DateDisplay backCentral secondsLuminous handsLuminous indices
Description
We will not hide that for us, this brand is one of the most beloved, and we always approach every offering that reaches us with trepidation and concealed excitement. Now we have the pleasure of writing about a representative of the brand's most iconic series. Audemars Piguet has its Royal Oak, Patek Philippe has its Nautilus, and at Vacheron Constantin, the honor of playing the role of the "sporty player" in the collection falls precisely to the Overseas. And while a tremendous amount has been written about the first two, and all manner of known and unknown connoisseurs, admirers, and mere "journalists" have tried their hand at describing the histories of the models and their virtues, almost nothing has been written about this "saint," and thus it remains overshadowed.
Unlike the Royal Oak and Nautilus, Gerald Genta did not have a hand in the creation of this watch (What a surprise!), but the name of its creator is no less famous – this is Jorg Hysek, who created no small number of remarkable models from the end of the 20th Century. Let us examine this luxurious "overseas foreigner" in more detail and "see what it's all about."
All models in the Overseas line have a fresh, hand-engraved dial - the previous generations have distinct rhombus shapes on it, while this one returns to the classic look with a sunburst effect and is crafted from Laiton Générique CuZn. Also, around the edge of the crystal, there is a bezel in the form of notches with the relief of the Maltese cross from the brand's logo. All of this is inspired by the remarkable progenitor of all Overseas - the Model 222. The other differences compared to the previous generation are very interesting - first, VC managed to create a case that is anti-magnetic and at the same time has a transparent case back; second, the bracelet now has a quick-change system that allows you to change the look of your watch without needing a visit to a watchmaker's workshop.
At the heart of the watch is the brand's new-generation in-house automatic movement – Caliber 5100 – with improved characteristics compared to previous generations, 172 components, 37 jewels, operating at 28,800 vibrations, and with a power reserve of over 60 hours. Thanks to its precise craftsmanship and attention to detail, it is certified with the Hallmark of Geneva and the Geneva Seal – two of the rarest and most difficult standards to achieve in the watchmaking industry. The case back is transparent, and for this reason, we can enjoy this movement and see its beautifully decorated rotor, which is crafted from solid 22-karat gold.
