Introducing: The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

November 17, 2017

Although in some ways it feels like just yesterday that we first saw the Celestia at SIHH 2017, its already almost time for SIHH 2018 and Vacheron Constantin is giving us our first taste of what well be seeing at the show in January. Today weve got a pair of new Overseas models C this one is the Dual Time, a small complication thats perfect for everyday wear. The familiar Overseas profile gets some new functionality with the Dual Time. If youre a fan of the latest generation Overseas models, youre going to really like the Dual Time. It has a 41mm case in the familiar Overseas shape with the signature bezel and semi-tonneau profile. This model is 12.8mm thick, so the overall package is beefy enough that it definitely feels like a sports watch, and it has the same soft iron inner case ring that makes the Overseas resistant to magnetism. It has elegant lines, but this is no dress watch. There is an 18k pink gold version thats a little more buttoned-up, but I really think its the steel models that shine here. You can opt for either a deep blue or silver-tone dial, with the former offering a more classic Overseas look, and the latter offering a cool monochromatic take on the form. Stainless steel with silver-tone dial and steel bracelet Stainless steel with blue dial and rubber strap Pink gold with silver-tone dial and brown alligator strap What makes this watch special, though, is the extremely practical and easy-to-operate dual time complication. In addition to your hour, minute, and seconds hands for local time, you have an additional central hand with a red arrow on it that acts as your home time indicator. There is also an AM/PM indicator at nine oclock so you dont have to make any guesses when youre on the other side of the world. Both timezones are set via the main crown at three oclock (it has two positions), and the local time hour can jump in one-hour increments. Theres also a date display at six oclock that is set via the second crown at four oclock and tied to the local time display. Of course, theres an in-house movement powering the Overseas Dual Time. The caliber 5110 DT is a dual time variant of the caliber 5100, which was introduced last year, in the Overseas Self-Winding. It's 30.6mm across and just 6mm thick. It has a 60-hour power reserve and is comprised of 234 components, 37 of which are jewels. The finishing is exactly what youd expect from Vacheron, and you can admire it though the watchs sapphire caseback. The new caliber 5110 DT in the Overseas Dual Time. As with the other Overseas models, the Dual Time features Vacherons proprietary strap changing system. This means you can snap the straps on and off without using any tools, making it easy to change the look of the watch in just a few seconds. The steel Dual Time comes with a stainless steel bracelet with Maltese cross motif links, a blue or black alligator leather strap, and a blue or black rubber strap, while the gold model comes with a brown alligator strap and a brown rubber strap. The proprietary strap system allows you to swap between options quickly and easily C each of the steel models comes with a bracelet and two straps, while the gold model comes with two straps. I think this watch fits nicely into the existing Overseas collection. Another small complication C something a little more approachable than, say, an ultra-thin perpetual calendar C gives customers more options and really builds out the collection. This is a watch Im very much looking forward to seeing in the metal soon enough. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time will be available beginning in February 2018. The steel models retail for $24,700, while the gold model retails for $39,500. For more information, visit Vacheron Constantin online.