Vacheron Constantin new Overseas models 2009

The Geneva-based manufacture Vacheron Constantin is presenting two new Overseas models this year: an Automatic and an Automatic Chronograph. It has opted for sophisticated and trendy grey, giving full scope to this popular colour with a slate grey dial, mouse grey strap, anthracite grey titanium bezel, and steel grey case. An exclusive and elegant combination of tones that suffers no rivalry from any other colour.

The Overseas, a reinterpretation of a 1933 model and of the 222 made in 1977, was launched by Vacheron Constantin in 1996. Dynamic, sporty and dedicated to travel, this new line quickly became the faithful companion of globetrotting enthusiasts looking for technical and aesthetic excellence. With their clean, naturally elegant lines, these highly technical products became an instant hit. The strong invitation to travel is conveyed today by the whole collection, whose appeal lies in its classical and dynamic character, remarkable functionality and exemplary legibility.

In 2004, Vacheron Constantin launched a new generation of the Overseas line, one that was resolutely more sporty and modern. It included a men’s model, a ladies’ model and a chronograph model, all in steel. The cases were slightly larger and a new bracelet of half Maltese cross links was developed.

In 2006, to celebrate the line’s 10th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin presented the Dual Time, an extremely useful function for busy travellers.

In 2009, Vacheron Constantin introduced titanium in its Overseas line in two new models: the Automatic and the Automatic Chronograph. The steel case, titanium bezel and slate grey dial gave the watch a particularly sporty and elegant character. The manufacture also used titanium in 2008 in its Quai de l’Ile collection.

More about these two new models:

Titanium was discovered in 1791 by the Reverend William Gregor, a British mineralogist and chemist, and named after the Titans in Greek mythology. An industrial production process was developed in 1939 by a metallurgist and chemist from Luxembourg, Wihelm Justin Kroll. Titanium is a light, bluish grey metal that is resistant to corrosion, erosion and fire. It is widely used in the aeronautics, aerospace, chemical and medical industries and recently in the watch industry where it is used for its contemporary look, imposing and original quality, and light weight (density 40% lower than steel), all perfectly in line with the expectations of new customers of technical Haute Horlogerie.

The cases of these two new models, each with a generous diameter of 42 mm, incorporate all the identifying features of the Overseas collection: sleek lines, a bezel inspired by the Maltese cross, hourmarkers and screwed-down pushpieces for the chronograph version, white luminescent hourmarkers, water resistance to a depth of 15 ATM, the equivalent of 150 metres, and, of course, the emblematic Overseas motif of the three-masted sailing ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, engraved on the caseback.

Besides its classic hours, minutes and seconds functions, the Overseas Chronograph has two counters - 30 minutes at 3 o’clock and 12 hours at 9 o’clock - and an oversized date window below 12 o’clock.

The automatic mechanical movement – the 1226 calibre for the mechanical model, the 1137 calibre for the chronograph – is enclosed in soft iron which gives it 100% protection from the all-pervading effects of magnetism that can affect the rate and precision of a watch.

Every watch is delivered with two straps, one in mouse grey alligator, the other in black rubber.