The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding, now in Full Pink Gold (Live Pics & Price)

Today marks the opening of the first edition of Watches & Wonders Shanghai, the Chinese version of the haute horlogerie show normally held in Geneva. One of the exhibiting brands is Vacheron Constantin, which has something new in its luxury sports watch range… Well, something more luxury than sports in the present case, as Vacheron Constantin unveils its Overseas Self-Winding 4500V for the first time on a solid gold bracelet, fitted with a blue Overseas dial. 

The Overseas is Vacheron’s answer to the popularity of watches with an integrated bracelet, as the direct descendent of the iconic reference 222, once upon a time a competitor of the Royal Oak and the Nautilus. The present version is the latest model in a lineage introduced in 1996, and as such, the Overseas remains one of the most legitimate watches in this highly coveted segment. This third and latest Overseas collection, launched in 2016, is the closest in spirit to the first generation with deliberate vintage touches and a marked emphasis on elegance. For a detailed history of the evolution of this watch, don’t miss our two videos (covering the origin of the collection and the current collection) with Christian Selmoni, Vacheron’s heritage and style director.

While existing in multiple variants, from classic chronograph to complex perpetual calendars, the Overseas Self-Winding 4500V represents both the entry-level to this collection and probably the most consistent model too. All the traits of the luxury sports watch are there, from the simple display, the shaped case with its highly designed bezel, the combination of luxurious finishing with robustness, the high-end movement and, of course, the integrated bracelet.

This watch was already available in multiple variants; in steel with silver, blue or black dial, and in pink gold with silver dial, yet only paired with an alligator or a rubber strap. For the full metallic look, steel was the only option, until now. Indeed, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding is now offered not only with its case made of 18k 5N pink gold, but the bracelet now also relies on the same precious metal, for the complete Midas touch.

The case of the Overseas is on the larger side for the category, with a 41mm diameter and an 11mm thickness – for more thinness, you’ll have to look at this model. Combining a barrel-shaped central container with a Maltese-cross inspired bezel, it has a disctinctive look but also some robustness, with 150m water-resistance, a screw-down crown and a soft-iron casing ring for anti-magnetic protection – a rare feature in this category.

The bracelet, as we mentioned is also made in pink gold and uses the Maltese-cross design with brushed surfaces and internal polished accents. It is closed by a triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system. As usual, the Overseas is equipped with a super-practical interchangeable bracelet/strap system – pusher on the back of the strap – and is delivered with two extra straps, one in blue alligator, one in blue rubber (with an extra 18k pink gold folding clasp), so you can change the style of the watch from formal to sporty in seconds.

This version features the brand’s signature blue dial, executed in translucent blue lacquer with a circular satin-finished flange. The applied markers and hands are made of pink gold too and all filled with white luminescent material.

Powering this Overseas Self-Winding is the in-house automatic Calibre 5100. Despite being designed specifically for this sportier model, it remains a true VC movement, certified by the Hallmark of Geneva and finished with attention to detail. It provides 60 hours of power reserve and is wound by a 22k gold rotor.

Pricing

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Full Pink Gold (ref. 4500V/110R-B705) will be priced at EUR 49,800.

Note that the Overseas dual time and chronograph in pink gold can also be fitted with the new gold bracelet introduced on this model and available in Vacheron Constantin boutiques and points of sale. More details at www.vacheron-constantin.com.