Without a doubt, our favorite watch at Watches & Wonders 2022 is the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton. Beautifully streamlined with its entirely open-worked movement, this new watch comes in two versions, one in 18K 5N pink gold and the other in Grade 5 titanium. The titanium model marks the first time that the brand has entirely made a watch in titanium from crown to bezel and from bracelet to the case. With a total weight of 110 grams, the titanium Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton weights almost half the weight of the pink gold model with a total weight of 214 grams.
Things to Know About the Watch
The two new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton comes in a 42.5 mm case framing an emblematic open-worked dial. The sapphire crystal serving as the dial reveals all the details of the calibre, The hour-markers secured to this crystal are in rhodium-plated 18K 5N pink gold or 18K white gold for the titanium model. The dial ring is available in black lacquered 18K 5N pink gold for the pink gold model or in blue PVD-treated 18K white gold for the titanium one. The NAC surface treatment on the movement can be found on the barrel, of which the drum and cover have been entirely open-worked, creating a compass rose shape on the dial side.
Exquisitely open-worked the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon leaves nothing to the imagination with full transparency. The amount of metal that has been removed from the calibre allows for incredible views of almost every component in this watch. Both watches are delivered on their metal bracelets matching the case and with two additional straps, one in rubber and the other one in calf leather.
The Movement
The skeletonization work carried out on self-winding Calibre 2160 has enabled not only a 20% reduction in the movement's weight but also a complete rethink of its architecture. Its curvature is thus very slender, at barely 5.65 mm thick —a real technical feat considering the requirements linked to the integration of a tourbillon carriage. This thinness is notably due to the choice of a peripheral gold oscillating weight, which also enables a completely clear view of the rear of the movement.
To complete the open-worked of this 186-component movement, the wheels have also been made lighter, while the tourbillon is held by a rounded-off upper bridge. The tourbillon regulator rotating once per minute operates at a rate of 18,000 vph and serves as a small seconds indicator by means of one of the four screws used to secure the carriage and which is grey on the pink gold version and flame-blued on the titanium version.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton wears true to its size and simply impeccably. Both watches feature the Overseas collection-specific interchangeable strap system that makes them extremely versatile. They come with two straps in calfskin and rubber: black with two 18K 5N pink gold pin buckles for the gold model; and blue with interchangeable titanium folding clasp for the titanium model. Our favorite watch release at Watches & Wonders 2022.
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