Saluting the essence of the Middle East and the values both entities share, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s eldest Haute Horlogerie manufacture with more than 260 years of uninterrupted experience,unveils a couple of exclusive Overseas timepieces dedicated to the region. These special editions blend the open-minded spirit of the Maison with inspirations from the Middle East’s colors and sights.
Staying true to their values and identity, both Vacheron Constantin and the Middle East region strive to transmit the essence of their heritage to the present and continue to build on their legacies while being inspired by their culture, tradition, serenity and open-mindedness.
The Maison special edition timepieces are an echo to the Middle East hues and mirror the most striking shades that characterize the region: brown and gold.
Colors
Brown and gold are among the most mesmerizing colors that characterize the unique and colorful Middle East region. While brown denotes its strength, seniority, security and protection, gold is the color of its elegance, its sophistication, wealth, success and status.
Akin to the region itself, these colors present themselves in a beautiful variety of nuances and variations; from the different shades of brown of the desert sands- depending on how the golden sun shines on them, the brown tones of its flora and fauna, from the sun dried light and sometimes dark brown of its old castles to the indescribable depth of its people’s eyes have been the inspiration for these exclusive Overseas models. Different degrees of brown with a variety of manual decorations give the dials a warmth and reflection that captures the spirit of the region. A sophisticated sunray finish on the dark brown dial surface will reflect the different shades of the sun like when it shines on the deserts sand. Around the minuterie of the timepieces, a manual circular graining creates a slightly darker shade of brown with a different structure that beautifully contrasts with the main dial – such as does a dark dune in the sunset. The counters of the chronograph are snail finished, a technical decoration which yet creates another, subtle shade and contrast on the dial.
The 18K pink gold bracelet of the ladies model is domed and graced with a satin-brushed finish as well as polished interior angles evoking the regions different shallow, its generosity and wisdom; the rubber strap bears a motif inspired by the famous Vacheron Constantin emblem; while the alligator leather strap has a flat tip and a velvety nubuk lining accentuated by a micro-perforated effect, hence combining comfort & sporty aesthetics with the collections open spirit.
The warm and shiny 18 K pink gold bezel of the ladies models comes set with 84 round-cut diamonds (total weight of approx.1.0 ct) – inspired by the clear, bright stars above the desert night sky.
Overseas Middle East Exclusive Edition
The Overseas collection conveys the spirit of travel in all its rich diversity. This openness to the world, inherited from the Maisons founder François Constantin, has remained at the core of the Maison’s philosophy ever since its founding.
The collection has been designed in a spirit of casual elegance and practicality. Each model comes with a variety of 2-3 straps in precious 18K pink gold, rubber and alligator. Enhanced by their tool-free interchangeable straps/bracelets and easy-fit system, Overseas timepieces are the perfect travelling companions.The exclusive Middle East timepieces arrive in small and chronograph models.
Design
Flowing, ergonomic lines, subtle light effects and delicate finishes place the new Overseas models firmly within a timeless yet distinctly contemporary aesthetic universe. The curves of the case ensure seamless integration with the bracelet or strap, a feature that is both technically sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing. The six-sided bezel and the fluted crown with its grooves evoke the Maison design codes. Coated with a translucent brown lacquer that intensifies the depth effect, the dials alternate between sunburst, snails and velvety finishes. The gold luminescent facetted hands and hour-markers echo the gold case. The screwed-down case back fitted with a sapphire crystal reveals a 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose, a universal symbol indicating the cardinal points for travelers, and adorned with sandblasted, polished and finely grained finishes.
Overseas Chronograph – Calibre 5200
The Overseas Chronograph watch bearing the Hallmark of Geneva is equipped with Calibre 5200, the new self-winding chronograph movement developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. The result of a five-year development process, this 263-component calibre is fitted
with a column wheel coordinating the chronograph start, stop and reset functions, as well as a vertical coupling clutch preventing any jerking of the hand when the chronograph starts. A signature feature of this new Vacheron Constantin chronograph, the column wheel is adorned with a screw shaped like the Manufacture’s signature Maltese cross emblem. This movement is equipped with a twin barrel enhancing its torque and its reliability while ensuring over 50 hours of power reserve. Protected from magnetic fields by a soft iron ring, it powers the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and date indications. These functions are all displayed on a brown dial adorned with sunburst, snailed and velvety finishes. The gold facetted hands and hour-markers hands are coated with a luminescent material ensuring optimal readability.
The Overseas Chronograph comes in a 18K pink gold 42.5 mm-diameter case. Its screwed-down push pieces, crown and case back guarantee water-resistance to 150 metres, while its transparent back reveals a 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose. This new model comes with two brown straps: one in leather and the other in rubber, both fitted with an interchangeable pink gold folding clasp.
Overseas small model – Calibre 5300
The Overseas Small Model is adorned with 84 round-cut diamonds totalling over one carat and daintily set on its six-sided bezel. At the heart of its stainless steel or 18K pink 37 mm-diameter case beats the new Calibre 5300 developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin. This 128-part self-winding movement powers the hours, minutes and small seconds at 9 o’clock, while ensuring an approximately two-day power reserve. The Overseas small model comes with a brown dial. A pair of gold luminescent hands sweep around the matching hour-markers punctuating this perfectly legible dial face. The back of the watch provides an equally enchanting sight by revealing the 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose. Proudly bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, the Overseas small model comes with a 18K pink gold bracelet along with two interchangeable straps in leather and rubber.
These Overseas models are available exclusively in the Middle East, the region that inspired their existence.
