THE ULTIMATE BLACK
Two years on from having revealed a redesigned version of its Overseas sports model, the Geneva-based manufacture invites us to discover two new models – an automatic and a chronograph, with intense-black-lacquered faces.
Inspired by the famous 222 model, created to celebrate Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary in 1977, the Overseas collection with its perfectly-elegant yet highly-sportive silhouette was launched in 1996. 20 years on, in 2016, this series was revamped but without losing an iota of its powerful identity. Whereas its ocean-blue dial enchanted more than one, the new black-lacquered face which the Geneva brand now reveals perpetuates the charm of an elegant watch whose effect changes depending on the type of strap complementing it.
On the chronograph version, the discs of the three silvered counters – the small seconds at 9 o’clock, the minute and hour totalizers at 3 o’clock and at 6 o’clock – provide an ever-so fast and easy time view. This display, complemented by the hours and minutes in the centre and the date set at 4:30, are driven by the 5200 calibre, nestling in a 42.5 mm-diameter steel case, which offers a 52-hour power reserve.
The automatic Overseas model is proposed in a 40 mm case which hosts the 5100 calibre, a motor which delivers 60 hours’ autonomy.
These two newly-released Vacheron Constantin wristwatches are accompanied by easily-interchangeable straps: a steel-link bracelet, black alligator or black rubber strap.
Price: Overseas chronograph black dial : CHF 32,100 / Overseas automatic black dial : CHF 22,200 vacheron-constantin.com
By Sharmila Bertin