Vacheron Constantin's Overseas Chronograph now with a "panda" dial
Fernando AldeaThe new version of Vacheron Constantin's Overseas Chronograph features the new caliber 5200, a manufacture movement with a self-winding column-wheel chronograph. It comes with three tool-free interchangeable bracelets/straps: steel, calfskin, and rubber. This combination of sporty styles and versatile refinement creates a unique look.
https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1999/vac-overseas-chrono-5500v-110a-b686-1.mp4"For the House, the Overseas chronographs have always symbolized the will to revolution, controlled yet subtly disruptive, the desire to explore other watchmaking territories and experiment with new creative fields."
The chronograph in the Overseas collection
In 1999, with the launch of the first chronographs in the collection, Vacheron Constantin made Overseas watches a symbol of watchmaking pleasure inspired by travel and escapism. In 2004, the design of these chronographs evolved, becoming part of a long-standing exploratory impulse. Finally, in 2016, the Manufacture opened new horizons for these iconic watches, with a collection that stands out for its refreshed look while perpetuating its original spirit of extraordinary sporting elegance. Thanks to its masterful combination of personality and elegance, the Overseas chronograph has left an indelible mark on the history of the House, with its characteristic six-sided bezel, its manufacture automatic movement, and its unmistakable visual style.
New model
In keeping with this tradition, the collection now includes a chronograph in a new "panda" version in steel: a silver-tone, sunray-finished dial with black counters with concentric spirals, a black velvet-finished inner bezel, hour markers crafted in 18-carat white gold, as well as the hour, minute, second and counter hands, illuminated with Super-LumiNova®.
The "panda" aesthetic principle harks back to motorsports watches of the 1960s. In addition to the graphic dynamism, the light-dark contrast ensures greater visibility and highlights the indications provided by the chronograph function. This two-tone configuration conveys a distinctive style and a powerful personality, reinforced by its three interchangeable bracelets/straps that allow the wearer to change style in seconds, without the need for tools.
Since their creation more than 20 years ago, the Overseas chronographs have always been synonymous with exploration for the House. These versatile watches combine the Haute Horlogerie spirit that characterizes Vacheron Constantin with the refined sporting elegance evoked by the chronograph function. In a way, for the House, the Overseas chronographs have always symbolized a will to revolution, both controlled and subtly disruptive, the desire to explore new watchmaking territories and experiment with new creative fields.
Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage at Vacheron Constantin
The mechanical heart of the watch, the Caliber 5200, a self-winding manufacture movement, features a 22-carat gold oscillating weight adorned with a compass rose, a symbol of travel and exploration, visible through a sapphire caseback. The movement also features a double barrel and a column wheel with a Maltese cross screw to control the chronograph's start, stop, and reset functions. Furthermore, this reliable and precise mechanism is equipped with a vertical clutch to prevent any possible jarring of the hands when starting the chronograph.
This new watch reflects the versatile elegance of the collection, thanks to the interchangeable bracelet system that offers the wearer the possibility of switching, without tools, from a steel bracelet with half-Maltese cross links to a calfskin or black rubber strap.
Interview with Christian Selmoni
What spirit does the new Overseas "panda" chronograph convey?
It is synonymous with exploration, as it combines the innate spirit of Vacheron Constantin's Haute Horlogerie with the refined sporty elegance evoked by its short-time measurement function. It symbolizes the legitimacy of the concept of sporty elegance in Haute Horlogerie.
What are the roots of this new Overseas chronograph?
The Overseas collection was launched in 1996 with automatic models that some consider heirs to the famous 222 model launched in 1977. Recognizable by its six-sided Maltese Cross-shaped bezel and its integrated bracelet with geometrically shaped links, the Overseas has, from its inception, been Vacheron Constantin's quintessentially elegant sports watch. This new chronograph is a worthy descendant of that saga.
The Overseas "Panda" chronograph opts for modularity; is this a manifestation of the desire to be in step with the times?
For Vacheron Constantin, Overseas watches express the desire to explore all territories: they are elegant, endowed with a strong personality, and adaptable to any situation thanks to the interchangeability system. Thus, this new model can be equipped with a steel bracelet for a casual look, a leather strap for a more elegant style, or a black rubber version for a more sporty look.
LOFT's opinion
Vacheron Constantin's Overseas chronograph watch with a "panda" dial is a luxurious and sophisticated new version that is sure to be a hit with watch lovers addicted to the "nut" competition. If, in addition to its distinguished aesthetic, we add the technical performance of the in-house Caliber 5200, equipped with a double barrel, enhanced by a column wheel that starts, stops, and resets the chronograph function, we have a winning watch.
Without a doubt, this Overseas Chronograph is one of the best chronograph watches available today.
With its timeless elegance, enhanced by modern touches, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Panda proves to be a multifaceted timepiece, capable of serving as an aesthetic and luxury accessory, while allowing its wearer to accurately time their activities. It is one of the most sophisticated and advanced watches available today, whose technical features contribute to its unique quality and functionality. This new version has been designed for luxury lovers seeking a chronograph watch that symbolizes style, history, and cutting-edge watchmaking. We are confident that this Overseas Chrono Panda will quickly become one of the most desirable watches on the market.
Available now at Vacheron Constantin boutiques and VC ADs worldwide for CHF 32,700.
Specs
| VACHERON CONSTANTIN OVERSEAS CHRONOGRAPH "PANDA" |
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REFERENCE : 5500V/110A-B686 |
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MOVEMENT : Caliber 5200: Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin | Mechanical, self-winding | 22-carat gold Overseas rotor | 30.6 mm (13 1⁄4") diameter, 6.6 mm thick | Approximately 52-hour power reserve | 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) | 263 parts | 54 jewels | Hallmarked Geneva watch |
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CASE : Stainless steel | 42.5 mm diameter, 13.7 mm thick | Soft iron case for antimagnetic protection | Screw-down crown and push-buttons locked by a quarter-turn screw | Transparent sapphire crystal case back | Water resistance tested to 15 bar (approximately 150 metres deep) |
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DIAL/HANDS : Silver-tone, sunray satin-finished base, translucent varnish | Black velvet-finished frieze with concentric spiral counters | Applied hour markers and 18K white gold hour and minute hands highlighted with Super-LumiNova® |
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BRACELET : Steel bracelet with polished and brushed links in the shape of a half Maltese cross | Additional straps: Black calfskin strap with grey stitching + Black rubber | Clasps: Stainless steel bracelet fastened with a triple folding clasp in stainless steel with push-buttons and an adjustment system for maximum comfort + Delivered with a triple folding clasp in stainless steel with push-buttons and a patented exchange system compatible with the two additional straps |
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FUNCTIONS : Hours and minutes, Small seconds at 9 o'clock | Date | Column-wheel chronograph (30-minute and 12-hour counters) |
