The New Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph With Panda Dial

Launched as part of the renewal of the entire collection in 2016, the Overseas Chronograph has long been seen as the sportiest and boldest watch of Vacheron Constantin‘s luxury sports watch range. Initially available with a full-silver or blue dial in steel or with a silver dial in an 18k pink gold case, the collection has been expanded with a brown dial, a reverse panda dial and a blue-and-gold model. And now, in 2023, seven years after the release of this reference 5500V, the edition many were waiting for is finally here… Meet the highly anticipated Panda Dial Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph. 

The launch of this new, long-awaited panda version of the Overseas Chronograph coincides with the discontinuation of several previous versions. The brown model, as well as the classic full-silver dial, are now gone, leaving space for only three stainless steel editions: blue dial, black with white counters “reverse panda”, and the brand-new edition you see here.

Let’s get straight to the point. Technically and regarding specs, there’s nothing new with this reference. It’s the same watch as before, with the same design and identical movement. Yes, it’s just about the dial colour. Yet, we’ve said it on countless occasions: a new dial can make a whopping difference and entirely change the look of a watch. Does it do that here? To me, yes! The classic full-silver edition was rather nice but not striking; a bit too shy, a bit too monochromatic, and a bit too tone-on-tone. Things improved a lot with the launch of the reverse panda model in 2018, adding contrast between the silver tone of the steel case and the depth of the black dial. And, of course, the silver counters brought their own layer of contrast to the dial.

It’s the same recipe this year with the Overseas Chronograph Panda Dial… almost. A mirror image of the black version, this new dial adds black contrasting sub-counters to the classic silver dial. And to make it a bit different too, there’s a velvety black inner flange, whereas all other models have a tone-on-tone flange. The dial retains its multiple textures, with a sunray-brushed base coated with translucent varnish, a matte minute track and snailed counters. The rest is identical, with white gold faceted applied markers and hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova, and a framed date window at 4:30. The result of this new panda dial is a watch that conveys a more powerful personality.

As for the rest, it shares the same specifications as previous versions of the Overseas Chronograph. This means a cushion-shaped case of respectable dimensions – 42.5mm in diameter, 13.7mm in thickness – with its signature Maltese Cross-inspired bezel, screwed crown and pushers, and classic, high-end finishings with brushed and polished surfaces. The case is robust, with 150m water-resistance and a soft-iron inner case for anti-magnetism.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Panda is delivered on a steel bracelet, closed by a folding buckle with comfort release, as well as two additional black straps in leather and rubber. Of course, the practical and patented interchangeable system has been retained. Inside the case, the watch beats to the rhythm of the in-house integrated automatic calibre 5200 with a Geneva Seal/Poinçon de Genève quality. This modern chronograph features a column wheel and vertical clutch, traditional decorations and is wound by a 22k gold rotor with an Overseas design. The two barrels ensure 52h of power reserve.

Availability & Price

The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Panda Dial is launched as part of the permanent collection and is now available from boutiques and retailers. The price remains the same as other steel editions, meaning EUR 36,700, CHF 32,700 or USD 32,400. For more details, please visit www.vacheron-constantin.com.