Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection welcomes a new chronograph in a contrasting “panda” version. This new silver-and-black aesthetic complements its sporty credentials, while the three bracelet/straps supplied with the watch adds to its versatility. It is powered by the in-house Calibre 5200, equipped with a twin barrel, and enhanced by a column wheel serving to start, stop and reset the chronograph function.
The very first chronographs in the Overseas collection, conceived for the global traveller marker, were introduced in 1999. In 2016, the brand introduced new models into this emblematic collection, featuring a revisited look while staying true to its sporty-chic spirit. The Overseas chronograph has, over the year, left an indelible imprint on the history of the Maison, distinguished by its six-sided bezel, its self-winding in-house movement and its unmistakable visual signature.
In keeping with this tradition, Vacheron Constantin now presents a chronograph in a new steel “panda” version. It has a silver-toned, sunburst satin-finished dial with snailed black counters and a black velvet-finished flange. The hour-markers are in 18K white gold, while the hours, minutes and seconds hands are highlighted with Super-LumiNova.
The ‘panda’ aesthetic dates back to the motorsports-dedicated timepieces of the 1960s. In addition to its graphic dynamics, the light-dark contrast ensures enhanced visibility and highlights the indications provided by the chronograph function. This two-tone outline conveys a distinctive style and a powerful personality.
“Since their creation more than 20 years ago, Overseas chronographs have always been synonymous with exploration for the Manufacture,” explains the brand’s Style & Heritage Director Christian Selmoni. “These versatile timepieces combine the spirit of Haute Horlogerie characterising Vacheron Constantin with the refined sporting elegance suggested by the chronograph function.
“In a way, the Overseas chronographs have always marked, for the Manufacture, a desire for controlled yet subtly disruptive breakthroughs, a desire to explore other watchmaking territories and to experiment with new creative fields.”
The mechanical heart of the watch is the in-house self-winding Calibre 5200, featuring a 22K gold oscillating weight. It is adorned with a wind rose, a symbol of travel and exploration, visible through a sapphire caseback. The movement also has a twin barrel fitted with a column wheel complete with a Maltese cross-shaped screw, used to control the start-stop-reset chronograph function. In addition, this reliable mechanism is endowed with a vertical clutch to prevent any possible jerking of the hands when starting the chronograph.
The new timepiece’s versatility is further enhanced thanks to its interchangeable wristband system, which enables the wearer to switch tool-free between its three options: a steel bracelet with half-Maltese cross-links, a calfskin strap and a black rubber strap.
