Released in 1996, this Vacheron Constantin Overseasrepresents the manufacture's modern take on the luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Building on the legacy of the 222, introduced in 1977, it combines anotched bezel, integrated bracelet, and minimalistic, almost industrial appearance.

The Successor of the 222

In 1977,Vacheron Constantinintroduced the reference , as a way to mark the brands 222nd anniversary. The design with its integrated bracelet and notched bezel firmly diverged from the brands existing focus on dress watches, and marked a new era of luxury stainless steel sports watches.

Despite being the last to be introduced in the integrated steel sports watch movement, the 222 offered a true competitor to the two other members of the so-called Holy Trinity of watchmaking, namely theand the.

An early advertisement for the Overseas.

Building on the success of the 222, the first Overseas watch was introduced in 1996, as the more contemporary interpretation of the original222design. As a direct descendant of the design from 1977, all pieces in the Overseas collection maintain several classic design features, such as the notched bezel, integrated bracelet, and minimalistic, almost industrial look.

TheOverseas Collection

The originalOverseascollection was designed by a team that included Dino Modolo, an external watch designer, and Vacheron Constantins Vincent Kaufmann. Initially offered in 37mm, 35mm, and 24mm, this particular example represents the largest version of the originalOverseasdesign, powered by an automatic movement. Produced for a brief period from 1996 to 2004, the originalOverseascollection representsVacheron Constantins take on the contemporary, integrated steel sports watch.

The Overseas history doesnt end there. From 2004 onwards, the Overseas collection has continued to flourish,and stands out as the canvas on which Vacheron Constantin experiments with bolder designs. Notably, they recently introduced a perpetual calendar into the angular case, including a skeletonised version with blue accents.

The Design

The dial of this Vacheron Overseas is a deep navy blue, providing awelcome contrast to the lighter, white-gold hands and index markers. Unlike with the 222, the Maltese cross motif is not featured on the right-hand corner of the case, but is given a prominent position at the 12 oclock marker on the dial itself.

With this example, the index-markers and hands are manufactured from white gold, as indicated by the SWISS MADE signature at the bottom of the dial. The symbol, for sigma in Greek, was used as a visual declaration of the use of precious materials on the dial side. It was adopted by a number of manufactures from the 70s onwards, emphasising the inherent value of a high-quality, mechanical watches.

This reference 42040also features a bold stainless-steel case with broad shoulders and an integrated steel bracelet. The polished bezel, bracelet edges and case side contrast beautifully with the brushed surface of the case and bracelet, reminiscent of the interplay in texture found on theRoyal Oakand theNautilus. The bezel has a notched profile, an homage to the shape of aMaltese Cross, the emblem ofVacheron Constantin.The crown guards on the right-hand side of the case extend the lines of the bezel, reminiscent of the "ears" on both sides of theNautiluscase.

Due to the unique shape of the Overseas, it may seem larger on the wrist than one might originally assume. Yet, thanks to its slim profile and bracelet, it manages to avoid overwhelming the wrist entirely.The caseback displays theAmerigo Vespucci three-masted ship, hinting at the maritimeconnotationsof the Overseas collection.

The Movement

ThisVacheron Constantin Overseas ref. 42040is powered by the Vacheron Constantin calibre 1310, which was based off the GirardPerregauxcalibre 3100 based bauche. The calibre 1310 is automatic, and the 27-jewel movement includes a quick-set date function and 46 hours power reserve.

The Set

This Vacheron Constantin Overseas ref. 42040 is accompanied by its outer box, inner box, International Warranty,Certificate of Origin and Guarantee Certificate (with case number filled out, matching the watch), manual and World Service leaflet.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Vacheron Constantin Overseas watchwill be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look