New sizes for the familiar Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Borna Bošnjak- Vacheron Constantin introduces a brand new 35mm size for the Overseas collection
- Sporting the signature blue dial or a soft pink, the Overseas 35mm is available with steel or gemset bezels
- The reduction in size comes from numerous requests by Vacheron Constantin’s customers
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection is one full of variety. There’s the ultra-complicated like the stunning Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton, there’s the epitome of a luxury sports watch like the Chronograph or Dual Time, and then there’s the most successful iteration in the form of the three-handed automatic model. Until today, it’s been available in 41mm and 37mm options, but Vacheron Constantin clearly saw enough demand for a smaller proposition, resulting in the release of the Overseas Self-Winding 35mm.
Christian Selmoni, the brand’s Style and Heritage Director, explains that this unisex collection is a result of growing demand from Vacheron Constantin’s customers for an Overseas in a smaller size. The flat-wearing case of the third generation Overseas benefits greatly from this re-profiling, as the new, reduced, dimension is complemented by a height of 9.33mm. Interestingly, there is a size variance between the non-set and gemset models, with the diamond-studded versions 0.5mm larger at 35mm diameter total. The four references are split across two metals, available in stainless steel of 18k 5N pink gold, with the metals extending to the accompanying bracelets. Snazzing them up a little, the Maltese cross-inspired bezels of the diamond-set models are graced with 90 round-cut diamonds, guaranteeing a minimum of 0.86 carats. It’s worth noting that neither the reduction in size nor the addition of diamonds affects the Overseas’ sportiness, as it retains a 15 bar water resistance rating.
Colour options also remain (mostly) faithful to Vacheron’s winning Overseas formula. The translucent blue lacquer surface is free of clutter thanks to minimal printing, surrounded by a satin-brushed minute track that connects the outermost portions of the solid gold indices. The slender pencil hands match the white gold or pink gold tone of the indices, as does the date window frame. One of the gemset references, however, is a bit of an outlier, with its pastel pink lacquer taking over the commonplace blue. This is certainly Vacheron’s attempt at bringing a more feminine touch to the Overseas, though it teeters close to the edge of “shrink and pink”.
As is customary with watches in the collection, Vacheron supplies the Overseas 35mm with two additional straps to accompany their linked counterparts. For the blue dial models, the choices are a stitched blue calfskin or rubber, with a triple folding Maltese cross clasp matching the case metal. On the pink version, the calfskin and rubber choices take on a soft beigey-pink colour, complete with steel folding clasp. Owners will be able to make the most of these strap options thanks to Vacheron’s single-pusher strap exchange system.
Visible through the sapphire caseback is the in-house 1088/1 calibre, mostly used in the Égérie collection up to this point. As expected from any Vacheron Constantin, the finishing is pleasant, though not incredibly impressive – it’s worth noting that the 1088/1 does not feature a Geneva Seal like many of the brand’s other calibres. Enclosed by a soft iron ring, the 1088/1 features anti-magnetic protection, beating at 4Hz for a fairly short 40 hours of power reserve.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas self-winding 35mm pricing and availability:
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas self-winding 35mm collection will be exclusive to Vacheron Constantin boutiques, with the exception of the reference 4605V/200A-B971. Price: €26,000 (blue dial, steel case), €34,000 (pink dial, steel case), €57,000 (blue dial, gold case), €64,000 (blue dial, gold case, diamonds)
| Brand | Vacheron Constantin |
| Model | Overseas self-winding |
| Reference Number | 4600V/200A-B980 (blue dial, steel) 4605V/200A-B971 (pink dial, steel, diamond-set) 4600V/200R-B979 (blue dial, pink gold) 4605V/200R-B978 (blue dial, pink gold, diamond-set) |
| Case Dimensions | 34.5mm (D) x 9.33mm (T) (non-set models) 35mm (D) x 9.33mm (T) (diamond-set models) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel 18k 5N pink gold |
| Water Resistance | 15 bar |
| Dial | Translucent blue or pink lacquer sunburst with gold indices |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Strap | Steel or 18k 5N pink gold Maltese cross motif bracelet with additional calfskin leather and rubber straps |
| Movement | 1088/1 in-house calibre, 4Hz, 22k gold oscillating rotor |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, date |
| Availability | Boutique exclusives except for 4605V/200A-B971 |
| Price | €26,000 (blue dial, steel case) €34,000 (pink dial, steel case) €57,000 (blue dial, gold case) €64,000 (blue dial, gold case, diamonds) |