The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time & Chronograph “Everest” Limited Editions (Live Pics & Price)

Since 2016 and its introduction at the Geneva watch fair, the Overseas has been an almost infinite playground for Vacheron Constantin, in the oh-so-important luxury sports watch market. Offered in dozens of variations, in multiple colours, with simple displays or complex movements, there’s not much that can be said about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas that we haven’t already said. Except that there is one enigmatic prototype model that was created for photographer, adventurer and mountaineer Cory Richards… And we’ve always wanted to see this sportier edition produced for a wider audience. And here they are, with the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time & Chronograph “Everest” Limited Editions.

Behind these two new limited editions is the story of American explorer and photographer Cory Richards. Richard became the first American to summit an 8,000m peak in wintertime, and in 2019, he attempted to reach the top of the world from a path no one has set foot on before. Although the duo had to turn around, when Richards talked with us in this interview he was wearing something special on the wrist. Created specifically for the 2019 expedition, Richards was the owner of a bold and sporty edition of the Overseas Dual Time that “used materials like titanium and tantalum to withstand the rigours of an ascent “.

The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Everest Limited Editions

Cory’s unique watch now lends its aesthetic codes to the two new Overseas Limited Edition Everests, which will be available either with the same Dual-Time movement and display or with an automatic chronograph movement.

At first sight, there are only minor changes to the overall Overseas concept and both dimensions and movements have already been used in the past in the classic editions of both the Chronograph and the Dual-Time editions. What truly differs in this “Everest” context are the materials used for the case and the straps, the colour of all elements and the textures, which are unique for these two bold and sportier editions of the Overseas.

Complication and dimensions aside, both Vacheron Constantin Overseas Everest Limited Editions share the same overall design and materials. Starting with the materials, traditional steel and gold cases have been replaced with titanium. For lightness, corrosion resistance and robustness, the watch has uses titanium on the case, the six-sided bezel, the pushers and pusher guards. Not only does this increase the toughness of the watch but it also makes it far more comfortable on the wrist; the Overseas is known for its relative heft on the wrist. Several finishings are used for the titanium parts: satin-brushed and polished for the case; polished for the pushers; bead-blasted for the bezel, crown and pusher guards. Stainless steel is still used on the bezel ring, offering great contrast with the matte and darker titanium parts.

The dial is also entirely new and inspired by the watch created for Cory Richards. Gone are the refined and smooth dials found on the classic Vacheron Constantin Overseas. For these Everest Limited Editions, VC is bringing something rough and original, with a grey-blue colour and a strong grained pattern that isn’t only anti-reflective but also rather attractive and playful in the metal. This toned-down colour is combined with bright orange accents on the hands and the straps.

Staying true to the superb and easy-to-use interchangeability system introduced on all watches in the Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection, the Everest Limited Editions are fitted with a Cordura strap with Nubuck calfskin lining, in a colour matching the dial. Also included with both editions is a grey rubber strap. Both use a titanium/stainless steel folding clasp and can be changed without the need for tools in a matter of seconds.

The Overseas Dual-Time Everest

The first model to be unveiled in this Everest series of watches is directly inspired by Cory’s prototype watch, sharing the same overall design and the same complication. A feature that is useful when travelling, the Dual-Time also was a special requirement petitioned by Cory for his ascent to the roof of the world to keep track of time for people who cared about him. And being a watch for adventure, this probably is the most relevant complication.

The base for this new Overseas Dual-Time Everest is well known and relies on the same proportions as the classic Dual-Time edition we’ve reviewed here. As such, this model measures 41mm in diameter and is equipped with a screw-down crown, sapphire crystals on both sides and can withstand 150m of water pressure. And just like Cory’s prototype, the case combines titanium and steel accents, as well as multiple contrasting finishes.

The Dual-Time function, powered by the in-house self-winding calibre 5110 DT/2, is pretty straightforward. The display consists of classic local-time hands (central HMS) and a fourth arrow-tipped central hand in bright orange displays the original (home) time that is coupled with a matching-coloured day/night indicator. At 6 o’clock is a pointer date, which is synchronised with local time. Seen through the caseback, the movement is finished in NAC-treated dark grey with a 22K pink gold oscillating weight is adorned with an engraving of Mount Everest. The movement runs at 4Hz and stores up to 60 hours of power reserve. It is certified by the Hallmark of Geneva.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time Everest Limited Edition will be produced in 150 pieces, available exclusively from VC boutiques and priced at EUR 30,700.

Quick Facts: 41mm x 12.8mm – titanium case with multiple finishes – sapphire crystal front/caseback – 150m water-resistant – in-house calibre 5110 DT/2 – automatic – 4Hz – 60h power reserve – Hallmark of Geneva – grey Cordura fabric strap and grey rubber strap – ref. 7910V/000T-B922 – EUR 30,700 – limited to 150 pieces

The Overseas chronograph Everest

The second model in this Everest sub-collection is a classic of sports watches, and probably the bolder version of all Overseas models: the automatic chronograph. Appreciated by sports enthusiasts and fans of outdoor activities, this complication is not linked to the prototype created for Richards. This version is, like the standard model in the permanent collection, housed in a slightly oversized case of 42.5mm in diameter.

As said, it combines titanium and steel with multiple finishes, providing contrast and emphasising certain elements of the watch, such as the emblematic six-sided bezel or the lateral pushers and crown, both executed with bead-blasted finishing, resulting in a darker colour for the titanium. The case is relatively hefty, with a 13.7mm height, but it remains pretty classic for an automatic chronograph. The case retains the same screw-down crown and quarter-turn screw-lock pushers, as well as sapphire crystal on both sides. It is also water-resistant to 150 metres (same as most other Overseas).

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Everest Limited Edition is a classic tri-compax chronograph with date at 4.30 (something always debatable), and sub-counters with a contrasting concentric pattern. Also, the use of orange on all timing hands brings easily readability of elapsed times.

Under the caseback is the calibre 5200/2, a modern, in-house, integrated chronograph movement with double barrel, column wheel and vertical clutch architecture. For the occasion of this sporty limited edition, it is presented with NAC-plated bridges and plates, echoing the dark grey shades of the dial and case, as well as a specific 22k pink gold oscillating weight that bears an engraving of Mount Everest, based on a photograph taken by Cory Richards. This contemporary movement beats at 4Hz and stores up to 52 hours of power reserve.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Everest Limited Edition will be produced in 150 pieces, available exclusively from VC boutiques and priced at EUR 36,300.

Quick facts: 42.5mm x 13.7mm – titanium case with multiple finishes – sapphire crystal front/caseback – 150m water-resistant – in-house calibre 5200/2 – automatic – 4Hz – 52h power reserve – Hallmark of Geneva – grey Cordura fabric strap and grey rubber strap – ref. 5510V/000T-B923 – EUR 36,300 – limited to 150 pieces

For more details please visit vacheron-constantin.com.