Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton

Vacheron Constantin launches Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton Reimagining an understated tourbillon sports watch.

The Overseas Tourbillon is a hidden gem among Vacheron Constantin sports watches, thin, understated and value for money. Now it's had a complete makeover.

The excess metal on the dial and bridges is gone, creating the new Overseas tourbillon skeleton. The titanium version, available in two metals, is particularly attractive as it is a metal rarely used by haute horlogerie manufacturers.

Despite being aesthetically diametrically opposed, the Skeleton is just as handsome as the standard Overseas Tourbillon. In terms of finishing, aesthetics and watchmaking, the Tourbillon Skeleton is at the top of its class not only in the luxury sports category but also in the brand's other offerings.

One reason is that the well-proportioned case is 42.5mm wide and only 10.39mm high. This results in the elegant, flat and generous proportions that define the most desirable luxury sports watches. These proportions give the watch a sporty aesthetic, which is further enhanced by the black skeleton movement. In comparison, the base model of the Overseas is smaller in diameter but slightly thicker.

In-house movements are known for balancing simplicity and complexity, which is often a challenge for skeletonized movements. In comparison, I find the latest Royal Oak Skeleton Tourbillon to be too delicate, and the GP Laureato Skeleton Tourbillon to be too clean.

Titanium models are approximately 25% more expensive than steel models. While affordability is relative, the Tourbillon Skeleton represents pretty good value as there are few comparable offerings at this price point. Even in the brand's own catalogue, skeletonized watches are mostly much more expensive.

skeleton
The watch is powered by cal. 2169 SQ, one based on the cal. 2160 found in the standard model. As a derivative of cal. 2160, the movement is very attractive thanks to the visible tourbillon bridge on the front and back.

Thoughtful details have been incorporated into the movement, such as the tourbillon cage shaped like a Maltese cross and the barrel cover shaped like a compass rose.

A key but underrated feature is the peripheral wound rotor made of a narrow band of 22k gold. It oscillates around the circumference of the movement so as not to obscure the view.

Like the other skeletonized movements of the brand, the craftsmanship is impeccable. Take, for example, the bevels of the bridge decks, which are done in the traditional way with pith wood. This technique allows for a finer mirror finish and curvature on the hypotenuse.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton
Ref. 6000V/110R-B934 (Titanium)
refer to. 6000V/110T-B935 (pink gold)

Diameter: 42.5mm
Height: 10.39 mm
Material: Titanium or 18k rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Cal. 2169 SQ
Functions: hours, minutes and tourbillon
Winding: automatic
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Same bracelet and additional rubber and leather strap with folding clasp