Introducing: Four Vacheron Constantin Overseas Variants With Green Dials And A Titanium Overseas Tourbillon
At this year’s Watches and Wonders, we get to see new additions to Vacheron Constantin’s popular Overseas collection. The integrated-bracelet sports model receives additions in pink gold with green dials as well as a full-titanium tourbillon model with a blue dial.
The new green dials come in four Overseas variants. There is a 41mm Self-Winding version, a 42.5mm Chronograph, a 41mm Dual Time, and a 35mm Self-Winding version with a diamond-studded bezel. A single titanium tourbillon reference brings the total to five new Vacheron Constantin Overseas models. Let’s have a closer look!
Vacheron Constantin Overseas 101
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas can trace its roots to the mid-1970s. Many of the high-end Swiss watch manufacturers introduced sports watches with integrated bracelets, and so did VC. The brand’s entry to the genre came in the form of the Royal Chronometer ref. 2215 in 1975/76. However, the subsequent 222, designed by Jörg Hysek and released in 1977 to commemorate VC’s 222nd anniversary, would lay the groundwork for the modern Overseas. Design elements like the notched bezel and tonneau case can still be seen in the current Overseas models. Later introductions in the category include the 333 and the Phidias.
A 222 ad from 1977
It wasn’t until 1996 that the original 222 got the spiritual descendant we know and love today. Vacheron introduced the Overseas collection with its characteristic saw-blade bezel, a stylized translation of the original notched bezel. The line received a major overhaul in 2004 when, among other things, the Maltese-cross-inspired bracelet was added.
Finally, in 2016, the current iteration of the Overseas debuted. The design was refined and simplified somewhat, and the manufacture calibers were put on display behind sapphire crystals. The bracelet became interchangeable, and all Overseas models came with the prestigious Geneva Seal. And then, at Watches and Wonders 2022, the 222 made a comeback alongside the Overseas, but it was only in full gold.
New green dials for the Overseas collection
Today’s release doesn’t involve major technical updates. There are no new complications, calibers, sizes, or shapes. Essentially, these are five new configurations in terms of colors and materials. Still, these five watches certainly add significant new flavors to the collection, so they are worth having a closer look at. I will not go into the specifications of each as these are all existing models. I will, however, link to their predecessors so you can explore them further if you want.
First, we get four new models with green sunburst dials, a first for the Overseas collection. Now, if you will forgive me for the pun, this green and pink gold theme doesn’t come entirely out of the blue. We have already seen this combination in a Chinese market exclusive Traditionnelle Tourbillon from 2021. Another Traditionnelle, the Small Seconds, received the combination just last year.
It is new for the Overseas, though, and Vacheron reveals its dedication to the colorway by introducing it on four references at once. The existing Overseas Self-Winding, Dual Time, Chronograph, and 35mm Self-Winding with diamonds all get the new style.
A titanium Overseas Tourbillon
The fifth addition to the lineup ditches the warmth of green and rose gold for cool titanium and blue. This is not the first time we’ve seen titanium in the Overseas collection; the acclaimed limited-edition Everest models preceded it. This exact combination of titanium and the tourbillon caliber 2160 was also used before but in a skeletonized execution.
We get a titanium tourbillon Overseas with a blue sunburst dial for this year’s Watches and Wonders. Vacheron calls its blue dial emblematic of the Overseas, and I agree. The blue dial on the tourbillon Overseas makes it feel familiar and easy to digest.
The blue stands out against the gloomy, dark Grade 5 titanium case, which measures 42.5mm across by 10.39mm thick. The circular bezel under the saw-blade-like top layer is sandblasted, echoing the utilitarian feel of the material. Consequently, the intricate and beautifully finished tourbillon is almost jarring against this backdrop. The water resistance is rated at 50 meters here, contrasting with the 150 meters of the other models. This is likely due to the overall thinness of the watch while housing a 5.65mm-thick caliber.
Initial impressions
Let me start with the green-dial models in pink gold. Simply put, it is a bit of a love-at-first-sight situation for me. I think Vacheron’s green is perfect, and the combination of it with gold is absolutely beautiful. In the press release, VC called this color “Intense Green,” but the brand seems to have pulled back on that with the release. That’s probably a good move because this green looks subtle and elegant to me but not intense at all. These watches come with green leather and rubber quick-release straps alongside the gold bracelets. Again, the combination looks awesome. I would take the Dual Time home any day of the week. Its subtle red accents lift the overall look even further.
The titanium tourbillon is perhaps even more impressive. However, I find it less conceptually congruent than its predecessors. The Everest models leaned further into the utilitarian vibe of titanium. The skeletonized tourbillon emphasized the Haute Horlogerie character more. This blue dial version seems less clear about what it is. Then again, you buy a watch in this segment simply because you fall in love with it, not because of its conceptual congruence. And there is plenty to fall in love with.
The titanium tourbillon is a boutique-only model. The green dials will also be available through authorized dealers. Prices are “on request.”
What do you think of the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas models? Let us know in the comments below!
