Overseas Limited Editions “Everest”: A sleek design for a casual chic look

Source:  Images and content by Vacheron Constantin

Overseas Limited Editions “Everest”
Chronograph and dual time models issued in two 150-piece limited series
 

• A chronograph watch and a dual time model equipped with in-house self-made movements.
• Two numbered 150-piece limited series.
• Creations inspired by the prototype worn by American explorer and photographer Cory Richards during his ascent of Mount Everest in 2019.
• A titanium and stainless steel case cut out for adventure, equipped with the self-interchangeable strap system.

Geneva, 22 September 2021 – Vacheron Constantin’s sportiest collections is opening up to new aesthetic horizons with two new variations: Overseas chronograph “Everest” and Overseas dual time “Everest”. These two numbered 150-piece limited editions are ideal for everyday wear as well as for the most daring feats, as testified by American explorer and photographer Cory Richards who wears the dual time version and shot the chronograph model in Colorado.

A symbol of discovery and openness to the world, the Overseas collection explores new heights of elegance and robustness with two models radiating a resolutely sporting temperament. Inspired by the world’s highest peak, the Overseas chronograph “Everest” and Overseas dual time “Everest” watches celebrate adventure and self-surpassing. This mindset is personified by the American explorer and photographer Cory Richards, one of the talents chosen by Vacheron Constantin to embody its One of not many communications campaign. In 2019, this seasoned mountaineer undertook his third ascent of the ‘roof of the world’ via the North-East Ridge – considered the most difficult and perilous route – with an Overseas dual time prototype specially developed by Vacheron Constantin on his wrist. This unique watch now lends its aesthetic codes to the two new Overseas Limited Editions “Everest”, photographed for the occasion by Cory Richards himself.

The new models, all of which are recognisable by the famous six-sided bezel evoking the Maltese cross, are distinguished by a powerful and distinctive style expressed through a skilful combination of materials, alternating between titanium and steel. The case, the bezel, the pushers and pusher guards are made of titanium, a light, robust and corrosion-resistant metal. The only differences are the finishes: satin-brushed and polished for the case; polished for the pushers; bead blasted for the bezel, crown and pusher guards, reflecting the grained dial finish. The anthracite grey tones contrast with the shimmering gleam of the stainless-steel bezel ring. On the dial side, these watches opt for an elegantly grained finish punctuated by bright orange accents, a dynamic colour matching the shade of the stitching on the Cordura® strap with nubuck calfskin lining, providing a blend of sturdiness and softness on the wrist. To ensure their versatile elegance, both models are equipped with Overseas collection’s self-interchangeable strap system. This ingenious concept enables tool-free swaps between the the Cordura® and rubber straps supplied with the watches, thereby adjusting the styles in step with the mood and the occasion.

Overseas chronograph “Everest”

The light and versatile Overseas “Everest” watch opts for the horological complication much appreciated by sports enthusiasts and outdoor activity lovers by offering chronograph functions. Equally suited to adventure and everyday challenges, this 150-piece limited edition is at home in every situation. Its 42.5 mm case features a contrasting combination of titanium and stainless steel, while its harmoniously dial composition ensures optimal legibility of the chronograph indications, particularly thanks to the bright orange colour of its central chronograph hand.

Steadily beating time behind the scenes if self-winding Calibre 5200/2. This twin-barrel in-house movement is fitted with a column wheel orchestrating the chronograph function’s start, stop and reset operations. This accurate and reliable mechanism also features a vertical clutch to prevent any potential hand stuttering when the chronograph is started. Technical performance is complemented by a particularly contemporary aesthetic. The NAC treatment on the baseplate echoes the anthracite grey shades of this model, while the 22K pink gold oscillating weight bears an engraving of Mount “Everest” based on a photograph taken by Cory Richards during one of his expeditions to the Himalayan summit.

Overseas dual time – “Everest”

At the exact intersection between performance and style, the Overseas dual time “Everest” watch is an open travel invitation. Directly inspired by the prototype built to accompany Cory Richards on his latest ascent of the ‘roof of the world’, this timepiece issued in a 150-piece limited edition provides all the functions useful to globetrotters and experienced explorers.

At the heart of its 41 mm case, carved from a combination of titanium and stainless steel, the Overseas dual time “Everest” watch opts for the in-house self-winding 5110 DT/2 movement enabling simultaneous reading of two time zones. In addition to the classic local-time indications, an arrow-tipped fourth orange hand displays the original (home) time, coupled with a matching-coloured day/night indicator. The pointer-type date display at 6 o’clock is synchronised with local time, which can be adjusted by a dedicated pusher. The two time zones at 12 o’clock can be corrected by turning the crown in either direction. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the anthracite grey NAC treatment on the baseplate gives the movement a decidedly contemporary character. Setting the signature touch to this model, the 22K pink gold oscillating weight is adorned with an engraving of Mount Everest inspired by a photograph taken by Cory Richards.

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Interview with Cory Richards

What do you think of these watches?

For me, these watches are an expression of years of refinement and effort. They are the manifestation of the reduction of the superfluous in the pursuit of the essential…and the essence of craftsmanship. All of my endeavors have mirrored this journey…be them in art and photography or exploration. For me, the ultimate expression of any craft is best understood through what we are able to strip away and shed as we drive towards perfection. I see this in the details…what is included and why. I’m reminded of the sweat and blood and tears and joy that all greatness requires. And in the movements I see the countless hours of dedication required to bring any goal to life. I see the time given. I see my life reflected back at me through minutes and seconds and I am reminded that there is still a road ahead and an unfolding of countless journeys yet to come.

How did you approach the shoot?

