Vacheron Constantin

As much as I like getting new watches, with “new box” smell, hang tags attached, blue and clear plastics covering the case, bracelet, and buckle, the knowledge that no one else has owned it before me, along with that manufacture warranty, I adore playing in the preowned market because I am never quite sure what is going to come my way.

Last year I wrote about the vintage Vacheron Constantin XXL that made its way into my collection:

vacheron.watchprosite.com

I wasn’t seeking it out, but when I saw it I jumped at the opportunity to make it mine. I also wrote last year about my intention of getting an Overseas back into my collection. The conclusion was that I was going to seek out the stainless steel Overseas Chronograph with titanium bezel  and chronograph pushers, and gray dial:


That plan was all for the good, but reality threw me a curve ball, and motive, means, and opportunity lead me in a slightly different direction:


This is the new-to-me Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph, US Edition, with reference number 49150/000A-9337, was announced in 2007 and sold in 2008 in a limited, numbered edition of 100 pieces. This watch is probably familiar to a lot of readers due to respo’s sharing of photos of his example over the past two years, and like him, I expect to acquire the iconic Overseas bracelet to have a third option to go with the black crocodile with red stitching and black rubber straps.


That I know a few other PuristS who also have this watch appeals to me, making it feel like I’m part of a special club. That it is a limited edition appeals to me, as well as for the fact the 30-minute subdial is the same size as the 12-hour dial. In most Overseas Chronograph models it is enlarged slightly, which helps with legibility, but at the expense of symmetry.


The movement is still working flawlessly, though I would expect it to need service on the sooner side, at which time I’m sure that VC’s polishers will also have the case and bezel looking like new.



It’s good to have an Overseas back in my collection. It is a great everyday watch, going well with suits as well as casual wear. Partnered with a dress watch, either vintage like the XXL or modern like the Patrimony Contemporaine, it makes for a nice two-watch collection of Vacheron Constantin watches.


Conclusion

With 2014, the 10th anniversary of the current generation of the Overseas looming and and for which I would expect to see and updated design, probably featuring Vacheron Constantin manufacture movements, I might well wish that I had waited before coming back to the Overseas design for my fifth go-around at owning one. But then this watch was here for me now, and should the grass actually turn out to be greener on the other side I have no doubt that I’ll move on from this watch and seek out one with that new box smell, hang tags attached, wrapped carefully in plastic, and with that Vacheron Constantin warranty.

Bill
VC Forum Moderator

 

 

I have been waiting for this post, Bill.  Congratulations!  I am happy to see an Overseas in your collection again -- for however long it may last.  ;-)

As you know, I am very, very fond of mine.  Having gotten mine off the wrist of another VC collector and good friend, I know what you mean about this one in particular making you feel like you are part of a special club. I think of my friend across the ocean whenever I wear mine, and that is a nice feeling. 

You mention the relative size of the hour and minute counters being the same, and that is just one of a number of design features on this and a couple of other limited edition Overseas from the same period that make this version special. 

You are right, of course, that this makes for a great everyday watch.  It is, in fact, my most frequently worn watch these days, a very good companion indeed.  I am wearing mine at this very moment.

I am eager to see the next generation of the Overseas, whenever they arrive, but I will go out on a limb and predict I will be keeping mine rather than seeking its replacement.  But time will tell.  I am awful at predictions.  I said a couple of years ago that the 1921 and this Overseas made a perfect two-VC collection for me -- and they did -- until I needed more!.  I am too greedy and too weak to stick to two VCs.   

 

Enjoy your new daily companion. 

Best,

respo

I am enjoying it very much. I look forward to seeing you wearing your when we next meet up.

Bill

And welcome to the club. A fine choice indeed and lovely eith either the strap or bracelet.
Wear it in the best of health.
Joseph

and as for wearing it in the best of health, I am looking forward to shaking the colds and viruses that have been plaguing me this winter. Spring is almost here!

Bill

Certainly the most interesting version with the japanese for my taste. Will look gorgeaous with the bracellet

cheers

Francois

I have yet to see the Japanese models in the flesh. I wonder if any have made their way to this side of the Pacific.

Bill

This message has been edited by Mostel on 2013-03-30 15:30:22

I have never seen one of those in the metal.  Nor have I seen the Engine, that other rare edition from this same period.

Perhaps someone out there has both the red and blue Overseas.

Bill

nt

while wearing my Overseas. Would you like a bracelet for your Overseas?

Bill

congratulations on your US Overseas - a perfect egg-timer and a daily beater ;-)

you know, if it wasn't for you I would probably still have mine on the wrist instead of the wrist of a great friend and one of these great Purists here ;-)

do I hear an inside scoop seeping through betwenn the lines of your post regarding a 10th anniversary of the Overseas model and its update. I thought it wasn't going to happen for another couple of years...

may your US OS time perfect eggs only ;-) 

 

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Perhaps only when I'm stirring my risotto or timing my grits will I finally get the most out of it.

I have no inside info on future models of the Overseas. I'm only guessing they'd want to celebrate and anniversary.

Bill

..did you let something go?!

It's what I do now.

Bill

having both sub dials for the 30 minutes and the 12 hours the same size makes it more appealing. The Overseas is a model which I like very much indeed. Personally, for what ever strange reason, I prefer the watch on a leather stripe.