For watch collectors, Vacheron Constantin has been a pioneer in the watch industry ever since it has been founded in 1755. It is kind of an old hand of horology. The Swiss watch manufacturer only produces around 20,000 units a year. That’s even less then Audemars Piguet (40,000 units) or Patek Philippe (around 60,000 units).
For the first time ever, Vacheron Constantin introduced a tourbillon in its Overseas sports collection in 2016. The caliber 2160 with automatic winding and 22k gold peripheral rotor is very flat at 5.65 millimeters and has previously been used by Vacheron Constantin in their “Traditionnelle” and “Fiftysix” product lines.
The stainless-steel watch has all the typical features of the 2016 Overseas collection. The Vacheron company logo, the Maltese cross, can be found on the edge of the bezel, as well as below the index at twelve o’clock. The tourbillon also features the cage of the rotary gear which also features the famous cross. Since one of the two cage screws is blued, it can be used to read the minutes from the rotating scale at the same time.
As with the other Overseas models, the buyer of the watch is also supplied with two extra straps in addition to one in stainless-steel – one made of blue alligator leather and one made of blue rubber. The colors match the shimmering blue of the dial. For some collectors, the sunburst-satin-finished blue dial might be the “best blue” dial in fine watch making in terms of color. In fact, I have to admit, this blue dial is even more beautiful in person. The 18k white gold hands and hour markers, all in white lume, compliment the stunning dial of the watch.
The Overseas Tourbillon is 42.5 millimeters wide and 10.4 millimeters high. It has a power reserve of 80 hours and is waterproof to 50 meters. Inside the stainless-steel case there is a soft iron shielding to ensure protection against magnetic fields. The case back features a sapphire glass which allows you to have a look at the previously mentioned automatic winding caliber 2160.
Price tag of this beauty is set at USD 105,000.
Summary
Brand:
Vacheron Constantin
Model:
Overseas Tourbillon
Price:
retail price USD 105,000
Limitation:
no limitation but there is a low number of units
Measurements:
case diameter 42.5 mm, case thickness 10.4 mm
When to wear:
In my opinion, it suits a smart casual business outfit best. Even with blue jeans and nice shirt and blazer.
What we love about the watch:
The is so much to love about the watch but, personally, I like (besides the shade of the blue dial) the Maltese Cross-shaped tourbillon. It’s a small detail but this is what fine watchmaking is about.
Images: Vacheron Constantin Website and Instagram account @watch_1505
