Vacheron Constantin Adds A New Tourbillon High Jewelry Timepiece To Its Overseas Collection
Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection has been having quite the year; on the heels of the release of its 35mm self-winding Overseas in Iceland to mark its “One Of Not Many” campaign, they just released a new, sportier model: the Overseas Tourbillon High Jewelry.
For the first time in the Overseas collection, Vacheron Constantin introduces a model crafted in white gold, a material perfectly suited to its sophisticated nature. This high jewelry timepiece is characterized by its luminous satin-brushed blue dial, which beautifully complements the gleaming white gold case. The watch’s bezel and hour markers are adorned with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, adding a dazzling touch to its design. Unlike other Overseas models, these diamonds are minimalist in their contours, echoing the watch’s structured silhouette and enhancing its elegance.
“Baguette-cut diamonds first appeared on certain medieval and Renaissance jewels, but really came into their own at the beginning of the 20th century,” explains Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director of Vacheron Constantin. “They were particularly popular in the Art Deco style and were well suited to new techniques such as the invisible setting. Vacheron Constantin was quick to adopt baguette-cut diamonds in its creations, as seen in many of the Maison’s historical timepieces. Brilliant-cut and baguette-cut gems often alternate on the same timepiece, the latter disrupting the rhythm of the round, traditional gems, such as on the Traditionnelle tourbillon jewelry watch featuring precisely this combination of 559 round-cut and baguette-cut diamonds on a watch powered by the same Calibre 2160 as the new Overseas. On the other hand, the invisible-set Malte tourbillon regulator is magnificently adorned with 565 exclusively baguette-cut diamonds totaling 19 carats.”
The Overseas Tourbillon watch combines Vacheron Constantin’s creative aesthetic with impeccable technical mastery. This fusion is exemplified by the watch’s slim profile, made possible by its ultra-thin movement, the Calibre 2160, measuring only 5.65 mm thick. The movement’s thinness is achieved through a 22K gold peripheral rotor, providing an 80-hour power reserve. This construction not only reduces thickness but also offers a clear view of the entire movement from the back, showcasing its technical beauty. The Caliber 2160 features meticulous finishes, including a circular-grained mainplate, Côtes de Genève adorned bridges, and hand-beveled components, a testament to high watchmaking expertise.
The new timepiece is not just a technical marvel but also a versatile accessory. It boasts an interchangeable bracelet/strap system, allowing for tool-free strap changes to adapt to various occasions. The watch is supplied with an integrated white gold bracelet with a folding clasp, providing a sporty look. Additionally, it comes with two extra straps: a blue rubber strap for a casual vibe and a blue calfskin leather strap for a more classic appearance. All straps feature an interchangeable white gold pin buckle set with 16 baguette-cut diamonds, further enhancing the watch’s opulence.
The Overseas collection is definitely Vacheron’s more ‘casual’ collection — if you will — that skews more sporty, and with this new high jewelry twist, it catapults the collection into a more feminine sport echelon that we’re definitely excited to see.