Overview
In 1996, Vacheron Constantin, fresh off its acquisition by the Vendôme Luxury group, re-entered the integrated bracelet category with the introduction of the Overseas. Designers Dino Modolo and Vincent Kaufmann focused their efforts on creating a travel-ready watch that was inspired by the legendary 222, yet distinctively different. The new Overseas sported the usual barrel-shaped case, but was now fitted with a three-piece bracelet, crown guards, and a polished bezel that was a direct nod to the brand’s Maltese cross logo.
During its production from 1996 to 2004, the first generation Overseas was offered in a 37mm “jumbo” size, a 35mm mid size, and a 24mm ladies size, each with five different dial colors—white, black, blue, gray, and rarest of all, salmon. In addition, the watch came powered by either the automatic caliber 1310/1311 or quartz caliber 1320. Both were COSC certified movements, with the automatic calibers based on the Girard Perregaux 3100 featuring a gold rotor. Towards the end of production, for a small number of bracelets, Vacheron upgraded the problematic slide-lock clasp to a true butterfly clasp, creating a much improved wearing experience for the lucky few who ordered at this point.
Since its introduction, the Overseas has become a mainstay in Vacheron's catalog and has taken its place as the third member of the Holy Trinity of integrated bracelet watches. Yet unlike first generation models of the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the 90s Overseas hasn’t been subject to the same price inflation from the steel sport watch craze. This will surely change as collectors continue to discover these incredible value propositions, full of numerous configurations and details. If you're hunting for something special though, catch this extremely rare late production example while you can, which sports not only a wonderfully preserved "jumbo" case, but also a highly desirable salmon dial combined with the upgraded butterfly clasp.
Specifications
Brand:
Vacheron Constantin
Model:
Overseas
Reference:
42040/423A-8461
Year:
1990s
Case Number:
692050
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
37 mm
Lug Width:
24 mm
Thickness:
8.5 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
42.6 mm
Dial:
Salmon
Lume:
Tritium
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
VC 1310
Bracelet/Strap:
Vacheron Constantin stainless steel bracelet
Max Wrist Size:
7.5 in (16 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The steel case shows only light wear in the form of a few hairlines, faint scuffs, and tiny nicks. The overall impression is very clean. The case angles remain superbly defined, with crisp chamfers and clean edges. The condition of the caseback is consistent with the rest of the watch. The model and serial number engravings remain sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The salmon dial and polished hands are in immaculate condition with no notable imperfections. The tritium plots across the dial and hands are fully intact and show no degradation or cracking. When exposed to UV light, the tritium briefly glows and fades away. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The Vacheron Constantin bracelet is in fantastic overall condition with little-to-no stretch and hardly any marks outside of a couple faint signs of wear. The clasp itself is clean with no major marks. The Maltese Cross engraving remains crisp and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and quickset date are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
