Vacheron Constantin has expanded its popular Overseas collection with a groundbreaking new model: the Overseas Grand Complication Openface, the first minute repeater in the series.
This new timepiece marks a significant milestone for the Swiss watchmaker, as it combines complexity with elegance. The watch features a hand-wound movement with 602 components, measuring just 7.9 mm thick and offering 58 hours of power reserve. Vacheron has also introduced a proprietary centripetal regulator for the minute repeater, which controls the cadence of the mechanism, ensuring that the hammers strike with precision.
Beyond the minute repeater, the watch also includes several advanced complications: a perpetual calendar with date, day, month, and leap-year cycle indications—requiring no adjustments until the year 2100—and a tourbillon.
Designing a watch with these complications while maintaining water resistance posed a challenge for Vacheron, especially considering the sliding mechanism required for the repeater. However, after a year and a half of research and development, the brand succeeded in creating a titanium case with water resistance of up to 100 feet (30 meters). The caseback was redesigned to accommodate the minute repeater mechanism while preserving the classic profile of the Overseas collection.
The 44.5 mm case, with a thickness of 13.1 mm, features a sapphire crystal dial and caseback, allowing a clear view of the movement. The markers and hands are made of 18-karat white gold, and the hour and minute hands are highlighted with blue Super-Luminova for enhanced visibility. The watch is paired with a grade 5 titanium strap, but it can also be swapped with a blue alligator or blue rubber strap for versatility.
The Overseas Grand Complication Openface is a limited edition, with prices available upon request.
First introduced in 1996, the Overseas collection was designed to cater to the needs of the modern traveler, with options in stainless steel and solid gold. Over the years, the collection has expanded, solidifying its place as one of Vacheron Constantin’s most iconic lines.