The Vacheron Constantin Overseas – Part 2, The Creation of the Current Collection

Yesterday we took a close look at the history behind the modern icon that is the Overseas, today it’s time to understand everything behind the creation of the current, third-generation Vacheron Constantin Overseas. Launched in 2016, it was more an evolution than a revolution characterised by luxurious finishes, a simplified yet strong design, a sporty attitude, superbly decorated movements and several cool new features making the Overseas 3 the worthy heir of the 222. In this second instalment, we will talk with Christian Selmoni, the brand’s heritage and style director, about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas third-generation and what makes a desirable luxury sports watch.

If the second generation of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas was a bold, masculine sports watch, the third-generation models were designed to reconnect with the original models, the 222 and the Overseas 1. In a market led by the two other members of the Holy Trinity (PP and AP), Vacheron had to react and the answer came in the shape of a truly inspired piece. Simplified, redesigned, much more elegant and luxurious – without losing the sporty attitude of the genre – the Overseas 3 appeared on the market in 2016 as an entire collection – thus answering the needs of most collectors. Automatic, time-and-date, ultra-thin, perpetual calendar, chronograph and later dual time and world time, the new collection also focussed on VC’s great watchmaking expertise.

The case of Overseas 3, as well as its bracelet, truly impressed us when we first saw the watches. Not only had the shape changed – thinner, more rounded, and more elegant – but it also felt closer in spirit to the original concept of this collection. The execution is simply stunning, with a level of finishing rarely found on such sports watches. The final (and very cool) touch came from the clever interchangeable strap device, which allows you to switch from a steel bracelet to a leather strap or a rubber strap in a few seconds (and VC had the good idea of including the three options in the box). The dials have also evolved, with more subtlety, more elegance as well as modern colours.

Most of the evolutions, however, are perceptible on the movement of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 3. Not only did the brand produce new complications but various movements, with a brand new architecture, were developed especially for this collection. Modern, precise, powerful and resistant (as it should be in a sports watch), they are also superbly decorated and certified by the Hallmark of Geneva.

But enough said, we leave the stage to Christian Selmoni who will explain all the details behind the third-generation Overseas in the video at the beginning of this article. Enjoy!

More details on www.vacheron-constantin.com.