I wanted our shoot to reflect countless hours spent over a lifetime pursuing exploration. The late nights spent in the dark, hovering above the expanse of the world below. When we leave behind the comfort of our everyday lives and willfully exchange it for discomfort, we are invited into a space of our own evolution and we discover what we are capable of. In the mountains or on the ocean, time dilates and minutes can be experienced as hours, and days remembered as mere seconds. Oftentimes, our success or failure is tied to how we optimize our time…when we wake, how quickly we move, how much we sleep…it is all a measure of time. Speed equates to safety and can literally mean the difference between life and death. Can we beat the sun before the ice melts and rocks begin to rain down? Can we cross a slope before the snow becomes too unstable to traverse, warmed by the heat of the day? Can we beat a storm or must we retreat? It is all a measure of time. I wanted to tell that story of a day moving through an environment, optimized and by attention to detail and efficiency through the awareness of time. It is a story of goals and willingness to observe and respect what is necessary to achieve them, measured out to the last second.

How do you feel about wearing an Overseas Limited Edition “Everest”?

Wearing an Overseas “Everest”, I’m reminded of everything from my childhood and everything that brought me to this moment in time…the trials, the seemingly endless learning through trial and error. The failures balanced against the successes. I’m actually emotional when I stop and contemplate what this watch actually says…about my life and what it can mean to others who wear it. To share such an enormous piece of me condensed into something so refined and beautiful is a humbling honor beyond the words I have. I guess what I feel most is gratitude. Gratitude for the time spent in the company of countless mentors and friends. Gratitude for the places seen and the effort given. And gratitude for everyone who has worked so hard to express all of that in a timepiece that encapsulates it all with such articulation, beauty, and thoughtfulness. I’ve always loved watches, but this is much more than that.

What parallels could you draw between this Overseas “Everest” model and our collaboration with One of not many concepts as your personality?

It’s hard to accept myself as one of not many because I believe that we are all truly extraordinary in our own expressions. But I also work to celebrate the pieces of me that have brought this to life and appreciate that path. In very real terms, every Overseas “Everest” is truly one of not many and that limited nature only acts to amplify everything that has been accomplished and expressed in the watch itself. Much like a timepiece, we are greater than the sum of our parts. Each of us is made of our own collection of movements and gearing, the machinations of the lives we’ve lived…and the outward expression of that is unique. I see this collaboration as a continued expression of that concept. The movements in me are echoed in the craftsmanship I look to countless times everyday, leading me further into an exploration of self, art, and the planet. For that, I can’t be more humbled and grateful.

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Summary

A watch for sports enthusiasts and adventurers, Overseas is reaching new heights and exploring new aesthetic territories, as the collection welcomes two 150-piece limited editions: Overseas chronograph “Everest” and Overseas dual time “Everest”. Inspired by a prototype developed by Vacheron Constantin in 2019 to accompany Cory Richards on his third expedition to the ‘roof of the world’, they are distinguished by a powerful and bold design. Available in a diameter of 42.5 mm for the chronograph version and 41 mm for the dual time interpretation, the case combines the lightness and robustness of titanium with the shimmering gleam of stainless steel. This sophisticated look brimming with contrasts is paired with a self-interchangeable rubber or Cordura® strap lined with nubuck calfskin. On the technical side, the chronograph model is equipped with self-winding Calibre 5200/2, while the dual time model opts for self-winding Calibre 5110 DT/2. These two in-house movements feature an extremely contemporary anthracite grey NAC treatment. Setting a signature touch, their 22K pink gold oscillating weight is adorned with an engraving of Mount Everest inspired by a photograph taken by Cory Richards.

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TECHNICAL DATA

Overseas dual time “Everest”

Reference
7910V/000T-B922

Calibre
5110 DT/2
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
NAC treatment
22K pink gold Overseas oscillating weight with Everest engraving
30.6 mm (13¼’’’) diameter, 6 mm thick
Approximately 60 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
234 components
37 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Indications
Hours and minutes
Central seconds
Second timezone, set by the crown
Day/night (AM/PM) indication at 9 o’clock, synchronised with home time
Date at 6 o’clock, synchronized with local time, set by pusher

Case
Titanium and stainless steel
41 mm diameter, 12.8 mm thick
Bezel, crown, pusher guards and pushers in titanium
Bezel-ring in stainless steel
Screwed-down crown and quarter-turn screw-lock pushers
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistant tested at a pressure of 15 bar (approx. 150 meters)

Dial
Grey-blue grained dial
18K gold applied hour-markers
18K gold hours, minutes, seconds and counters hands
Orange dual time hands
Hours-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®

Straps
Grey Cordura® fabric with Orange stitching, featuring a black nubuck leather lining
Delivered with a second strap in grey rubber

Clasp
Titanium/Stainless steel folding clasp

Limited and numbered edition of 150 pieces
Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques

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Overseas chronograph “Everest”

Reference
5510-000T-B923

Caliber
5200/2
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
22K pink gold Overseas oscillating weight
30.6 mm (13¼’’’) diameter, 6.6 mm thick
Approximately 52 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
263 components
54 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Indications
Hours and minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Dat
Column-wheel chronograph (30-minute and 12-hour counters)

Case
Titanium and stainless steel
42.5 mm diameter, 13.7 mm thick
Bezel, crown, pusher guards and pushers in titanium
Bezel-ring in stainless steel
Screwed-down crown and quarter-turn screw-lock pushers
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistant tested at a pressure of 15 bar (approx. 150 metres)

Dial
Grey-blue grained dial
18K gold applied hour-markers
18K gold hours, minutes, seconds and counters hands
Orange chronograph hands
Hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®

Straps
Grey Cordura® fabric with Orange stitching, featuring a black nubuck leather lining
Delivered with a second strap in grey rubber

Clasp
Titanium/Stainless steel folding clasp

Limited and numbered edition of 150 pieces
Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques