The Overseas collection is to Vacheron Constantin what the Royal Oak is to Audemars Piguet and the Nautilus is to Patek Philippe. It is their take on a high-end, refined sports watch. If you recall, Vacheron Constantin gave its Overseas collection a massive update/makeover in 2016 that introduced a whole bunch of new models. There was a time and date only model that featured a brand new in-house base caliber, a chronograph model with a brand new in-house self-winding chronograph movement, and even a new ultra-thin perpetual calendar model. Notably missing, however, was a tourbillon model. That changes today with the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon.
Specifications
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Oversea Tourbillon (6000V / 110A-B544)
Dimensions: 42.5mm diameter, 5.65mm thick
Water Resistance: 50m
Case Material: Stainless steel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: Caliber 2160
Frequency: 2.5Hz
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet, blue alligator strap, blue rubber strap
Price & Availability: $103,000
Analysis
While enthusiasts like us appreciate the occasional simple time-only dress piece, it doesn’t take a genius to know that the market wants more sport watches. This is why, for lack of a better word, “higher-end” brands like Piaget, Girard-Perregaux, and Vacheron Constantin have recently invested heavily in their range of sports watches—joining the likes of Audemars Piguet and Hublot. The appeal of sport watches is, of course, evident; they are usually versatile and hardy. The exact qualities you want when you are spending five-digit sums on watches.
The Overseas Tourbillon, then, is the logical next step for the collection. Say what you will of the aesthetics of the Overseas but this particular watch is actually quite impressive. The case is stainless steel and it is remarkably thin at just 5.65mm. The dial is blue and is, according to Vacheron, a “Translucent blue-lacquered, sunburst satin-finished base with a velvet-finished flange.” Should look impressive in the flesh. But more importantly, the tourbillon is just breathtaking. Few watch brands have tourbillons that have the prominence of one from Vacheron Constantin and that’s mostly down to the brand’s signature Maltese Cross emblem on the tourbillon carriage.
The movement is, as you would expect, expertly finished with decorations like Geneva Stripes, polished screw heads, and beveled bridges and plates. It has the Geneva Seal, after all. But the most notable thing about it is the use of a peripheral rotor. This serves two purposes: it makes the movement slim and gives owners an unobstructed view of the movement when viewed through the sapphire display caseback. It’s also very functional, offering 80 hours of power reserve. Finally, the last thing about the Overseas watches that make them stand out is the clever strap-changing system.
Conclusion
The new Overseas Tourbillon combines two things that wealthy watch buyers love: a sports watch design and a tourbillon. Against its direct competitors—the Royal Oak and Laureato Tourbillon—the Overseas Tourbillon has the more impressive-looking spinning escapement and it also has the advantage of a clever strap-changing system. The overall aesthetic is a matter of taste but the Overseas Tourbillon is a strong contender in its field. The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon is priced at $103,000. vacheron-constantin.com
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