Vacheron Constantin - Overseas Perpetual Calendar

Two new sporty-chic interpretations in white gold

Since its launch, the Overseas collection has displayed inspired design, technical qualities and a capacity for constant renewal. The two latest ultra-thin perpetual calendar iterations – a skeleton version and another with a blue dial – come in a new white gold case. They embody an art of diversity reflected in the three interchangeable bracelet/straps delivered with each watch. These new models, presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, are part of the theme of the Maison for 2021 : entitled Classic with a Twist, it highlights Vacheron Constantin’s creative energy, guided by an identity that celebrates a heritage and dares to deliver the unexpected.

The respective perpetual calendar movements of these two new editions are each framed by a 41.5 mm white gold case. The ultra-thin 4.05 mm 1120 QPSQ/1 skeleton movement is visible from the front, while Calibre 1120 QP/1 can be admired through the caseback of the solid-dial version. These timepieces demonstrate an equally admirable ability to adapt to the demands of modern life with their interchangeable bracelet/straps in white gold, blue calfskin leather and blue rubber. The leather and rubber straps are each fitted with an 18K white gold pin buckle and an ingenious patented device enables tool-free changes in just seconds.

Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton

In 2016, the Overseas collection was reinvented with a view to exploring new horizons. A new aesthetic signature and new calibres were unveiled. One of the most recent embodiments of this approach was the perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton model introduced in 2020 in a pink gold version and rewarded with a prize by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) that same year. Perfectly embodying the technical and aesthetic expertise of the Maison, this watch is now presented in a new white gold interpretation exclusively available from Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

The sapphire crystal of this version reveals a truly magnificent sight: all the components of Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1 have been hollowed out, finished and decorated in such a way as to accentuate the functional beauty of the mechanism. The NAC-coated oscillating weight with its 22K gold segment has also been openworked to highlight its stylised design inspired by the shape of the Maltese cross. The finishing work is meticulous: from the straight-graining of the surfaces (to lend a satin-brushed look to the chamfered straight lines) and the curves (to create light effects) to circular brushing, sunburst finishing, circular-graining and polishing (to vary the depth effects), every aspect bears the imprint of the artisans’ golden touch.

Skeleton-working calibres as complex as this perpetual calendar with its 276 components, while ensuring both legibility and reliability, is an integral part of the Maison’s expertise. The gaze is naturally drawn to the intricate inner workings of the movement, while also reading the time on the applied 18K white gold hour-markers as well as the day of the week, date and month indications on the dial counters. Whereas watches indicating the day of the week, date and month require constant adjustments in step with months of 28, 29 and 30 days, the Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton watch will not require the slightest intervention until the year 2100 – an ultimate user-friendly feature.

Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin

The Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin flaunts its technical complexity with all the inherent elegance and distinction of the collection. This model with its timeless design is instantly recognisable: a hexagonal bezel evoking the Maltese cross, a fluted crown, polished and satin-brushed finishes, a translucent lacquered dial with facetted and luminescent gold hour-markers and hands... This watch exudes a sense of total harmony wherever it may find itself.

Its blue lacquered dial with a sunburst satin finish features an aura of relaxed elegance, displaying the hours, minutes, perpetual calendar indications – meaning the day of the week, date, month and leap year by 48-month counter – and the moon phases. This timepiece is driven by the emblematic Calibre 1120 QP/1, an ultra-thin self-winding mechanical movement barely 4.05 mm thick, beating at a frequency of 2.75 Hz and endowed with an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Its perpetual calendar copes smoothly with calendar irregularities and will require no correction until 2100. Achieving such a performance with such a thin movement, comprising 276 components, called for authentic prowess in terms of both construction and miniaturisation. This calibre is also enhanced by multiple finishing operations hand-crafted in accordance with Haute Horlogerie traditions: Côtes de Genève striped motif, straight-graining, chamfering and circular-graining. In a touch representing the height of chic style, the caseback reveals a 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a compass rose symbolising the spirit of travel and exploration.

Classic with a Twist

Vacheron Constantin’s creativity has always remained closely attuned to its time while evoking its memories. This byword for elegance, adopted by each watchmaker, artisan and designer throughout the years and centuries, celebrates heritage and dares to explore the unexpected. Poised at the intersection between technical virtuosity and aesthetic refinement, the enduring allure of Vacheron Constantin timepieces makes its way unscathed through passing eras. Because timelessness cannot be achieved merely by complying with the canons of traditional watchmaking, each creation is tinged with a touch of boldness revealed in the smallest details. Special displays, offset indications, specific chamfering of all components, hand-crafted finishing and the complexity of a mechanism are just a few examples of this expertise. The result is a very personal field of expression where technique and style converge in a subtle harmony between the conventional and the atypical.

Sum-up

The Overseas collection welcomes two interpretation in white gold giving two new faces to the ultra-thin perpetual calendar. One features the extremely complex horological art of skeleton working, while the other is adorned with a deep blue dial. The result is two very different types of aesthetic appeal for supremely stylish and elegant timepieces. Greatly appreciated by collectors for its technical qualities and performance, the perpetual calendars these two watches are equipped with, cope smoothly with calendar irregularities and will require no correction until 2100. The prestigious Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1 powering the skeleton version appears through a sapphire dial on which the 18K white gold hour-markers are applied. The transparent caseback fitted on both versions also ensures a spectacular view of the sophisticated movement, the exceptional

finishing work and the oscillating weight. The three interchangeable bracelet/straps supplied with each watch cater to every taste.

TECHNICAL DATA

Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton

Reference 4300V/120G-B946

Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1

Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin

Mechanical, self-winding

22K openworked oscillating weight inspired by the shape of a

Maltese cross

NAC treatment

29.6 mm (12½’’’) diameter, 4.05 mm thick

Approximately 40 hours of power reserve

2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour)

276 components

36 jewels

Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Indications Hours and minutes

Perpetual calendar (date, day of the week, month, leap year)

Moon phases

Case 18K white gold

41.5 mm diameter, 8.1 mm thick

Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection

Transparent sapphire crystal caseback

Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)

Dial Sapphire

18K white gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted

with Super-LumiNova®

Bracelet 18K white gold bracelet (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and

satin-brushed links), secured by a 18K white gold triple-blade folding

clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system

Additional straps Calfskin leather strap with grey stitches

Blue rubber

Buckles Each additional strap comes with a 18K white gold buckle

Model exclusively available from Vacheron Constantin boutiques.