The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date is the first-ever Vacheron Constantin sports watch and the first Overseas to be equipped with a retrograde display. This new model keeps the collection iconic attributes including the six-sided bezel evoking the Maltese cross, the fluted crown, polished and satin-brushed finishes, translucent lacquered dial, and luminescent hour-markers and hands.
Equipped with a 41 mm stainless steel case the iconic blue lacquered dial features a play on light thanks to the velvet-finish flange and sunburst satin-brushed center. The complications are displayed with extreme legibility. On the dial, the moon phases are displayed through a 6 o'clock aperture graduated from 0 to 29½ and thus serving to read off the number of days elapsed since the last new moon. This complication, known as the age of the moon, corresponds to the actual cycle of this heavenly body which completes one full rotation around the Earth in exactly 29 days, 12 hours and 45 minutes. The precision moon-phase mechanism requires a one-day correction only every 122 years. The retrograde date indication by central hand occupies the upper part of the dial.
Several months of aesthetic research were required to combine a precision moon phase and a retrograde date in a sporty-elegant case, while ensuring extreme legibility and perfect balance. Within the collection, the new Overseas Retrograde Moon Phase Date offers a rare combination in which technology is placed in the service of style and vice versa. A retrograde date display is one in which the indicator does not complete a full turn of the dial, instead travelling along its entire measurement segment and then returning to its starting point to begin a new journey. This mechanism requires great precision and rigorous discipline, particularly with regards to shock- and wear-resistance.
The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date is powered by the in-house automatic calibre 2460 R31L/2 with a 40-hour power reserve. This 275-component movement features a 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a stylised compass ros.
Keeping in mind a user friendly experience, all adjustments are done via the crown including winding, correction of the date and moon phases, as well as setting the time. Additionally, just like on all other last generation Overseas watches, the interchangeability system allows the wearer to go from a steel bracelet to a blue calfskin leather strap with grey contrast stitching or blue rubber in a matter of seconds.
It took three years of research and development to integrate the traditional functions and complications of the retrograde date and the precision moon-phase display into the Overseas collection. This watch involves a rare degree of technical elegance. It is the first time that an Overseas watch has been enriched with a retrograde date and a precision moon phase.
On the wrist, this new Overseas wears true to its size and with incredible wrist presence. Yet another great addition to the Overseas collection and one of our new favorites from Vacheron Constantin. Even better in person. The new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date is exclusively available at Vacheron Constantin boutiques worldwide.
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