Vacheron Constantin Overseas (VC OS)
At end of 1994 VC decided to create a sports watch directly
getting its design cues from the 222 launched almost 20 years before: a tonneau
shaped case with a round serrated bezel this time in the form of a broken
Maltese cross. The design team was composed of Dino Modolo, independent
designer in charge of many Vacheron Condtantin designs of the time and Vincent
Kaufmann a in-house designer today heading the VC design team. First was
launched the time only model housing cal 1310 based on GP calibre 3100 in a
37mm case (also a 35mm model as well as a lady’s 24mm model was also launched)
including an extremely rare left hand version made in only 3 pieces, followed
in 1999 by the chronograph housing the Piguet based automatic calibre 1137
based on the Piguet calibre 1185 specially modified to add a big date
mechanism. “The success of the Overseas went beyond our expectations” says
Christian Selmoni Marketing Product and Product Development Director.
In 2004 brought a 42mm case that tailored the Overseas to
suit contemporary tastes for bolder styles and as larger watches.
A Casual Watch with touch of sportive look
“With time the Overseas has become symbolic of Vacheron
Constantin, but I don’t define it as a sports watch, but rather a casual watch.
A sports watch is made for sports, the Overseas of course can be worn during
sport activities but it is a discreet model which can be worn during week ends,
leisure periods and fit for every day use” says brand CEO Charly Torres.
His Rivals
From inception, it was clear that the Overseas would be exclusive piece. Compared to rivals Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, VC produces about half and one-third as many watches per year, respectively. In practice, the Overseas is even more scarce than the Nautilus and Royal Oak. While those watches have been on the market for decades, and many pre-owned models come to market alongside new versions, the 42 mm Overseas Chronograph featured here has been available only since 2004.
From inception, it was clear that the Overseas would be exclusive piece. Compared to rivals Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, VC produces about half and one-third as many watches per year, respectively. In practice, the Overseas is even more scarce than the Nautilus and Royal Oak. While those watches have been on the market for decades, and many pre-owned models come to market alongside new versions, the 42 mm Overseas Chronograph featured here has been available only since 2004.
The Big Date on OS.
The dial of the Overseas Chronograph is where Vacheron Constantin declares intent to distinguish itself from the Daytonas of the world. A double-digital grand date display at 12 o'clock offers good legibility and a feature that the Daytona can't match.
The dial of the Overseas Chronograph is where Vacheron Constantin declares intent to distinguish itself from the Daytonas of the world. A double-digital grand date display at 12 o'clock offers good legibility and a feature that the Daytona can't match.
Fine Touches on Design
Vacheron employs an intricate rose-lathe guilloché on the dial that adds visual interest and articulates the large open swaths of silver metal. Each of the chronograph subdials features a fine concentric circle pattern that speaks to VC's eye for detail. Grey anodized hands are an unique touch that really "pop" against the dark black tone of the dial, and matching applied indexes compound the effect; it's a standout.
Vacheron employs an intricate rose-lathe guilloché on the dial that adds visual interest and articulates the large open swaths of silver metal. Each of the chronograph subdials features a fine concentric circle pattern that speaks to VC's eye for detail. Grey anodized hands are an unique touch that really "pop" against the dark black tone of the dial, and matching applied indexes compound the effect; it's a standout.
VC case
VC's Overseas case is a newcomer to the sports watch scene, but it's well on its way to becoming a classic in its own right. The combination of a brushed case and polished bezel creates an impression of substance that eclipses the wrist presence of any Daytona. Thoughtful bezel faceting echos the signature Vacheron "Maltese Cross" logo and adds to the impact of the Overseas Chronograph.
VC's Overseas case is a newcomer to the sports watch scene, but it's well on its way to becoming a classic in its own right. The combination of a brushed case and polished bezel creates an impression of substance that eclipses the wrist presence of any Daytona. Thoughtful bezel faceting echos the signature Vacheron "Maltese Cross" logo and adds to the impact of the Overseas Chronograph.
VC OS under water
Beside Style, it comes with real substance is the Overseas Chronograph. While Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Chronograph is barely suited to the kind of pool at 50 meters of resistance and Patek Philippe's $60,000 Nautilus 5980 chronograph is rated to 120m, the Overseas Chrono says it could survive at a 150 meter rating.
