Golden Hour: Vacheron Constantin Introduces a New Overseas 35 mm
Vacheron Constantin has been in the limelight recently thanks to the introduction of numerous exciting models – from the successfully resurrected 222to the one-of-kind Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon. Now, however, Vacheron is setting its sights on expanding the maison’s trusty Overseas collection by introducing a new rose-gold model in a 35 mm case. Why the introduction of this particular watch? Vacheron is unveiling the timepiece as part of its ‘One of Not Many’ campaign, which celebrates talents from around the world. For this particular piece, the horology house collaborated with one of its latest talents to support the brand, revered artist and explorer Zaria Forman.
Who is Zaria Forman?
Best known for her incredibly life-like pastel drawings, American artist and explorer Zaria Foreman almost exclusively takes inspiration from nature. A personal witness to changing landscapes – consequently reflected in her artworks –, she caught the eye of Vacheron Constantin because her openness and longing for discovery personifies, in the eyes of Vacheron, the spirit of its Overseas collection. As a result, the artist was commissioned to create a special piece for the manufacture: Fellsfjara, Iceland No.3.
As the prominent creative explains in her own words, ‘I was amazed by the craftspeople who ply their trade within the manufacture, by their passion and vocation, and, above all, their handcrafted work, which reminds me of my own: modelling with my fingertips; enjoying a tactile and sensual relationship with matter in a process of creation and transmission; making a personal imprint on time and giving it a voice. The landscapes I love and depict in my work illustrate the passage of time, and its impact on the world and on humankind.”
A rose-gold case
This new watch is not the first 35 mm Overseas by any stretch. Vacheron Constantin excited those with slimmer wrists earlier this year at Watches and Wonders, when it launched four Overseas models in 34.5 and 35 mm cases. This new piece stands out thanks to a case and matching bracelet in 18-carat 5N pink-gold.
Pink gold is a material with a special meaning for the horology house. Having been used for its watches dating as far back as the 1910s, the material was largely reserved for its most complicated creations, from minute repeaters to chronographs. This changed in the 1960s, when Vacheron began to work almost exclusively with yellow- and white-gold. The comeback of rose-gold watches finally took place in the early 1990s thanks to a demand from the Asian market.
Returning to the present: the pink gold-case of the new Overseas model sit nicely on the wrist thanks to a relatively slim case height of 9.33 mm, and provides the wearer with water resistance to 150 m thanks to the screw-down crown.
The dial
Exuding warm gold hues and a 1950s/60s aesthetic, Vacheron Constantin’s designers focus on matching the dial to the colour of the watch case. With its refined tone-on-tone aesthetic, the golden dial shines beautifully thanks to its satin finishing alongside a layer of transparent lacquer. In order to add some contrast to this otherwise monochrome look, the horology house adorn the distinctive six-sided bezel of the new 35 mm Overseas with no less than 90 round-cut diamonds (equally at least 0.86 carats). The bezel, of course, takes inspiration from the brand’s emblem of the Maltese cross.
Last but not least, the watch features matching gold hour-markers and hands, both of which are legible around the clock thanks to the addition of blue Super-LumiNova. A date window sits neatly at 3 o’clock.
The movement
Ticking away inside the watch is the calibre 1088/1, a self-winding movement that provides hours, minutes, and seconds. With a 40 hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz, the calibre is particularly precise thanks to the addition of a soft iron casing ring for protection against magnetic forces. Furthermore, the movement’s stop-second mechanism enables the wearer to accurately adjust the time functions. Due to the inclusion of a sapphire crystal caseback, the wearer may admire the calibre 1088/1 – not least its 22-carat gold Overseas oscillating weight or bridges showcasing Geneva stripes – via the caseback.
Overseas 35 mm: Price and strap
Last but not least, the new 35 mm Overseas watch from Vacheron Constantin comes on an attractive pink-gold bracelet. The bracelet, which features the horology house’s Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links, secures with the help of triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces. Furthermore, thanks to the use of a ‘comfort adjustment system’, the wearer can fit the bracelet to their wrist perfectly. However, should the owner of the 35 mm Overseas wish for a more casual look, two other interchangeable strap options also accompany the watch: a white calfskin leather strap with tone-on-tone stitches, or a sporty white rubber strap. Both secure to the wrist via a simple 5N pink-gold buckle. Price: EUR 63,000.
