Words: Gentleman's Journal
It’s almost cruel, isn’t it? Offering up an ‘Overseas’ as our latest Watch of the Week. Because, as much as we wish we could be, most of us are stuck at home once again this summer — without the tropical views and vistas we’d usually be enjoying.
Thankfully, this latest addition to the ‘Overseas’ collection from Vacheron Constantin is handsome enough to fill that holiday hole. A blue-dialled ultra-thin perpetual calendar, this is a white gold watch with interchangeable straps and a luxurious ruggedness that makes it perfect for summer.
There are three straps to choose from. The first is an 18-carat white gold bracelet — with Maltese cross links half-polished and half-satin brushed. With a triple-blade folding clasp and comfort-adjustment system, it’s your go-to. But the alternatives are just as useful; a blue alligator leather strap with complementary stitching is ideal for smart casual looks, and a blue rubber option perfect for any rough-and-ready adventuring.
Even the buckles on these extra straps are rendered in 18-carat white gold — the same precious metal that forms the case of the watch. And this case, as the name suggests, is extraordinarily thin — measuring just over 8 millimetres thick.
Inside the case — complete with a hexagonal bezel evoking the Maltese cross, a fluted crown, and both polished and satin-brushed finishes — ticks the emblematic ‘Calibre 1120 QP/1’. An ultra-thin self-winding mechanical movement barely 4.05 mm thick, it’s endowed with a more than capable 40-hour power reserve.
And, thanks to its 276 meticulously machined components, this perpetual calendar movement will cope smoothly with calendar irregularities and will require no correction until 2100. And, if that wasn’t enough, it has also been enhanced with multiple finishing techniques — including Côtes de Genève striped motif, straight-graining, chamfering and circular-graining.
On the face, the blue lacquered dial features a sunburst satin finish. Translucent and lacquered, it’s a simple spin on the classic Overseas dial layout — but one that works here to create a watch as versatile as its many straps suggest.
The facetted and luminescent gold hour-markers offer a touch of understated luxury, and this sleek silvered colour is replicated on the hands. But the most impressive part? For a timepiece that does it all (hours, minutes, day of the week, date, month, leap year and the moon phases) this summer-ready wristwatch is remarkably clean and clear — perfect for counting down to your next trip abroad.
Want more from Vacheron? These are the best watches from Vacheron Constantin ‘Les Collectionneurs’ selection…
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