It was just five months ago that Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time revealed what is sure to become one of its most commercially successful lines to date – the new Overseas collection. We saw a whole heap of new calibers, designs, and even strap interfaces! This includes a brand new in-house base caliber with date, a brand new, in-house, self-winding chronograph, a brand new ultra thin in white gold, and a brand new ultra-thin perpetual calendar – yeah, this is a big year for Overseas. Today, we have an early look at a new model in the Overseas line, and it’s one that will appeal to many of us who spend our days on jet bridges and in hotels – say hello to the Overseas World Time.
What you have here is Vacheron’s superb world-time caliber, first shown at SIHH 2011, and again in all platinum in 2014, in a sporty, steel case. What has always made VC’s world-timer so special is that it is the most complete there is, with a full 37 different time zones, and that includes those that are off-set by a half or quarter hour!
As for that beautiful center ring? We’ll let Vacheron tell it: “The center features a ‘Lambert’ projection map depicting the continents (enhanced by a sunburst satin-brushed finish) and the oceans (in a velvet finish), along with a translucent lacquered disc bearing the city names. A third sapphire disc laid over the map provides day/night indications by means of subtly graded smoky tints, synchronized with the 24-hour disc. Finally, a translucent lacquered velvet-finished outer ring serves to indicate the hours and minutes.”
The case of the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time is 43.5 mm in diameter by 12.6 mm thick. Oh, and it’s water resistant to 150 meters, and even features a soft-iron anti-magnetic ring.
Caliber 2460WT is of course self-winding, and the rotor is made of 22k rose gold. The entire thing is made in-house by Vacheron Constantin (naturally), and the 36.6 caliber offers 40 hours of power reserve, beating at 4 Hz, with 255 components. The whole watch, inside and out, is just beautifully finished, and in fact the watch is Geneva hallmark certified.
Now, this being part of the new Overseas collection, it would be remiss if it did not offer what is surely one of the most talked about strap systems in the last few years. Yes, this new Overseas comes with three different options – a rubber strap, alligator strap, and a steel bracelet.
The best part about the new Vacheron Overseas World Time replica coming with three different options, is that it’s remarkably simple to swap them out based on mood, outfit, or whim. All it takes is a pinch between the lugs and it’s done.
One thing to note is that when you have a steel watch from a brand like Vacheron, the devil is in the details – it’s about case and bracelet finishing just as much as it is about aesthetics and movement quality. The bracelet here, I can say after wearing it for some time, is absolutely on par with the very best in the business – I would, just for comparison’s sake, love to put this bracelet next to that of a Royal Oak and a 5711 Nautilus to see what’s what.
The little details – the crown, the buckle, etc. – on this new World Time are equally well done. Check out the high polished Maltese cross on the rubber strap, and crown on the case side. Incidentally, it is worth noting that this Vacheron’s world time mechanism is set completely from the crown – no pushers here.
The new Vacheron Overseas World Time replica is cased exclusively in stainless steel and will be offered in three different dial options: silver, blue, and brown. The entire watch is Geneva seal certified, indicating the highest standards of both movement and case finishing and assembly.
While this new VC is not petite on the wrist, the 43.5 mm diameter isn’t offensive, especially when you consider that this watch is intended to be worn regularly, while on the go, and in relatively casual environments. Would I have liked it to be a little smaller and thinner? Sure, but when isn’t that the case? Also, VC still makes this caliber within the more formal Tradionelle at 42.5 mm, offering an entirely different look. Pricing for the new Vacheron Overseas World Time will be $37,000 and delivery should begin late summer or early fall so you won’t have to wait too long. But, based on what we’re hearing, this one is going to be hot, so if you want to get one, I’d recommend calling your AD now.