The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date
Borna Bošnjak- Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date is the first retrograde display in a sports watch for the brand
- The watch comes ready for adventure, equipped with a trio of strap options
- Launching as a boutique exclusive, the Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date brings tones down the sportiness of the collection
Capitalising on the runaway success that the Overseas collection has become, Vacheron Constantin is introducing another complicated member of the family. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date brings about a novelty for the brand, being their first sports watch with a retrograde complication. The retrograde is somewhat of a signature for Vacheron Constantin, as Style and Heritage Director Christian Selmoni recalls the Mercator with its double retrograde display or the jumping hour with retrograde minutes Saltarello.
For the Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date, Vacheron Constantin makes use of the model’s stunning sunburst blue dial and carefully dedicates each hemisphere to one complication. The upper portion is reserved for the retrograde date, which is printed in a subtle light blue, making it stand out just the right amount. Equally subtle is the date pointer with its black surround, making the blue-tipped arrow appear as if it’s floating. Taking up most of the lower half is the high-precision moonphase, requiring a single correction every 122 years. The inclusion of these complications has meant that the tooth-like indices of the Overseas had to be truncated slightly, taking away some of the sportiness, imbuing the watch with a touch of class instead.
Its stainless-steel construction is on par with expectations from a luxury integrated-bracelet sports watch, keeping in line with the rest of the Overseas collection at 41mm in diameter and remaining wonderfully svelte at only 10.48mm in height. The highly polished Maltese cross-like bezel stands out from its brushed backdrop, with polished surfaces used to highlight the notable curves of this case. The screw-down crown and caseback ensure a 50-metre water resistant package, which is a little on the low side considering the watch’s sporty intentions.
An area where you should have no concerns is the straps. Presented on the brand’s excellent Maltese cross-linked steel bracelet, Vacheron Constantin’s interchangeable system allows the wearer to make the most of the two additional straps that come with the watch – a blue calfskin and blue rubber, plus an additional triple-blade folding clasp in steel.
Finally, the movement. Vacheron Constantin borrows the calibre 2460 R31L from the Patrimony line, though dressed up with the 22k solid gold rotor found on the rest of the Overseas collection. The movement is very user-friendly as it’s completely controlled through the crown, including winding, date and moonphase adjustment and time-setting. Though the 40-hour power reserve isn’t much to write home about, the soft iron inner shield helps secure against magnetism, while the incredible decoration earns the movement Poinçon de Genève certification.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date pricing and availability:
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date is a Vacheron Constantin boutique exclusive. Price: €48,000
| Brand | Vacheron Constantin |
| Model | Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date |
| Reference Number | 4000V/210A-B911 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 10.48mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Dial | Blue sunburst |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Strap | Stainless steel with Maltese cross motif, blue rubber and calfskin straps included |
| Movement | 2460 R31L/2, in-house, automatic, Geneva Hallmark |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, retrograde date, precision moonphase |
| Availability | Boutique exclusive |
| Price | €48,000 |