Vacheron Constantin has officially launched the Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points, a production iteration of its robust Overseas titanium GMT timepiece. This new collection draws its inspiration from the highly sought-after limited edition “Everest” model released in 2021. The original watch, a unique prototype crafted from titanium and tantalum with a dark gray dial and a custom strap, was famously worn by adventurer and photographer Cory Richards during his 2019 Mount Everest expedition. These timepieces, previously a rare find for collectors, are now more accessible, offering a fusion of durability and refined aesthetics.
The Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points maintains the adventurous spirit of its predecessor, despite a name change from “Everest.” It is designed to be resilient in demanding environments while also being suitable for everyday wear. This versatility makes it appealing to a broad audience, from outdoor enthusiasts to those who appreciate refined timepieces. The collection is presented in a 41mm titanium case, ensuring both lightweight comfort and exceptional strength, and is water-resistant to 150 meters. The case features a distinctive blend of matte blasted, brushed, and polished finishes, enhancing its visual depth. The iconic Maltese-cross-inspired bezel design, a hallmark of the Overseas collection, remains a prominent feature.
Each of the four dial variations in the collection is associated with a cardinal direction, symbolizing various landscapes: white for north, brown for south, green for west, and blue for east. All dials share a consistent design, featuring a textured central section, a finely circular-brushed inner minute track, and a polished outer seconds track. The hour markers and hands are crafted from 18K white gold, providing a touch of elegance, while vibrant orange accents on the dual-time hand and AM/PM indicator ensure readability. The watch displays local time, home time, AM/PM, and a pointer-style date, all synchronized and easily adjustable.
The timepieces are equipped with an integrated titanium bracelet, designed for both comfort and a secure fit, featuring a triple-blade folding clasp with an Easy-fit micro-adjustment system. Additionally, each watch comes with two interchangeable rubber straps: one in a striking orange with a geometric pattern, and another matching the dial color with a sailcloth-like texture and contrasting orange stitching. These straps can be easily swapped without requiring any tools, adding to the watch's adaptability.
Powering the Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points is the in-house manufactured Vacheron Constantin caliber 5110 DT/3. This self-winding movement offers dual-time functionality, allowing independent adjustment of the local hour hand. The movement boasts a 60-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Visible through the sapphire case back, the movement showcases a dark gray finish achieved with an NAC treatment, adorned with traditional decorative elements such as Côtes de Genève on the bridges, perlage on the mainplate, and hand-beveled edges. The 22K gold oscillating weight proudly displays the Overseas compass rose motif. These watches also carry the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, a testament to their exceptional quality in finishing, assembly, and performance.
The creation of the Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points collection is deeply rooted in Vacheron Constantin’s collaboration with Cory Richards. His experiences during the 2019 Everest expedition played a pivotal role in the design and concept of the original prototype. Richards emphasizes that the watches transcend mere geographical references, symbolizing the continuous journey of self-discovery and exploration. He reflects on the emotional connection he felt with his original watch during extreme expeditions, viewing it as a link to home. This emotional resonance is integrated into the new models, serving as a reminder to embrace curiosity and continuously explore the world, both internally and externally. The price for these new models is set at €40,900.
