Pre SIHH 2018 Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time

Pre SIHH 2018 Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time

While Vacheron Constantin is mostly known for their classic timepieces and high complication watches, they also offer the popular sporty Overseas collection. A mainstay of the Vacheron catalog, the brand continues to update this particular collection with new iterations.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time is sized at 41mm in diameter, however — to accommodate the additional function — this model is just a bit thicker at 12.8mm rather than the previous 11mm. Available in stainless steel with a choice between a translucent blue or silver-toned lacquered dial, or in rose gold with a silver-toned lacquered face, all dials are finished off with a satin sunburst and a velvet-finished flange. Additionally, adorning each version of the watch is the brand’s signature six-sided bezel — a nod to the Maltese cross, which also features as VC’s logo. And, as with the existing models in the Overseas collection, a soft iron casing ring ensures the watch is protected against magnetic forces.

Depending on the iteration of the Overseas Dual-Time, 18K white gold or 18K gold baton-shaped hour markers and faceted, lume-filled hour and minute hands define the dial’s sporty yet clean look. The central hour and minute hands indicate the watch’s local time, while the second time zone — or “home time” — is indicated via a shorter central hand capped with a red arrowhead. Synchronised with the local time, a sub-dial sits at 6 o’clock displaying the date via a pointer style, while at 9 o’clock an AM/PM indicator conveys the time of day for the home time. Completing the watch’s functional aesthetic is a double chapter-ring that runs the periphery of the dial and holds the instrument’s minute and seconds tracks, the latter of which is indicated by an extra-thin, extra-long seconds hand that is also found central to the watch face.

Vacheron Constantin Caliber 5110 DT In-House Movement

Powered by the new Caliber 5110 DT — developed and manufactured in-house by Vacheron Constantin with the regular traveler in mind — this mechanical, self-winding boasts the 22K gold Overseas oscillating weight, which can be admired via the watch’s sapphire crystal caseback. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), this movement is made up of 234 components and 37 jewels, and offers the wearer an ample 60-hour power reserve. Finished off with the Hallmark of Geneva stamp, haute horology aficionados will appreciate that the 5110 DT guarantees the highest standards of Swiss watchmaking.

Demonstrating ease-of-use, this caliber allows both time zone displays to be set via the watch’s screwed-down crown at 3 o’clock, thanks to the two positions it features. The first position enables an independent jumping adjustment for the local time, while the second position allows the dragging adjustment of both time zones and minutes. And, finally, the quarter-turn screw-lock push-piece at 4 o’clock sets the analog date indicator.

The Overseas Interchangeable Straps

Completing Overseas Dual-Time’s luxury sports watch look are the multiple straps that can be paired with the timepiece. The steel iterations are paired with a stainless-steel bracelet that boasts half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links. For variation, however, these models are also offered with a blue or black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, known for its luxurious large square scales. Lined with black nubuck with a micro-perforated effect, this strap guarantees extra comfort on the wrist.

For that extreme sports look, these models also come with a third strap in blue or black rubber. Oozing luxury, the pink gold version of the Overseas Dual-Time is paired with a deep brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, and a second strap in brown rubber is also available. Vacheron Constantin’s trademarked interchangeable system ensures that swapping strap or bracelet is just as easy as changing up your look each day so the watch is always in-line with your style.

The stainless steel models will retail for 27,510 CHF, while the pink gold edition will be priced at 46,300 CHF. Considering that this timepiece is the perfect blend of technicality, practicality, and style, we’d say there’s much value to be enjoyed in this fine everyday sports watch.