Vacheron Constantin’s latest reveal for Watches & Wonders 2023 is a special update for their Overseas line. For the first time, the brand is bringing a retrograde display into one of the Overseas timepieces. The retrograde display is a historic design for Vacheron Constantin, one that continually improves itself year after year.
Back in 2016, Vacheron Constantin reimagined the Overseas timepiece into a symbol of sporty-chic watchmaking. Keeping the spirit of the original model from 1996, the new Overseas bought together performance, style, high watchmaking and casual elegance. Since then, a number of iterations of the Overseas timepiece have come out and made their own individual mark, but they all kept the same elements intact; the iconic six-sided bezel, in-house automatic movement, and the interchangeable strap/bracelet.
It took Vacheron Constantin several months of research to be able to combine the precision moon phase and a retrograde date into the sporty-elegant stainless steel 41mm case of the Overseas model. It was all about keeping the balance of the visual aspect of the timepiece while providing clean and crisp readability. This Overseas moon phase retrograde date model is a testament that technology and visual elegant style can co-exist.
The Retrograde date display can be found along the top half of the dial, just below the minute track. The date is indicated by a blue arrow-tipped (with SuperLumiNova) hand. What makes this retrograde date complication so special compared Is that where a date wheel makes a circular run throughout the dial, the retrograde date function only completes a partial turn of the dial. The arrow-tipped hand travels along the entire measurement segment and then returns to its starting position (in this case just above 9 o’clock) to start a new journey. In order to maintain its precision, the mechanism had to be designed for shock and wear resistance.
At the 6 o’clock position of the dial is the moon phase, with immaculate attention to detail. The iconic blue lacquered dial that is shown throughout Vacheron Constantin’s models is presented in this timepiece with a velvet flange finish and sunburst satin-brushed center, creating a beautiful play on light. The blue dial is then neatly complimented by the 18K white gold hour-markers, hour, minute, and date hands. All filled with SuperlumiNova for excellent nighttime readability, it also provides a beautiful contrast against the blue dial.
Vacheron Constantin has given this Overseas moon phase retrograde date their in-house self-winding calibre 2460 R31L/2. The movement comprised of 275 components, operates at frequency of 4Hz (28, 800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of 40 hours. Through the open case back, the circular-grained surface of the main plate and the 22k gold oscillating weight with the stylised compass rose is beautifully displayed.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas model has always been a versatile timepiece, combining sportiness with elegance. Now presented with an astronomical complication and a retrograde date display, the overseas collection has broken into new grounds where beauty and technology collide.
Reference: 4000V/210A-B911
Specification:
- Case: 41mm
- Case Material: Steel
- Dial: Translucent blue-lacquered, sunburst satin-brushed base with velvet-finished flange
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Movement: Automatic 2460 R31L/2
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Steel, half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links. Additional Blue calfskin leather with grey stitches or Blue rubber.
