Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph 49150
Released in 1996, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas was, in effect, the revival of VC’s previously discontinued sports watch collection, the 222 - released to celebrate VC's 222nd anniversary. As the 222 was VC’s first foray into sports watches, designers Vincent Kaufmann and Dino Modolo sought to build upon that very same aesthetic with the Overseas and create a watch that could “weather any challenge [and] share your horizons”. The first iteration of the Overseas was produced from 1996 until 2004 and came in a tonneau-shaped case with a fluted bezel designed to evoke VC’s emblem, the Maltese cross. However, in 2004, the Overseas was overhauled with an even more modern design, such as a new Maltese-cross inspired bracelet, an updated dial design and a slew of new movements. The watch we have here hails from that second iteration of the Overseas, the Chronograph ref. 49150, with a larger 42mm case, up from the 40mm of the previous generation’s chronograph models, with a beautiful black dial that features an intricate engraved pattern. A robust sports watch designed to look and feel like a true luxury timepiece from a member of the Holy Trinity, the Overseas has finally begun to attract the plaudits it deserves and examples like this are a collector’s dream.
THE DIAL With a symmetrical black dial, the Overseas ref. 49150 features a big date at 12 o'clock alongside a trio of recessed subdials that beautifully build upon the depth that its applied indices, sloped rehaut, and date aperture all provide.
THE CONSTRUCTION Larger than its predecessor, the Gen 2 Overseas doubled down on the collection's design brief as a sports watch inspired by Vacheron's ethos, with its Maltese-cross bezel and impressive capabilities such as its 150m of water resistance provided through its screw-down chronograph pushers and large crown.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
