Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Vacheron Constantin Celebrates 30 Years of Overseas Special Edition Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
A new expression of the refined QP in white gold with endless azure horizons.
The story of the Overseas begins in 1977 with the sporty-chic integrated 222, Vacheron Constantin’s bold response to a new generation of luxury sports watches represented by the Royal Oak and the Nautilus. Inheriting certain traits of the 222 but amplified and beefed up, the first-generation Overseas debuted in 1996. Now in its third phase, the refreshed 2016 Overseas collection included a Perpetual Calendar. While some questioned the rationale for incorporating an ultra-refined, high-end complication in a sports-oriented watch – and skipping more obvious travel-related functions like a GMT in a collection dedicated to the spirit of travel and exploration – the QP received unanimous praise for its ultra-slim silhouette. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Overseas, and Vacheron celebrates with a 200-piece edition of its QP in white gold, featuring a lovely new azure dial colour.
Tracking the evolution of the Overseas is a fascinating journey, which Xavier addressed in his in-depth coverage. Designed by Jorg Hysek and released in 1977, the 222 was discontinued in the mid-1980s (re-edited in 2022) and became the template for the first Overseas of 1996. Retaining the Jumbo 37mm tonneau-shaped case of the 222, the Overseas featured a more aggressively notched bezel to evoke the arms of the brand’s Maltese cross emblem. The second-generation Overseas of 2004 applied the half Maltese cross motif on the bracelet, increased the case to 42mm and expanded its repertoire of complications – including a perpetual calendar.
However, as a flagship representative of the latest Overseas family, the QP reflects the collection’s extensive and profoundly elegant redesign as well as the transition to in-house movements with Hallmark of Geneva certification. Interpreted with closed and skeletonised dials, the 30th-anniversary edition shares specifications with earlier editions. The streamlined, tonneau-shaped 41.5mm white gold case, with its ultra-slim 8.1mm profile, features the redesigned six-notched bezel resting on a round plinth. While standard Overseas models have a screw-down crown to ensure the 150m water resistance, the QP has a standard push-pull crown and a more modest 50m depth rating.
The short, articulated, tapering links of the integrated white gold bracelet feature the half Maltese cross design. Slim, ergonomic and supple, the bracelet hugs the wrist perfectly and comes with a micro-adjustment in the clasp (2mm per side). Versatility has always been a calling card of the Overseas thanks to its user-friendly quick-change system hidden on the underside of the lugs that lets you remove the bracelet in seconds and replace it with one of the two straps provided in the package: a white rubber strap and a denim blue rubber strap with an interchangeable white gold pin buckle. Like the case, the bracelet features alternating satin-brushed elements and mirror-polished bevelled edges.
White gold cases and blue dials work well together; however, the new azure dial and white gold case are a match made in heaven. Inspired by a much-admired blue dial colour released in the Overseas family in 2016, the new lacquered tone is lighter and less intense. The lacquered azure centre features a sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. The highly symmetrical dial displays the calendar information in three recessed, snailed sub-dials with white gold pointer hands and white inscriptions. At noon is the 48-month sub-dial (compressed into blocks of 4 months) with leap years highlighted in light blue; the date is at 3 o’clock and the day of the week at 9 o’clock. Matching the light blue colour of the leap year section, the smooth peripheral minutes track features light blue Arabic numerals.
An aperture at 6 o’clock reveals an 18k white gold moon waxing and waning against an azure sky with engraved stars. Emitting a blue glow in the dark, the applied white gold indices and hour and minute hands are treated with Super-LumiNova.
The watch is powered by the ultra-thin manufacture automatic calibre 1120 QP/1, topped with a perpetual calendar module. Just 4.05mm thick, the sophisticated movement has 276 components and beats at an unusual frequency of 2.75Hz. The solid 22k gold rotor is engraved with a compass rose, and the mainspring supplies a power reserve of 40 hours. Certified with the Hallmark of Geneva, the movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève, mirror-polished chamfers, perlage, solarised wheels and micro-polished screw heads.
The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Slim is a limited edition of 200 pieces and retails for CHF 120,000 (incl. taxes). More information at vacheron-constantin.com.