Beside Style, it comes with real substance is the Overseas Chronograph. While Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Chronograph is barely suited to the kind of pool at 50 meters of resistance and Patek Philippe's $60,000 Nautilus 5980 chronograph is rated to 120m, the Overseas Chrono says it could survive at a 150 meter rating.
VC OS Calibre
The Overseas' F. Piguet (now Manufacture Blancpain) chronograph engine is a gem and a fitting power plant for a watch like the Overseas. In practice, its pushers are crisp, and its action is smooth. Under the hood, the finish is executed to a standard that's unmistakably Vacheron. Polishing, angling, and linear Côtes de Genève speak to the degree of effort that VC craftsmen invested in this watch.
The Overseas' F. Piguet (now Manufacture Blancpain) chronograph engine is a gem and a fitting power plant for a watch like the Overseas. In practice, its pushers are crisp, and its action is smooth. Under the hood, the finish is executed to a standard that's unmistakably Vacheron. Polishing, angling, and linear Côtes de Genève speak to the degree of effort that VC craftsmen invested in this watch.
If you're going to use a customer caliber, use the best, and
VC does it.
VC Deployed
A steel bracelet with double deployant action ensures comfort and security on the wrist.
A steel bracelet with double deployant action ensures comfort and security on the wrist.
Twin-trigger release permits easy removal when desired while
eliminating the potential for accidental deployment in the event of sudden
shock or a glancing blow. While comparisons to the Daytona generally favor the
Overseas, where the bracelet is concerned, VC absolutely leaves the Rolex for
dead.
Comparison with the legendary Daytona
Technical Specification
The Daytona's 4130 is versus the Piguet 1185 animating the
VC OS.
When the 1185 made its debut in 1987, it was the "Best
Of Breed", and the 1185 is for sure a very good chrono movement - column wheel
switched, friction engaged chrono works.
The 4130 is 30.5mm X
6.5mm, VS the 1185 is 26mm X 5.5mm.
The 4130 beats at 28.8 APH,
the 1185 at 21.6 APH.
The 4130 has 72 hour power reserve, the 1185 about 40 hours
The 4130 has an adjustable mass balance, the Piguet is pin
regulated;
The 4130 employs an overcoil terminated balance spring and the
1185 a flat balance spring.
My Overall Comment, the Daytona Compares with VC OS, the
movement has a better features.
Interesting comment on comparison between Daytona and VC OS.
Rolex Forums comment
*I have owned the 116520 and 116509 Daytonas. I have owned a
VC overseas, but the non-chronograph variant. I assume the finish and
workmanship of the Overseas and Overseas Chronograph are similar.
The VC was a higher quality level based on my examination of
the case and dial. Also nice touches like ceramic bearings on the rotor and
gold on edge of rotor to increase mass, along with Faraday shield for
anti-magnet properties. If I could of figured out how to wear the box on my
wrist I would have...... absolutely gorgeous furniture quality. Lastly, the
integration of the VC symbol the Maltese cross into the design of the bracelet
and bezel is very cool.
That said, I really like a Daytona and I really like the VC.
*I like them both, but they're not really in the same price
range. The Overseas lineup has a lot less heritage than the Daytona, and AFAIK
they don't have an in-house movement. Unlike a steel Daytona, with the Overseas
lineup you also have to face a huge depreciation after a new purchase.
If money no object, I'd get the VC, on the basis that I'm
not fond of the shiny bezel of the Daytona. And I kinda fancy the Overseas
bracelet, it looks unique.
*Frankly, I'm not totally in love with either. Here are my
observations:
DAYTONA: Oh-so-classic but I don't find it legible enough
and I think the current design of the subdials isn't as attractive as the
16520-Zenith-based one. I really wouldn't mind another 1-2mm in case size, same
thickness, but that is not a deal killer. The inability to buy a nice OEM
leather band for the SS models is just stupefying. On top of that, I would
really like a date function (without cyclops).
VCOSC: Not a "real" Vacheron Constantin as it
doesn't use a in-house movement but rather starting off with a Jaeger-LeCoultre
ebauche, even if the rework it. On top of that, I'm not really a fan of the
dial pattern but I do like the design of the sub-dials and the hands, date etc
are all in good harmony. Lastly, the pattern of the bracelet is not to my
taste. Having said all of this, I think the Chrono with slate dial (aka
"Deep Stream") on leather bracelet is really attractive.
