You might not notice the new addition to the famous Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon collection, as this new titanium model closely resembles its steel counterpart (with the same blue dial) released in 2019.
Indeed, in person, titanium and steel have slightly different silvery colors, but the real difference lies in the weight. Titanium is about a third lighter than steel, which really matters for watches on a fully metal bracelet. In a titanium case, the Overseas Tourbillon weighs 111 grams compared to 168 grams for the same watch in a steel case. Thus, although these watches are similar to what Vacheron Constantin has previously produced, they represent a very successful interpretation of the theme and are truly comfortable to wear.
In terms of price, the titanium model 6000V/210T-H032 Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon is identical to the steel model 6000V/110A-B544, as far as I can tell. This suggests that Vacheron Constantin's costs are roughly the same, which makes sense. In this price category, there is no significant difference between the cost of steel and titanium materials and finishes. It is worth noting that over the past five years, the price of the steel Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillons has increased by approximately $25,000 USD.
The Overseas Tourbillon model from Vacheron Constantin is a very interesting mix of features and strengths, although when trying to compare it with formidable competitors in writing, it is difficult to explain the value proposition. Many serious watch companies worldwide produce "sports" watches with a tourbillon on a thin bracelet. The price of most such watches exceeds $100,000, and they are all surprisingly beautiful. What drives a consumer towards one model or another often depends on their relationship with the brand. Do you love Vacheron Constantin?
The case of the latest generation Overseas is about eight years old, but it has aged well, is well-made, looks pleasant, and is equipped with useful features such as a quick-release bracelet system. However, it is slightly large in diameter, and I think many people would prefer these watches to be 40 mm wide. Nevertheless, on many wrists, the 42.5 mm wide case looks simply magnificent. Even if, strictly speaking, these are not "ultra-thin" watches, the 10.4 mm thick case profile seems elegant. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters and has a flat sapphire crystal over the dial.
Vacheron Constantin equips the Overseas Tourbillon Titanium model with a titanium bracelet, a blue fabric strap, and a blue leather strap. The blue dial is a rich, deep color that uses multiple layers of lacquer to achieve the desired shade and reflective effect. The clear sports dial is complemented by a large aperture at the "6 o'clock" position, through which the hand-finished 60-second rotating tourbillon with a cage inspired by the brand's Maltese cross logo can be seen. The entire mechanism inside the watch is designed as a presentation, with a beautifully arranged regulation system and a view of the back of the mechanism through the case back.
One reason why the Overseas Tourbillon is so wide is the relatively wide mechanism. Inside the Overseas Tourbillon Titanium is the in-house developed automatic caliber 2160 by Vacheron Constantin. It uses a peripheral automatic rotor, which allowed it to be made thinner (the total thickness of the mechanism is 5.65 mm) and also provide a more attractive view. However, peripheral automatic rotors typically make mechanisms much wider than standard ones. The caliber 2160 operates at a frequency of 3 Hz with an 80-hour power reserve.
It is pleasant to watch the working mechanism, observing the rotating peripheral rotor made of 22-carat gold, driving the automatic winding system. The prestige of the mechanism is further enhanced by the Geneva Seal - a complex certification assessing the beauty of the watch, its performance, and, of course, its place of manufacture (the canton of Geneva).
Despite the fact that from a technical point of view, watches with a tourbillon are no longer a topic of discussion among watch mechanism enthusiasts, their beauty and visual animation remain very cool. As long as these mechanical products impress, companies like Vacheron Constantin will continue to produce watches with a tourbillon. For those who can afford it and like the idea of a tourbillon as an everyday watch, there are far worse options than these.
The price for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon in a titanium case (Ref. 6000V/210T-H032) is $129,000 USD. More detailed information can be found on the brand's website.