First model in the Overseas collection combining titanium and a deep red dial .
Three straps, one in titanium and two in rubber, interchangeable without tools.
An ultra-thin automatic movement, calibre 2160 with peripheral oscillating weight.
Vacheron Constantin enriches its Overseas collection with a titanium tourbillon model featuring a deep red dial. A material perfectly in keeping with the sporty and elegant spirit of the collection, titanium is a marvel of robustness and lightness. Certified with the Hallmark of Geneva and equipped with the ultra-thin calibre 2160, only 5.65 mm thick, the watch features a tourbillon regulator and fits comfortably on the wrist.
A TECHNICAL AND SPORTY MODEL
Titanium is a material that proves particularly well-suited to watchmaking requirements, notably for its robustness, lightness, and the sporty spirit it conveys. This metal is indeed 30% stronger than steel and weighs half as much. Vacheron Constantin introduced titanium in 2009 for certain components of the Overseas collection, and then, from 2019, for the Everest models developed in collaboration with photographer and explorer Cory Richards. In 2022, a new milestone was reached with an Overseas tourbillon skeleton watch made entirely of titanium. Two years later, another titanium tourbillon model features a blue dial.
The finishes of the deep red dial, characterized by a sunburst satin-brushed and a lacquered flange, highlight the model’s highly horological character, particularly its tourbillon. This same attention to aesthetics is evident in the finishing touches of the grade 5 titanium case. The bracelet features polished link angles and a vertical satin-brushed finish, a detail also found on the case face. In contrast, the bezel, whose profile evokes the Maltese cross, has a circular satin-brushed finish on a sandblasted ring. This combination accentuates the slim profile of this ultra-thin model, measuring just
10.39 mm thick.
ONE WATCH, THREE STYLES
Suitable for all types of activities thanks to its lightness case and slim profile, the model comes with an integrated titanium bracelet featuring a triple-blade folding clasp equipped with a comfort-adjustment system. This system allows for a 4 mm increase in wrist circumference. To further adapt the watch’s style, two additional straps in deep red and white rubber are available. They are equipped with interchangeable grade 5 titanium folding clasp that can be changed without tools.
AN ULTRA-THIN MOVEMENT
Thanks to its automatic tourbillon calibre 2160, with a profile of just 5.65 mm and a diameter of 31 mm, this Oveseas watch is distinguished by its remarkably thin case, guaranteeing optimal comfort on the wrist. This ultra-thin movement, incorporating a tourbillon cage, features bidirectional winding, ensured by a peripheral oscillating weight with a guilloché 916/1000 gold segment, giving it optimal performance and an 80-hour power reserve. This type of construction offers a dual advantage: it provides an unobstructed view of the movement and integrates the oscillating weight at the bridges, resulting in a significant reduction in thickness.
With this same focus on slimness and efficiency, the openworked tourbillon cage incorporates a peripheral drive, eliminating the need for a central pinion. This configuration ensures optimal energy transmission from the mainspring barrel to the balance wheel.
Designed to highlight the complexity of the timepiece, the movement’s finishes offer subtle plays of light on its 188 components, elegantly underscoring its sophistication. The calibre features a circular-grained mainplate, the bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève and hand-beveled, the tourbillon shank is delicately cradled, the wheels are grained, and the screws are chamfered and polished: all details that testify to meticulous craftsmanship.
INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN SELMONI, STYLE AND HERITAGE DIRECTOR
Has titanium become an essential material in the Overseas collection?
materials science but also crucial elements such as shock-absorbing systems that protect the regulating organs.
These two elements combined now make it possible to
Vacheron Constantin’s attraction to titanium dates back some fifteen years. Initially, this material was preferred for the case components, helping to reinforce the collection’s sporty and robust character. The last four years have been marked by the emergence of timepieces made entirely of titanium with integrated bracelets, which have established themselves as a preferred alternative to the steel watches in the Overseas collection. Titanium is particularly prized create tourbillon watches suited to an active lifestyle with a sporty elegance unthinkable just a few decades ago. Add to that a case made entirely of titanium, and you have a slim, lightweight, and robust watch with exemplary precision thanks to its tourbillon regulator, which compensates for the effects of gravity.
Why this deep red color?
The Overseas watches form a collection that lends itself beautifully to new color explorations. !is became clear when the Maison introduced a pink hue on certain women’s models and, more recently, intense green or gold dial colors.
From there, it was interesting to continue by introducing new variations that bring a touch of originality. The deep red color, elegant and intense, fits perfectly into this vision.
Is a tourbillon model, known to be fragile, compatible with the concept of a sports watch?
Since the invention of the tourbillon in the early 19th century, watchmaking technology has undergone major advancements. These advancements concern not only.
