This past Wednesday May 25th, 2016, we were invited to the worldwide launch of the new Overseas collection from Vacheron Constantin in New York. The ultra exclusive event that took place at The High Line, was nothing but spectacular and very tastefully done. We really could've not thought of a better city and venue for this event. While we had already seen the new pieces from the revamped Overseas collection at the SIHH 2016 as we reported here earlier this year; we were eager to see in person the new Overseas World Time unveiled just two weeks ago as we brought you the news here. For those of you not familiar with The High Line, this is a 1.45-mile long linear elevated park in New York's Lower West Side. This elevated park, was the result of the transformation of an unused elevated section of the New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line.
In what we would like to call a perfect weather afternoon, we arrived at The High Line through the elevators located on 14th Street and 10th Avenue. As soon as the doors opened up, we were wowed by what Vacheron Constantin had put together in a fully closed section of The High Line. There are watch events and then there was this one. For sure, one of the nicest and most interesting watch events we've attended lately. As we were cordially greeted with a glass of champagne, Mr. Juan Carlos Torres —CEO of Vacheron Constantin— and Steve McCurry —world renowned photographer— arrived at the event. Of course after saying hello to Mr. Torres, we had to ask him if it was OK to snap a shot of the gorgeous new Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar on his wrist —our hands-on review of this watch here.
Since the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection was inspired by travel, functionality and flexibility, the brand decided to partner with world renowned photographer Steve McCurry. Steve McCurry is an American editorial photographer and photojournalist best known for his 1984 photograph of "The Afghan Girl" —Sharbat Gula— that appeared on the June 1985 cover of National Geographic magazine. This portrait, is perhaps the most captivating and striking photograph to ever grace the cover of Nat Geo.
As part of this initiative called the 'Overseas Tour', Vacheron Constantin embarked with Steve McCurry on a trip around 12 destinations around the world and took photographs inspired by his travels to show how travel can change your views of the world. Additionally, Steve McCurry also visited the Vacheron Constantin watch manufacture in Geneva to see in person how the watches are made by hand. The photographs from this 'Overseas Tour', were carefully displayed throughout, as a very important component of this event.
As we walked around admiring the special photo exhibit, a perfect playlist of lounge music was been cued up by DJ Arman Nafeei, the resident DJ at the Sunset Beach Hotel in New York. While we were savoring some decadent hors d'oeuvres and sipping our champagne, we started walking towards the back of the venue where the bar was located and where Grammy Award winning band 'A Great Big World' would be performing later that evening. As we walked along 'The High Line', we stopped by the different Vacheron Constantin showcases and presentation booths to start getting our watch fix for the day. As we perused some of the novelties we had already seen at the SIHH 2016 in Geneva, we then finally reached the back of the venue where a seven foot tall travel trunk was awaiting to be opened up to do the official presentation of the new Overseas World Time after some brief remarks from Mr. Juan Carlos Torres —CEO Vacheron Constantin— and Vincent Brun —President of Vacheron Constantin North America.
As we reached the bar, we were further surprised by the creativity behind the signature cocktails that were served that evening. Honoring the 'Overseas Tour' and the travel spirit of the new Overseas collection, all six available cocktails were named inspiration —in six different languages— and inspired by different countries of the world. Our choice for the night: 'Inspiración', a refreshing smoky Mezcal based cocktail that made the evening fly by as the sun was setting over the Hudson river.
As soon as the travel trunk holding the new Overseas World Time opened up, we took one last sip of our 'Inspiración' and headed over to finally check out the watch in person. Available in three different dials —blue, brown and silver-toned— with a matching stainless steel bracelet and a rubber and alligator strap, the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time ref. 7700V is simply stunning in the metal. Fitted with a 43.5 mm case, the watch wears true to its size and very sturdy. This world timer is ready to take on the daily abuse of global nomads and wanderlusters. Our favorite of course, was the blue followed by the brown and lastly by the silver-toned one.
With our mission finally accomplished at this exceptional event, filled with amazing timepieces, great food and drinks, photography, music and the beautiful people, we then decided to head out for a night cap with some close watchcollecting friends of ours. However, as we were getting ready to reach the exit, yet another great surprise from Vacheron Constantin awaited.
A leg of 'Jabugo' Pata Negra Cinco Jotas —which we've featured here before— was in the process of being hand sliced by a master 'Jamonero' from Spain. For those of you into premium cured meats, this is one of the best hams in the world and second to none to 'Joselito'. Definitely one of the highlights of the night, this was another perfect element to build up on the international travel theme of the event or maybe just a thoughtful decadent treat to please the palate of Mr. Juan Carlos Torres —originally from Barcelona, Spain. Whatever the motivation was, this was yet another very special touch to an already magical evening. Such a perfect way of ending an exquisite night with our friends from Vacheron Constantin.
Once again, thank you Vacheron Constantin for letting us be part of this unforgettable worldwide launch of the new Overseas collection. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
