed by two gentlemen by the names of Vincent Kaufmann and Dino Modolo.
Standing just 12.8mm tall, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time has been finished with a mix of brushed and polished techniques that serve to highlight the sharply faceted case lines. The integrated bracelet design means that the lugs are very much a part of the case, angling downward to meet the curvature of the wrist. The instantly recognisable bezel features six notches that are inspired by the Maltese Cross that forms the brand’s insignia.
Turning the watch over, and you find an exhibition caseback that exposes the finely finished movement within. The case-back screws down to guarantee 150m of water resistance, just as you would expect from a watch designed with a vigorous lifestyle in mind. The watch features two crowns, both of which screw down to protect against intruding moisture. The first crown at 3 o’clock is for time setting, including the second timezone, while the second crown at 4 o’clock is actually a pusher that can be used to adjust the date mechanism.
The movement
Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback is the automatic calibre 5100DT, which features a 22k gold rotor. Running at 4Hz and offering a decent power reserve of 60 hours, it features an understandably complex 234 components.
The number of components is more than the standard caliber 5100, thanks to the additional functionality that the watch offers with an AM/PM indicator and second timezone. As you would expect from Vacheron Constantin, the movement is expertly finished, with richly textured Côtes de Genève stripes and even bevelling on the edges of the movement bridges.
The dial
The dial is a totally different proposition than the other blue and white options the Overseas Dual Time is available in. The black has a shimmering depth to it that you only find in lacquer dials.
While black might be the most conservative and potentially boring colour available in the collection, the details are what really bring it to life. The date subdial features a concentric pattern, while the AM/PM indicator and minute track both have matte textures that contrast well against the gloss of the rest of the dial.
Despite its asymmetry, the overall impression of the watch is one of balance with the AM/PM indicator at 9 o’clock countering the double crowns on the right-hand side of the watch.
The straps
Strap and bracelet technology is an area where the Vacheron Constantin Overseas has dominated their peers in the Holy Trinity, offering simple to use quick-change mechanisms that make switching between rubber, leather or steel bracelets very easy. The steel bracelet is finely executed with the central part of it taking the same inspiration as the bezel from the Maltese Cross. Both the bracelet and the rubber strap are secured with double folding clasps that can be opened and closed with a double button mechanism.
The verdict
All considered, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time with a black dial is a strong offering from one of the best watchmakers of all time. While the market for steel sports watches with blue dials is magma hot right now, the black dial is a reprieve that is also arguably more versatile. The case design and bracelet are aggressive and contemporary, while still paying respect to the original Vacheron Constantin sports watch in the ref. 222.
What’s even better? The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is actually relatively accessible, without requiring you to sign up for wait lists of multiple years after you’re forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to qualify for the privilege. So if you’re looking for a steel sports watch that offers the best of Swiss watchmaking in a package that is thoroughly wearable as a daily option, the Overseas Dual Time is well worth considering.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time pricing and availability:
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is $39,100 AUD and is currently available. For more details, visit Vacheron Constantin right here.