Vacheron Constantin Refreshes the Overseas Perpetual Calendar for 2020

As is universally accepted, no matter what watch we talk about, the combination of rose gold with blue dial is nothing short of spectacular. Now, when we talk about it as part of a legendary brand and/or collection, well, the scale goes up to eleven and then beyond. Add to it the always welcome addition of a masterful complication and then you’ve got yourself a “must have” for the discerning connoisseur.

Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

For this connected Watches & Wonders season, (stay safe, friends!) Vacheron Constantin has prepared an updated version of the ultra-thin Overseas with perpetual calendar, now presented with a remarkable solid gold bracelet that accompanies the rubber and crocodile leather straps, both in a cool navy-blue tone, and all with a quick-change system that facilitates the daily “personalization” of the watch. Neat. The bracelet features the design of the Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Geneva maison. The brilliance of the pink gold invades the watch dial through the hands, indexes and moon discs.

Ever since the first iteration of this slim perpetual calendar, launched about three years ago, this Overseas modern appearance was second to none. Surprisingly thin, the watch did not lose its presence because of this visual lightness. On the other hand, the high definition of its dial and all its displays gave it a finesse that was enhanced by the brilliant legibility of the indications on the endless calendar. Additionally, there are now three different types of finishings for the dial: sunburst for the main disc, snailed decoration for the small registers and a “velvety” satin for the minute scale. The detailing of the case boasts a vertical brushing that adds substance to the slender, golden Overseas. Finally, when fitted with its bracelet, the Overseas brings itself to jewel-like status.

The remarkable thinness of the timepiece was possible thanks to the stupendous caliber it bears, an evolution and improvement of a truly historical machine: the Vacheron Constantin 1120 manual wind caliber. The Overseas QP employs an evolution of that caliber, the 1120 QP/1, which smartly adds the perpetual calendar module with moonphase indication on top of the base without increasing its height too much. Specifically, the 41.5 mm case accommodates this improved movement, which, unlike the original, hand-wound 1120, this one has a self-winding system (and with a full 22K gold rotor, no less). Beating at 19,800 beats per hour and endowed with a reasonable 40-hour power reserve, this Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin shows the time, the moon phases and the calendar based upon a 48-month mechanical programming that won’t need adjustments until 2100. In total, the 276-component mechanical device is just 4.05 mm in height. The watch itself raises a mere 8.1 mm.

Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

Now, if the “common” Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin is a trip, get ready for a new destination with the new skeletonized version. Open-working will always be a complex, yet delicate art, can only be done by masterful watchmakers and artists, all well versed in the fine arts of horology. And this being a Vacheron Constantin, one of les grandes maisons, open-working demands an even more elevated level of expertise, considering that this Overseas timepiece bears the renowned Geneva Seal certification. So, it needs to be and look perfect.

The Overseas innards are revealed beneath the sapphire crystal. The mechanical essence is pretty much unchanged, other than its aesthetic trimming. The transparent caseback also stages a fascinating array, showing the gear trains and the NAC-treated oscillating weight, which is also openworked for the first time, highlighting its Maltese Cross shape.

With respect of the blue-dialed Overseas Perpetual Calendar, the Skeleton versions are kept mechanically unchanged: the movement (here named 1120 QPSQ/1) is still just 4.05 mm thick and the case keeps its 41.5 x 8.1 mm, diameter and height figures, respectively. All the parts of the caliber have been hollowed out, finished and/or decorated, so as to exalt the magnificence of the Swiss piece of art. Some surfaces have been grained to give them a satined finish; a few lines have been beveled to create some light effects; polishing, brushing and graining are apparent in all surfaces and shapes of the movement. Above all, a special NAC electrolytic treatment gives the mechanism a contemporary face. Now, this being a complicated watch, the dial remains sufficiently clear and informative, so it is enhanced by its gold hands, gold-framed hour indexes and white register rings.

Sophistication and refinement are the key arguments in self-contained journey of one of the most sought-after complications, the perpetual calendar. So, it’s safe to say this Overseas by Vacheron Constantin is a type of time machine that invites us to look forward for a brighter future.

Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton