This article originally appeared in Elite Traveler July/August 2016.
By Kristen Shirley
This year, Vacheron Constantin pays homage to the traveler with a reinvented Overseas collection that contains perhaps the ultimate timepiece for a 21st century globetrotter, a new world timer
Vacheron Constantin has been serving the needs of travelers since the late 19th century, so it is no surprise that the new Overseas collection solves many of the problems intrepid travelers face. For its 20th anniversary, Overseas relaunches with 12 new references and three new calibers, and, for the first time, each piece in the collection is certified with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.
The collection includes simple displays, chronographs, an ultra-thin perpetual calendar and a world timer. The bracelet can be switched for either a rubber or alligator leather strap – both are included and can be changed at the push of a button. The self-winding timepieces are water resistant to a minimum of 150 feet and have a transparent caseback to showcase a 22K gold oscillating weight with a wind rose motif.
New to the Overseas collection is the World Time. Available in stainless steel with a blue, silver-toned or brown dial, the 43.5mm case is water resistant to nearly 500 feet and has a 40-hour power reserve. It displays 37 time zones, including those 30 or 15 minutes from UTC. The display contains three superimposed Around the world This year, Vacheron Constantin pays homage to the traveler with a reinvented Overseas collection that contains perhaps the ultimate timepiece for a 21st century globetrotter, a new world timer dials; a Lambert projection map of the northern hemisphere and list of cities, a sapphire disc with 24-hour indications to show night time and an outer ring for hours and minutes. And if you want a different image on the dial the Atelier Cabinotiers Special Order department will make your wish come true.
To celebrate the Overseas collection, Vacheron Constantin teamed up with American photographer Steve McCurry on the Overseas Tour. McCurry traveled the globe selecting 12 locations that symbolize the spirit of travel and celebrate human achievement. The first six places are found in Mexico, New York, India, China, Japan and Geneva. Pictured is the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, Mexico, built in the 16th century. McCurry says: “You fully grasp the visual strength of this aqueduct when you realize that it was built over 500 years ago with absolutely perfect symmetry. I see it as a work with a poetic structure, placed right in the middle of nowhere.”
Overseas World Time, $37,000, concierge.us@vacheron-constantin.com, +1 877 862 7555, vacheronconstantin.com