I'd wait for Basel to see if there is any Daytona upgrade.
Otherwise I'd rather buy something like a JLC Master Control Chronograph today
if I needed a chrono.
came across pulling a trigger on a white dial VC Overseas
Auto and decided against it in the end. not having an in-house movement was one
of the reasons (yes, i know a non-in-house Daytona fetches quite abit too, but
we are talking about a VC here...)
dont get me wrong, i like VC as a company, but just can see
the "value" in their Overseas range anymore.... but one day i will
def. get my hands on a VC... and i already know which one i want
Daytona has a high resale value. Cal. 4130 is excellent
movement, but Daytona is not rare.
Overseas has an another great automatic chronograph calibre,
FP 1185. Rare, but has a low resale value.
If I were you, I would have a look on JLC MC Chrono models.
They look awesome.
* I've never understood why JLC isn't considered one of the
"top three". Patek, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin have all
used JLC movements. In the case of Patek & AP, at various stages, they both
bought the company to obtain the JLC movement secrets & then sold the
company on.
left APRO Chronograph, Right the VCOS
In large part, this is a matter of taste and style rather
than objective facts. Obviously,
comparing them both in the same metal and both on bracelets we have two
12-hour, 3-subdial chronographs with screw down crowns and pushers, and a good
case could be made for selecting either one. Some differences that might matter
to some buyers, one way or the other, are: The Daytona is apparently produced
in much larger numbers and is recognizable to many more non-WIS. To some this, is a plus, to others a minus.
The Daytona is 40 mm; the newer Overseas Chrono. is 42 mm. Some prefer one over the other. The Daytona
now uses an in-house movement; the Overseas Chrono. uses a modified F. Piguet
movement. Both are fine and plenty
accurate, but some people care about whether the movement was made by the same
company that owns the brand name. Daytona models vary in the legibility of the
time and subdial counters to a greater degree than Overseas Chrono.
models. Some people care about being
able to read the time or elapsed time, others not so much. The Daytona has no
date, while the Overseas has a large date (but not a very readable one to my
eyes). Some people care about a date.
The Daytona has as ordinary a bracelet as is made; the Overseas bracelet in
exceptional for stability, comfort, and design.
Some people prefer one over the other. The Daytona feels lighter and
more flimsy than the Overseas. Some
people prefer one over the other. The Daytona has a tach. scale that some
people care about. My own view is that a steel Daytona is just an ordinary
Rolex of no interest, while a steel Overseas Chrono. is a thing of beauty and a
great companion, but I recognize this is a choice based on taste and style, not
necessarily superior performance. The
white gold Daytona with silver dial on the other hand is something special for
which VC doesn't yet have a comparable offering. I still have my fingers crossed that VC will
someday make a white gold Overseas on a bracelet with a blue guilloche dial.
Park
My Comment
Both Daytona and VC OS carries similar size, with my wrist, size 38mm to 42 mm is suitable.
Both Daytona and VC OS carries similar size, with my wrist, size 38mm to 42 mm is suitable.
Daytona Zenith 16520 is more collectible as comparing with 115620
is no question, reflecting on their price.
Does not mean earlier is always better, but later is always
unknown to me as do one know how many they would have made until one day they
stopped making it.… always less is more… for Collector.
A Date is very important for my daily uses.
Branding is important so as why Patek Philippe, Audemars
Piguet… VC is an old watch makers back to 1755, whereas PP is 1839 and AP is
1875, needless to tell youngest here Rolex is 1905.
As for the VC OS, I just like the case and bracelet design, they
are timeless in term of the look, and the transformed “Maltese Cross"
bezel is a nice.
The less is more concepts… Do you know how hard to get an VC
222, Patek Nautilus 1976, or AP Royal Oak 1972 in gold or steel nowadays. Just because
it was made in small number…. So as their price would be very high… estimated price of a solid yellow gold 222 is
now US$30,000 to 38,000!
A steel APRO 1972 Jumbo is US$30,000.
Don’t mention a Daytona Paul Newman… which is very expensive now.
The watch is reflecting your style, taste and your image… So
long if you can afford a timeless time piece at a reasonable price…. That is
what we are looking for here.
HK Snob
PS
Parts of the information was obtained from various sites.
Source of the comment is From Rolex Forums, the hour Lounge
mainly.
