Vacheron Constantin gives the vintage chronograph design a contemporary refresh. 

The Overseas Chronograph has been a part of Vacheron Constantin’s collection for over 24 years and has undergone several rounds of evolution. The most significant transformation was in 2016 when the watchmaker overhauled the entire collection with a more streamlined design. Many of the changes were minor but made a big difference in the look and feel of the collection. One example would be the rim-inspired bezel design, which is now enlarged to match the case middle.

Two years later, Vacheron Constantin introduced a new dial for the Overseas Chronograph in a format commonly known as the ‘reverse panda’, with a black dial and white counters. Breitling was one of the first brands to use this design back in 1957 on its Superocean. 

Along with the ‘reverse panda’, there’s the ‘panda’ dial that was popularised by Rolex, TAG Heuer, and the brilliant actor and racer Steve McQueen. ‘Panda’ dials feature white or silver displays with black sub-dials and remind us of the adorable bear for which they are named. Like its opposite, the ‘panda’ dial offers a clear distinction between the counters and the main dial. It’s also a distinct look on the wrist for the style-conscious. The monochromatic, two-tone look is elegant and striking.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph ‘Panda’

Now, Vacheron Constantin is creating its own ‘panda’ dial Overseas Chronograph with a 42.5mm stainless steel case. On a silver-toned brushed dial with sunray finish are three matte black counters with snailed surfaces. A chronograph track in black ringfences the dial with a minute track in white sitting under the applied bar indexes. The hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, which glows blue in the dark.

The counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock indicate the 30-minute and 12-hour totaliser for the chronograph, and a running small seconds display, respectively. The chronograph counters are marked with Arabic numerals, and a small date display is positioned between the 4 and 5 o’clock indexes. The six-sided bezel that’s iconic to the Overseas is mirror-polished and contrasts against the matte and brushed display. On the case and bracelet, the flat surfaces are brushed, while the angled ones are mirror polished. The screw-down crown and pushers are also mirror-finished.

The watch is driven by the brand’s Calibre 5200. It’s a self-winding chronograph with a vertical clutch and column-wheel control, which is prominently visible through a cut-out on the mainplate. The column wheel bears the brand’s Maltese cross motif as well. It’s beautifully finished with Geneva stripes on the mainplate, perlage on the underside of the bridges, and mirror polishing on the screws and column wheel. The 22K gold rotor is partially skeletonised and features beadblasted and sandblasted surfaces. A highly reliable performer for the brand, the movement has twin barrels that offer up to 52 hours of power reserve, ample to outlast the weekend.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph comes with an integrated lug and bracelet design that’s inspired by the Maltese cross. The lugs are equipped with an easy-change adjustor that enables you to switch between two other provided straps in black calf leather or rubber. This watch will look good with any outfit for everyone, and its size will easily accommodate most wrist types. It’s available for purchase at Vacheron Constantin boutiques or online. Head to the nearest boutique to discover this watch.   

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