The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph ref. 5500V was first released at the 2016 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie with a blue and silvered dial. In 2017, a silvered dial two-tone model of the Overseas Chronograph was presented and in 2018 a ‘Reverse Panda’ and Black Dial Overseas Chronographs were released. Now, we bring you the latest addition to the Overseas collection, the new Overseas Chronograph ‘Panda’ ref. 5500V.
This new watch with a distinctive sporty elegant looks is very reminiscent of the motorsport inspired watches of the 1960s and an absolute stunner in the metal as you can see in these live pictures we captured for you. The automotive nature of this chronograph can be perceived from top to bottom and this new model is a match made in heaven for any sports car interior.
Things to Know About the Watch
The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chrono 'Panda' just like its predecessors is equipped with a 42.5 mm diameter case in stainless steel with satin brushed finish and a highly polished Maltese cross six-sided bezel. The dial is silver-toned with a sunburst satin-finish, snailed black counters with white imprints, a black velvet-finished flange, and 18K white gold hour-markers and hands —an incredible vertical satin-brushed finish on the seconds hand. A discreet framed date aperture is located between 4 and 5 o’clock. A 12-hour chrono counter at 6 o’clock, 30-minute chrono counter at 3 and running seconds at 9 o’clock. Without a doubt, in our opinion this is the most beautiful dial on the Overseas chronograph line.
The case is equipped with screwed-down pushers, crown and case back to guarantee a water resistance to 150 meters. The screw-down pushers for the chronograph only require one quarter of a turn in order to be able to be pressed to start, stop and reset the chronograph.
The Interchangeable Strap System & Straps
The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chrono 'Panda' is delivered with an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet and two additional straps in black rubber and black calf with light grey contrast stitching. The two straps share an equally interchangeable stainless steel deployant double folding clasp with half Maltese cross.
The bracelet and straps can be changed in a matter of seconds without the use of any tools. The stainless steel bracelet features a triple-blade deployant double folding clasp with comfort-adjustment system that allows the wearer to extend the last link for a better fit in hot and humid conditions.
The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph ref. 5500V/110A-B686 provides unparalleled readability in an incredibly well balanced layout and design. Every aspect of this dial has been executed perfectly and the sunburst finish on it is out of this world. Just take a look at the picture below.
The Movement
The Overseas Chronograph ‘Panda’ bearing the Hallmark of Geneva is powered by the column-wheel chronograph calibre 5200, developed and crafted in its entirety by Vacheron Constantin. This automatic movement is the result of a five-year development process. Composed of 263 parts, the calibre is fitted with a column wheel and a vertical coupling clutch preventing any jerking of the hand when the chronograph starts.
A signature feature of the new Vacheron Constantin chronographs, 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 ensuring over 50 hours of power reserve and protected from magnetic fields by a soft iron ring. The icing on the cake is the stunning 22K pink gold oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chonograph ‘Panda’ watch wears true to its actual size and with incredible wrist presence. A watch that looks perfect inside or outside a sports car. Its automotive aura makes it one of our favorite Overseas Chronographs released to date. Lastly, the versatility of its interchangeable strap system allows for the watch to have three completely different mood looks, making it standout in different settings whether its on a bracelet, a rubber strap or a more elegant calf strap.
Kudos to Vacheron Constantin on the release of this stunning new watch!
Sticker Price $32,400 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
