Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Display, Moon Phase, Retrograde

July 12, 2023

Vacheron Constantin introduced the Overseas collection in 1996, which was seen as a successor to their 222 models from 1977. The collection embodies the concept of a luxury sports watch and has been highly sought after. It combines high watchmaking with a sporty-chic design, offering various complications such as a tourbillon, perpetual calendar ultra-thin, chronograph, and dual time models. This year, Vacheron Constantin has added a new reference to the Overseas line, featuring a moon-phase display and a retrograde date, a feature previously found in the Patrimony collection.

The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas with Moon Phase and Retrograde Date maintains the iconic 41mm case with a six-sided bezel, polished and satin-brushed surfaces, and a fluted crown. The stainless steel case frames a stunning blue lacquered dial with a velvet-finish flange and sunburst satin-brushed center.

The dial features white gold indices and hands, including a blue-tinted retrograde date hand, all treated with Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility. The moon-phase display is located at 6 o'clock and shows the age of the moon by indicating the number of days since the last new moon. The retrograde date display occupies the upper part of the dial.

Vacheron Constantin faced both aesthetic and technical challenges in integrating the retrograde date and precision moon phase into the Overseas line. The moon phase mechanism required the development of a 135-tooth wheel to ensure accuracy with a deviation from the true lunar cycle of one day in 122 years. The watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 2460 R31L/2, a 275-component movement with a 40-hour power reserve. The movement can be admired through the sapphire caseback, revealing a beautifully decorated calibre with a 22K gold oscillating weight featuring a compass rose and circular-grained mainplate.

The watch offers user-friendly features such as crown-adjustable time, date, and moon phase settings. It also allows for strap/bracelet interchangeability, coming with a steel bracelet, calfskin leather strap, and blue rubber strap. The bracelet is secured with a stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and a comfort-adjustment system. The price and availability of the watch will be confirmed later, and it will be exclusively available at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.