Vacheron Constantin expands the Overseas collection with a new Overseas Tourbillon in titanium, pairing one of the Maison’s most advanced movements with a bold deep red dial. Its appearance is particularly significant, as this is the first time the colour has been applied to the Overseas Tourbillon.
The Overseas has become the collection where Vacheron Constantin experiments most freely, from titanium Everest editions to ultra-thin perpetual calendars and existing tourbillon models. This latest release builds naturally on that approach.
Titanium is used for both the case and integrated bracelet, with grade 5 titanium reducing weight and improving resistance to wear. The case measures 42.5mm in diameter and 10.39mm thick, with the Maltese cross-inspired bezel and a mix of satin-brushed, sandblasted and polished finishes defining the overall look.
The real talking point here, however, is the dial. Finished in a deep red tone, it pairs a sunburst satin-brushed base with a velvet-finished flange, a combination we’re keen to see in the metal. 18K white gold hour markers and hands are highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®, while the tourbillon at 6 o’clock reinforces the watch’s high-horology credentials.
The dial colour will feel familiar to anyone who admired the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in Burgundy, a watch that demonstrated just how effectively this rich, wine-toned hue could work within the collection.
Inside is the ultra-thin automatic calibre 2160, measuring 5.65mm thick. Its peripheral oscillating weight keeps the movement visible through the sapphire caseback and delivers an 80-hour power reserve, with finishing to Hallmark of Geneva standards.
Despite the presence of a tourbillon, the watch is designed to be worn. Titanium construction, modern shock-absorbing systems and a water resistance of 50 metres make it more robust than traditional perceptions of the complication might suggest. The interchangeable strap system further enhances versatility, with a titanium bracelet and additional red and white rubber straps included.
Available exclusively through Vacheron Constantin boutiques, pricing for this new model is available on request. However, previous Overseas Tourbillon references in alternative colourways have been priced at around £115,000, and we would expect this latest deep red iteration to carry a similar price tag.
Price and Specs:
More details at Vacheron Constantin.
Let me start by saying that I’m not normally a big fan of VC watches, for me, they generally have too many sharp edges, but, this latest release has (to steal the comment from the 3 bears nursery rhyme and baby bears porridge) everything is “just right”. Red is a bit of an acquired taste in terms of watch dials as it is difficult to coordinate with clothing, but again, this hue appears to be just right (taking into account colour variance on visual media). I’m not a big fan of integrated metal bracelets as it is difficult to get things right without making things look too chunky, but, yes, almost perfect (IMO).
The only downside is the usual one – price.
Overall, very, very nice, and with the interchange strap, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see this in series 3 of “The Night Manager”, the perfect watch for the stylish agent, steel strap for formal wear, and the elastomeric for steamy jungles and being thrown into the pool.