Since 2016, when the Overseas watches were presented at the Geneva watch fair, they have become an almost limitless playground for Vacheron Constantin in the very important luxury sports watch market. Offered in dozens of variants, in different colors, with simple displays or complex mechanisms, there's little about Vacheron Constantin Overseas watches that hasn't been explained. Except for one relatively mysterious prototype model that was once created for a photographer, adventurer, and climber Cory Richards… And somehow we've always wanted to see this sporty version created for a wider audience. Here they are, the limited editions Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time & Chronograph “Everest”.
These two new limited editions have a story behind them of American explorer and photographer Cory Richards. Richards has an interesting life story, being the first American to summit an 8,000-meter peak in winter. In 2019, he attempted to reach the world's summit from a route no one had ever taken before. Although the duo had to turn back, Richards spoke to us in this interview, and... there was something special on his wrist - a rather bold and sporty edition of the Overseas Dual Time, created specifically for the 2019 expedition, in which “materials such as titanium and tantalum were used to withstand the harsh conditions of climbing…”
NEW LIMITED SERIES VACHERON CONSTANTIN OVERSEAS EVEREST
Cory's unique watch now transfers its aesthetic codes to two new Overseas Limited Editions Everest, available with either the same Dual-Time mechanism and display or an automatic chronograph movement.
At first glance, the overall concept of Overseas has only minor changes, and both the sizes and mechanisms have already been used in the past in classic editions of both the chronograph and Dual-Time. What truly differs in this “Everest” context is the materials from which the case and straps are made, the colors of all elements, and textures that are unique to these two bold and more sporty Overseas editions.
Speaking of complexities and sizes aside, both Vacheron Constantin Overseas Everest Limited Editions models have the same overall design and materials. Starting with materials, steel or gold is no longer used as the main metal. To ensure lightness, corrosion resistance, and strength, they have been replaced with titanium, which is used in the case, hexagonal bezel, buttons, and button guards. This not only increases the strength of the watch but also makes it much more comfortable on the wrist, as the Overseas model is known for its relative heaviness on the wrist. Several types of finishes are used for the titanium parts: satin-finished and polished case; polished buttons; bead-blasted bezel, crown, and button guard elements. The bezel ring still uses stainless steel, which, however, contrasts strongly with the matte and darker titanium parts.
The dial is also completely new, once again inspired by the watch created for Cory Richards. Gone are the refined and smooth dials of classic Vacheron Constantin Overseas. For these Everest Limited Editions, VC offers something rough and original: a gray-blue color with a strong grain pattern that is not only anti-reflective but also quite attractive and playful in metal. This muted color is paired with bright orange accents on the hands and straps.
Staying true to the superior and easy-to-use interchangeability system introduced on all watches of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection, the Everest Limited Edition watches come with a Cordura strap lined with nubuck and calfskin that matches the dial color. Both editions also include a gray rubber strap. In both cases, a titanium/stainless steel deployant clasp is used, which can be replaced without tools in a matter of seconds.
OVERSEAS DUAL-TIME EVEREST
The first model presented in this Everest watch series is directly inspired by Cory's prototype watch, having the same overall design and complication. A function useful in travel, Dual-Time was also a particular requirement of Cory during his ascent to the roof of the world, to keep track of time for those dear to him. And, being a watch for adventures, this is probably the most relevant complication.
The basis of this new Overseas Dual-Time Everest model is well-known: it uses the same proportions as the classic Dual-Time version we reviewed here. As such, this model has a 41mm diameter, equipped with a screw-down crown, sapphire crystals on both sides, and withstands water pressure up to 150 meters. Like Cory's prototype, the case combines titanium and steel accents, as well as several contrasting finishes.
The dual-time function, provided by the in-house automatic caliber 5110 DT/2, is quite simple. The display consists of classic local time hands (central HMS) and a fourth central hand with a bright orange arrow indicating the original (home) time, which is paired with a corresponding “day/night” indicator. At the “6 o'clock” position is a date pointer that synchronizes with local time. Through the case back, it is visible that the movement is finished in a dark gray color with NAC treatment, and the 22-carat pink gold rotor is decorated with an engraving of Mount Everest. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and maintains a power reserve of up to 60 hours. It is certified with the Geneva Seal.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time Everest Limited Edition will be released in a quantity of 150 pieces, available exclusively at VC boutiques for €30,700.
Quick facts: 41mm x 12.8mm - titanium case with various finishes - sapphire crystal front/back - 150m water resistance - in-house caliber 5110 DT/2 - automatic, 4Hz, 60h power reserve, Geneva Seal - gray Cordura fabric strap and gray rubber strap - ref. 7910V/000T-B922 - €30,700, limited edition of 150 pieces
OVERSEAS CHRONOGRAPH EVEREST
The second model in the Everest sub-collection is a classic of sports watches and probably the boldest version of all Overseas models; an automatic chronograph. Cherished by sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, this complication, however, is not related to the prototype created for Richards. This version, like the standard model from the permanent collection, is housed in a slightly increased case diameter of 42.5mm.
As mentioned, it combines titanium and steel with various finishes, providing contrast and highlighting certain elements of the watch, such as the emblematic hexagonal bezel or the side buttons and crown, which are bead-blasted, giving titanium a darker color. The watch case is relatively thick, measuring 13.7mm in height, but remains quite classic for an automatic chronograph. The case retains the same screw-down crown and quarter-turn screw-down buttons, as well as sapphire crystal on both sides. It also has a pleasant water resistance of up to 150 meters (like most other Overseas models).
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Everest Limited Edition is a classic chronograph with three sub-dials and a date at 4.30 (which always sparks debate), where the sub-counters pleasantly contrast with the grainy background thanks to a concentric pattern. Additionally, the use of orange on all timing hands ensures easy readability of elapsed time.
Under the case back is the caliber 5200/2, a modern in-house developed integrated chronograph movement with a double barrel, column wheel, and vertical clutch. For this sporty limited series, it is presented with bridges and plates with NAC coating, echoing the dark gray tones of the dial and case, as well as a special 22-carat pink gold rotor engraved with Mount Everest, based on a photo taken by Cory Richards. This modern movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of up to 52 hours.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Everest Limited Edition will be released in a quantity of 150 pieces, available exclusively at VC boutiques for €36,300.
Key specifications: 42.5mm x 13.7mm - titanium case with various finishes - sapphire crystal front/back - 150m water resistance - in-house caliber 5200/2 - automatic, 4Hz, 52h power reserve, Geneva Seal - gray Cordura fabric strap and gray rubber strap - ref. 5510V/000T-B923 - €36,300, limited to 150 pieces
More detailed information can be found at vacheron-constantin.com.