Vacheron Constantin Introduces A New Overseas Tourbillon In Titanium With A Deep Red Dial
Vacheron Constantin unveils a new Overseas Tourbillon model with a captivating deep red sunburst dial. The aperture at 6 o’clock provides an unobstructed view of the tourbillon regulator, with the 22K gold peripheral rotor allowing light through the case back’s sapphire display. This model is the third iteration of the Overseas Tourbillon in a Grade 5 titanium case. The first edition in 2022 featured an openworked dial, and then came the 2024 edition with a lacquered blue dial. Following regular two-year intervals, Vacheron now gives us the rich, deep red dial and some light blue accents. As the 42.5 × 10.39mm titanium case remains, this Overseas retains its light and robust feel.
Titanium is not often a material associated with Vacheron Constantin. Given that the Genevan Haute Horlogerie brand operates in the top echelon of watchmaking, titanium may seem too utilitarian. However, Vacheron Constantin began introducing titanium in its component manufacturing in 2009. Furthering the use of this metal was its most famous Overseas collaboration with American mountaineer Cory Richards. The 2019 Overseas Dual Time Everest in titanium was a gorgeous watch, yes, but a huge tease. The one-of-one model was a prototype that accompanied Richards on his 2019 ascent of Mount Everest. Later that year, Phillips sold this prototype at auction for US$106,250, with proceeds going to the National Geographic Society. We had to wait two more years for Vacheron to release the production version. Even then, this edition was limited to 150 pieces.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon
This Overseas Tourbillon may not be as rough and ready as the Everest edition, but the Grade 5 titanium still offers a sense of lightness. Vacheron lovingly graces all the angular facets and surfaces of the Overseas case and bracelet with superb finishing. The bracelet features polishing at each inner angle of the links, with vertical satin brushing on the top surface. This finishing extends to the case with polishing on the Maltese-cross-inspired bezel and sandblasting between the cross’s six arms. It may be challenging to spot the differences between this titanium and steel, as Vacheron finishes both metals to a very similar standard. However, titanium will feel half as heavy as the steel counterpart while being 30% stronger. Another giveaway is the Grade 5 titanium’s color, which has a grayer, more muted tone.
Within the sumptuous deep red dial is the opening to the tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. The singular black screw and arrow tip on the 60-second tourbillon’s Maltese-cross-shaped cage serves as the running seconds indicator. With such a sporty design combining the extravagant, animated tourbillon regulator with a geometric case and bracelet, a lot is going on. But as Vacheron is one of the oldest watchmakers in operation, the gravity-defying balance wheel brings tradition to the otherwise contemporary Overseas. The tourbillon caliber 2160 is still incredibly svelte at 5.65mm thick. It even achieves 80 hours of power reserve versus 60 hours in the time-and-date variants. However, this watch’s 42.5mm case is slightly wider than those 41mm models. The peripheral 22K gold rotor ensures an unimpeded view directly through the tourbillon carriage to the dial side.
Final specs and pricing
The ultra-thin automatic caliber 2160 bears the Poinçon de Genève, certifying that it is manufactured within the Canton of Geneva. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon in deep red with a titanium case costs €170,000 / £139,900. Given the high price, it’s only natural for Vacheron to provide two additional rubber straps in red and white, with interchangeable quick-release buttons and Grade 5 titanium folding clasps. You can read more about this watch on the Vacheron Constantin website here.
What do you think of this new Overseas Tourbillon with a deep red dial and titanium case? Let us know in the comments below.
