Vacheron Constantin replica Overseas-A Historical Review
The iconic sports model from the Vacheron Constantin replica Manufacture has its roots in the 1970s.
In a tumultuous context for Swiss watchmaking with the rise in popularity of Quartz movements,Audemars Piguet has just released the Royal Oak,a sleek design watch with an integrated strap,a real revolution dusting off the fashion for wristwatches(leather)precious metal.
The 222 Collection
The essence of the Overseas begins with the 222 collection,the first watch with an integrated bracelet from one of the oldest Swiss manufactures.
Unveiled on the occasion of the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin replica,the reference 44018(Jumbo)is powered by the caliber VC1120,based on the Jaeger LECoultre 920,an ultra-thin automatic movement(which we also find in the Royal Oak and the Nautilus…!)
A collection often confused in the minds of collectors,the 222 was produced in different versions(sizes,calibers,metal,etc.).
The automatic version was produced in 37mm and 34mm.
Withdrawn from the catalog in the mid-1980s,reference 222 was replaced by the Overseas in 1996,of which we can identify several generations.
Reference 222 is now favored by collectors with prices reaching peak levels.
We witnessed the spectacular auction of this example at nearly 157,500CHF by the Phillips auction house in November 2021 in Geneva.
The first generation of the Overseas
The first phase was marketed from 1996 to 2004.
Measuring 37mm in diameter,this first generation was powered by the COSC-certified caliber VC1310.
The references change later,the only notable change is the caliber.
The COSC-certified caliber 1310 is based on the 3100 from the Girard Perregaux manufacture and has an 18K yellow gold oscillating weight.
Shortly after the marketing of the first series(without being able to give a precise date),we can note an evolution of the references(corresponding to an evolution of the caliber).
The second caliber used is the 1311,very close to the 1310 previously used,has the ability to be flatter by 03MM.
The first version of the Overseas chronograph appeared in 1999 based on the Piguet 1185 caliber with the addition of a date window at 12 o’clock.
The second generation of the Overseas
The second generation arrives in 2004 and will be removed from the catalog in 2016.
The bracelet is redesigned resembling its current look.
The crown protector disappears and the case is enlarged to 42MM.
On the mechanism side,the model is adorned with the caliber VC1126(based on the Jaeger-Lecoultre JLC889).
The Third Generation of Overseas
Introduced in 2016,the third generation of Overseas is still present in the current catalog.
Re-designed by Vincent Kauffman,we can note a more refined design
This third generation now proudly sports a manufacture caliber ref.VC5100 awarded the prestigious Poinçon Genève quality standard with a 22K gold oscillating weight.
A new ingenious system now makes it possible to change the strap with an alligator version as well as a sportier version in rubber.
A reference long shunned by collectors,the Overseas collection is now traded(since 2021)at prices higher than the official catalog price.
This surge is justified by the heights reached by the Patek Philippe Nautilus as well as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak,but above all by the incredible“value”offered by this watch at the list price.
The Overseas collection has a very promising future as a collector’s watch.
This trend is fully demonstrated with the latest releases from Vacheron Constantin high quality replica watches uk at the 2022 edition of Watches&Wonders,with several versions of the Overseas reminiscent of the iconic 222.