On the occasion of the presentation of the Lamborghini Revuelto, the first electrified super sports car with V12 hybrid drive, Roger Dubuis is introducing the fifth generation of its famed chronograph. Inspired by the colours and aerodynamic curves of its motorised role model, the new Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph once again demonstrates the strong…
This June, Hölstein-based Oris is introducing the first piece in a series of limited edition watches. Essentially, the new Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is a solid bronze version of the watchmaker's Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph. However, as Co-CEO Rolf Studer explains, the watch is also a 'celebration of Oris' roots'. Furthermore, the 43 mm timepiece hopes…
Parmigiani Fleurier is introducing a new line of Tonda watches; Tonda GT. This includes not only the automatic Tonda GT models, but also the Tondagraph GT Acier. The automatic Tondagraph GT Acier watch provides both an annual calendar and a chronograph function. It is a limited edition of 200 pieces. Firstly, the complicated timepiece has…
The Florentine watchmaker Panerai is introducing the Panerai Luminor Blu Mare 44 mm – PAM01085. The model aims for a hybrid of authentic and avant-garde design. While the new watch also evokes the clean lines of the 90s Luminor models, the name 'Blu Mare' references the brand's marine heritage. Powering it is a mechanical, manually…
Omega recently unveiled four new models of the Seamaster Diver 300M, marking a departure from the recent design. Inspired by the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition, these watches feature a vintage aesthetic with a 42mm stainless steel case, domed sapphire crystal, and mesh bracelets. The absence of a date window simplifies the dial, which comes…
Ahead of this year's America's Cup, Panerai is introducing the Submersible Luna Rossa PAM01565 in satin-finished stainless steel. The timepiece pays tribute to the manufacture's role as sponsor of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team, which has been in action since 2019. Prada and Panerai already competed in their first America's Cup in 2021.…
With the Excalibur Monobalancier and Double Tourbillon, Roger Dubuis is presenting two new variants made of black ceramic. With these watches, the manufacture is venturing into the production of cases made of ceramic for the first time. The material is notoriously difficult to work with, which significantly lengthens the production process. Moreover, the watchmakers did…
Hublot presents the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A by Samuel Ross in a new colourway. The watch was unveiled during Miami Art Week and is the result of the collaboration with the artist and designer Samuel Ross. The timepiece features a 44 mm carbon case with a honeycomb pattern and a sapphire crystal dial. The…
Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton watch. The model manages to integrate a perpetual calendar into a slim case measuring 41.5 mm x 8.1 mm. The completely skeletonised dial reveals the movement. However, the watch is available in 18-carat 5N rose gold only. The sapphire crystal protecting the Overseas perpetual calendar…
Inspired by the Memovox Polaris watch from 1968, Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a new collection to join the brand’s existing pillars. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection These models are a homage to a historical reference, the Memovox Polaris. But also they represent today’s spirit and modernity. The new Polaris collection offers a full range of timepieces: a three-hand automatic, a chronograph…
TAG Heuer and Porsche are announcing a major new partnership. The two brands already share a common history in motorsport. In addition to joint sponsorship projects, new products are also expected to appear as a result. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition is the first of these. Featuring an asphalt-look dial, it is…
Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 17-02 Tourbillon in titanium. This watch embodies the brand’s philosophy, showcasing a balance between technical innovation and aesthetic appeal. From the robust case to the intricate movement and transparent dial, every aspect of this timepiece reflects Richard Mille’s commitment to quality and performance. Let’s take a closer look at…
Norqain’s Wild One Skeleton 42 mm Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition marks the brand’s latest release in a series of watches created in collaboration with Swiss wildlife ambassador Dean Schneider. This limited edition of 200 pieces was designed in collaboration with industry legend Jean-Claude Biver and combines advanced materials with a charitable cause. Ten percent of…