The New Vacheron Constantin Overseas Grand Complication Openface

Long considered the domain of delicate watches, grandes complications (in the more extensive use of the term, and not the traditional definition of the grande complication – repeater + chrono + calendar) have found their way into collections designed for adventure. The incorporation of complications reflects a broader change in watchmaking, where tradition is no longer the boundary, and technological advancements have enabled even the most complex timepieces to become more robust, reliable, and partially water-resistant. The new Overseas Grand Complication Openface is one example; it shows how seamlessly a sporty aesthetic can embrace haute horlogerie when placed in the expert hands of Vacheron Constantin‘s watchmakers. Here’s what we know about the new watch, which incorporates a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar and a tourbillon regulator.

The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Grand Complication Openface is presented in a 44.5mm grade 5 titanium case with a thickness of 13.1mm and sapphire crystals on both the front and back. The exhibition caseback is engraved with the brand’s 270th anniversary emblem. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the case follows the familiar Overseas design, featuring the collection’s distinctive bezel – now treated with a sandblasted finish combined with polished and satin-brushed surfaces, a first for titanium models in the Overseas line.

The sapphire dial reveals the movement’s grey and silver-toned components in all their beauty. The white gold hour markers are applied to the transparent crystal, while the minutes track, the ring around the tourbillon aperture for the running seconds, and the sub-dial rings for each calendar indication are finished with a blue metallised treatment and engraved with their respective markings. The perpetual calendar layout includes the date at 3 o’clock, the day at 9 o’clock, and the month at 12 o’clock, with a subtle leap year indicator positioned just to the right. All hands are crafted from white gold, and both the hour and minute hands and the indices are treated with blue-emission Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility.

The Overseas Grand Complication Openface employs calibre 2755 QP, a hand-wound movement featuring a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, tourbillon escapement, and a power reserve indicator on the back. This calibre has been in use since 2010 (notably in the Traditionnelle series and as the base for the elaborate Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus), and it benefits from the development work behind the 2005 Tour de l’Ile anniversary watch. For that project, Vacheron Constantin’s engineers replaced the traditional strike governor with a silent, low-wear system, developing a centripetal strike governor.

This unique, quiet mechanism is visible through the sapphire caseback and can be easily spotted on the left side, with the inertia weights engraved with the initials of Jean-Marc Vacheron, who founded the Maison in 1755. The movement measures 33.9mm in diameter and 7.9mm in thickness, beats at 18,000 vibrations/hour, and delivers a power reserve of approximately 58 hours. It comprises 602 components, including 45 jewels, and, as with all Vacheron timepieces of this level, bears the prestigious Geneva Seal.

True to the Overseas spirit, the Grand Complication Openface is worn on a matching titanium bracelet, satin-finished and polished, and secured with a titanium folding clasp. Two additional straps are included: blue alligator leather and blue rubber, both compatible with the folding clasp and easily interchangeable.

Production of the new Overseas Grand Complication Openface will be limited; pricing is available upon request. For more details, please visit www.vacheron-constantin.com.