To celebrate the collection's 30th anniversary, the Maison introduces an Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin model with a new dial colour in a white gold case – a combination not previously seen – in a limited edition of 200 pieces. Powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 1120 QP/1 (4.05 mm thick), this special edition is presented with three interchangeable straps that can be changed without tools.
A new model celebrating 30 years of the spirit of exploration
Launched in 1996, the Overseas is the worthy successor to the legendary 222. The latter, introduced in 1977, and the 1975 Chronomètre Royal, pioneered the Maison's sport-chic style. The design of the Overseas collection, distinguished by its signature bezel secured by screws to a flat case, was conceived as an invitation to travel. It combines refinement and functionality with a versatility essential for modern lifestyles.
In 2004, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the second generation of the Overseas: marking a stylistic break from its predecessor, the design was bolder and sportier, featuring an integrated bracelet with links that evoke the form of the Maltese cross, the Maison's emblem. This second generation brought the introduction of numerous models with complications, as well as jewellery versions.
In 2016 the Maison launched the third and current generation, featuring new movements specific to the collection, including chronograph, dual time and world time calibres. While still drawing on the signature features that have defined the collection's identity and success – the immediately recognisable notched bezel and integrated bracelet, both evoking the Maltese cross – the design has evolved with more fluid lines. A significant innovation, designed with comfort and versatility in mind, is a quick-change strap system, enabling the style to be adapted to any occasion. Overseas watches are now presented with a kit of straps that can be interchanged without any need for tools. This typically comprises three straps – metal, leather and rubber – while models originally supplied on alligator or calfskin straps are provided only with an additional rubber strap.
Since 2016, the collection has expanded to include numerous variations, from models with simple time-telling functions to the finest complications in watchmaking, as well as versions with skeletonised movements. Cases in titanium and platinum have joined steel and 18K gold, the collection's traditional case materials since 1996.
A new dial colour
In 2016, the year the latest generation of the Overseas was launched, Vacheron Constantin introduced a new azure dial color, the result of close collaboration between its designers and dial makers. Distinguished by a sense of visual depth achieved through a combination of metallic shades and several layers of varnish, this intense blue quickly established itself as an icon among the Maison's aficionados.
The new Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar stands out for its use of a new shade of blue. Lighter, less intense and less saturated, azure evokes a sense of escape and wide-open spaces, which are intrinsic to the collection's universe. It possesses a unique character, taking on different tones according to the light and, complemented by the understated lustre of white gold, achieves a subtle balance between sophistication and casual elegance.
The visual depth of the lacquered dial is emphasised by the harmony of the various displays, notably the moon phase disc, in a matching shade of blue. The calendar indications and applied hour markers create a subtle contrast that enhances legibility while preserving the overall aesthetic balance.
Designed as a true travel companion, this model features the tool-free interchangeable strap system exclusive to the Overseas collection. The integrated white gold bracelet, fitted with a clasp featuring a micro-adjustment system, is complemented by two textured rubber straps – one in white and the other in denim blue – each with an interchangeable white gold pin buckle.
Expertise in ultra-thin watchmaking at the service of the perpetual calendar
With the Manufacture Calibre 1120 QP/1, Vacheron Constantin builds on a long tradition of developing ultra-thin movements. Incorporating a full perpetual calendar with a moon phase display, this self-winding mechanical movement is just 4.05 mm thick – allowing the watch to retain a particularly slender profile, with a case just 8.1 mm high. A true feat of miniaturisation, the movement architecture demonstrates the technical mastery required to integrate a complication renowned for its complexity into such a compact space. Capable of automatically accounting for months with 28, 30 and 31 days, as well as leap years, the perpetual calendar requires no adjustment until the year 2100, a non-leap century year as it is not divisible by 400, according to rules of the Gregorian calendar.
The sapphire crystal case back reveals meticulous attention to detail in the movement finishing work, in the grand tradition of Haute Horlogerie calibres: Côtes de Genève and bevelling on the bridges, perlage on the mainplate and vertical or circular satin finishes on the calendar components. These are complemented by the 22k gold oscillating weight, which is engraved with a compass rose – a symbol of the Overseas collection's spirit of exploration. The attention paid to the finishing of calibre's 276 components, including those that are hidden once the movement is assembled, attests to the horological excellence that defines the Overseas collection.
