Vacheron Constantin 34.5mm Overseas watches
Luxury sports watches have become one of the most competitive categories in watchmaking, and Vacheron Constantin holds a key space in that arena with its Overseas collection. Now, the brand expands the series with two new 34.5mm self-winding models that demonstrate how much impact a fresh color palette can have on an already successful design.
The watches: an 18-karat pink gold with a matching golden dial and a stainless steel with a rich burgundy dial—a color that continues to gain traction across the luxury watch industry. While neither watch changes the formula that has made Overseas such a success (things such as the signature sculptural bezel inspired by the Maltese Cross, and the integrated bracelet), both broaden the collection’s appeal.
The stainless steel version of the Vacheron Constantin 34.5mm Overseas boasts a rich burgundy dial.
While first introduced to the world in 1996, the Overseas wasn’t a top priority for the brand until 2016 when a dramatic reintroduction came into play. Redesigned from the inside out, the new Overseas watches were equipped with new manufacture movements and an interchangeable strap system that remains one of the best in the industry.
I still remember attending that 2016 launch. Instead of unveiling the collection in a boutique or single venue, Vacheron Constantin took a group of journalists to the Hamptons where we cruised the waters, drove vintage cars along the coast and through the villages and even toured Jackson Pollock’s home and studio. It wasn’t a technical presentation; it was a lifestyle presentation. The message was simple: Overseas wasn’t meant to sit in a watch box. It was designed to be worn in sporty chic environments.
The 18-karat pink gold Vacheron Constantin 34.5mm Overseas features a matching dial. Shown here on the interchangeable white rubber strap
In the past decade, the collection has become one of the most sought-after sport luxury series and it continues to evolve. Of the two new models, my favorite is the stainless steel version. Burgundy continues to be one of the most compelling dial colors in contemporary watchmaking, and here it gives the Overseas an entirely different personality—sporty and just distinctive enough without feeling trendy. By contrast, the pink gold version with matching gold dial is understated, relying on the monochromatic shades of gold for a more elegant look. Still, the brand equips both with hands and markers coated in Super-LumiNova for easy nighttime readability.
Each is delivered with matching metal bracelet, interchangeable rubber strap and alligator leather strap (burgundy for the steel watch and white for the 18-karat pink gold watch). Each can be swapped in seconds without tools, allowing the watch to move effortlessly from relaxed weekends to more formal occasions.
Powering both models is Vacheron Constantin’s self-winding Caliber 1088/1, offering central seconds, a date display, a 40-hour power reserve and 50 meters of water resistance.
Each Vacheron Constantin 34.5mm Overseas watch is sold with matching metal bracelet and interchangeable rubber and leather straps.
