In a first for the enduringly popular Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection, the brand is introducing a new model combining white-gold and the line’s signature blue dial with baguette-cut diamonds. Despite its sporty-elegant DNA, the new Overseas Tourbillon High Jewellery brings together glamour, craftsmanship, technical finesse, and style. The Overseas is, as the name suggests, a watch collection dedicated to the spirit of travel – and this glittering piece is surely destined for the sandy shores of Dubai, or perhaps the icy lake at St. Moritz.
The white-gold case of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon High Jewellery has a diameter of 42.5 mm, in combination with a case height of a slender 10.39 mm. In addition, thanks to the screw-down crown, the sporty watch is water-resistant to 50 metres. Furthermore, the six-sided bezel features is set with diamonds – and true Vacheron aficionados will note that, unlike on other Overseas models, the maison opts for baguette-cut diamonds. In total, the watch has 85 baguette-cut diamonds, set on the bezel, index and pin buckle.
As Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin explains: ‘Baguette-cut diamonds first appeared on certain medieval and Renaissance jewels, but really came into their own at the beginning of the 20th century. They were particularly popular in the Art Deco style and were well suited to new techniques such as the invisible setting. Vacheron Constantin was quick to adopt baguette-cut diamonds in its creations, as seen in many of the Maison’s historical timepieces.’
The new Overseas model combines the white-gold case with a blue dial, alongside a velvet-finished flange. The emblematic satin-brushed dial continues the glamorous aesthetic with diamond hour markers, while Vacheron Constantin prove their technical prowess with the open tourbillon recalling the Maltese cross at 6 o’clock. In addition, the 18-carat white-gold hours & minutes hands are filled with blue LumiNova, providing round-the-clock legibility.
Speaking of technical capability, the movement ticking inside the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon High Jewellery is the calibre 2160. The calibre, in action since 2018, is one of the thinnest tourbillon movements on the market at just 5.65 mm. The feat is particularly impressive given that the manufacture’s watchmakers had two obstacles to overcome. Firstly, the presence of an oscillating weight and the integration of a tourbillon cage generally are cause for additional movement thickness, making it necessary to rework the architecture of the tourbillon itself, as well as to integrate a high-efficiency peripheral rotor winding system. Thanks to its ingenious design, the calibre offers its wearer an 80-hour power reserve, and beats at a frequency of 2.5 Hz. Despite its impressive innovations, the watch consists of only 188 components.
As one would expect at this high horological level, the calibre 2160 showcases ornate decoration, including Côtes de Genève on the bridge, a circular-grained mainplate, frosted wheels, and hand bevelling on the tourbillon bar – a lengthy process that requires a good 12 hours at the hands of a craftsman. Thanks to these features, the timepiece also earns itself the coveted Hallmark of Geneva.
Last but not least, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon High Jewellery comes with an integrated white-gold bracelet with folding clasp, matching to the case material. Alternatively, the owner of the watch can also embrace a sportier vibe with a blue rubber strap, or adopt a more classic aesthetic with a calfskin leather strap in the same colour. Both of the latter options operate with a white gold-pin buckle, set with 16 baguette-cut diamonds – and thanks to the interchangeable strap system, no tools are required to switch up styles. Price: 307,000 euros.
