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W&W 2024: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Titanium Now with Blue Dial

Vacheron Constantin is expanding its range of titanium watches with a new Overseas Tourbillon model this time with a blue lacquered dial. Entirely made of titanium, from its 42.5 mm case to bracelet and from crown to bezel, this model graced with the collection's emblematic blue dial is powered by ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 2160. Equipped with a tourbillon regulator visible at 6 o'clock through a dial opening, the movement features an 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight winding the calibre and ensuring a comfortable over three-day power reserve.

With its extremely meticulous finishing of both the titanium case and the movement, this Overseas tourbillon is perfectly aligned with the spirit of this travel-dedicated collection. It comes with an integrated titanium bracelet and two additional blue calfskin and rubber straps with a self-interchangeable titanium Grade 5 folding clasp.

Titanium is a light yet robust metal whose hypoallergenic properties make it the ideal material for sports and technical watches. Born in 1996 and revisited eight years later, Vacheron Constantin's Overseas collection embodies the same taste for discovery and pioneering spirit that has driven the brand to conquer new markets since the early 19th century. By incorporating titanium watches, the collection adopts a character entirely in tune with the sporty, technical and adventurous watch codes that have distinguished it since its launch. Presented by the Maison in 2022, the first timepiece with an all-titanium exterior was an Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton model which now appears in this new version, but with a solid dial graced with the blue shade emblematic of Overseas watches.

Given the rigidity of titanium, any metal finishing work on these timepieces requires rigorous discipline, care and attention to detail, bearing in mind that only grade 2 and grade 5 titanium are suitable for this type of operation. Special care has been lavished on the Overseas tourbillon to create a delicate vertical satin-brushed finish on the bracelet with its polished link angles as well as on the case back, while the bezel features a circular satin-brushed finish on a sandblasted ring. Creating a striking contrast with the Maltese cross-like profile of the bezel, the matte effect adds to the model’s visual appeal. With its translucent blue-lacquered dial featuring a sunburst satin-brushed flange highlighting the double minutes track, this Overseas tourbillon is adorned with shimmering titanium and ready to face the contingencies of everyday life.

The elegance of this Overseas tourbillon is enhanced by ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 2160 that is a mere 5.65 mm thick. With its 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight arming the barrel for a comfortable 80-hour power reserve, the movement testifies to Vacheron Constantin's technical mastery in the construction of ultra-thin complication movements. This architecture without a central rotor also offers the advantage of providing a clear view of the entire movement and its meticulous finishing. With its circular-grained mainplate and hand-bevelled bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, its carefully hand-polished tourbillon bar, its finely grained wheels, not forgetting its chamfered and polished screws, the 188-parat Calibre 2160 offers a concrete vision of technical and precious High Watchmaking. Operating at a frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour), it displays the hours and minutes as well as the small seconds on the Maltese cross-shaped tourbillon carriages by means of a blued fastening screw.

This model comes with an integrated titanium bracelet featuring a triple-blade folding clasp equipped with a comfort-adjustment system. The links securing the folding clasp can be stretched to provide up to 4 mm more room around the wrist. In order to adapt the style of the watch to its surroundings, the integrated titanium bracelet can be swapped out tool-free for two additional calfskin leather or blue rubber straps. These are equipped with a self-interchangeable titanium Grade 5 folding clasp, also interchangeable without any need for tools.

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