Vacheron Constantin Retrograde Complication A First For Overseas…

The sporty Vacheron Constantin Overseas line incorporates a retrograde display for the first time, whilst keeping the collections iconic attributes immediately recognisable.

The new version keeps the collection iconic attributes immediately recognisable: six-sided bezel evoking the Maltese cross, fluted crown, polished and satin-brushed finishes, translucent lacquered dial, luminescent hour-markers and hands, by combining them with a retrograde date and a precision moon-phase.

The Overseas retrograde moon phase date offers a rare combination in which technology is placed in the service of style and vice versa, serving as a reminder that the Maison’s signature retrograde displays can be reinvented. A retrograde date display is one in which the indicator does not complete a full turn of the dial, instead travelling along its entire measurement segment and then returning to its starting point to begin a new journey.

This timepiece is driven by in-house self-winding Calibre 2460 R31L/2 with a 40-hour power reserve. This 275-component movement can be admired through the sapphire caseback, notably the circular-grained surface of its mainplate and its 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a stylised compass rose recalling the themes travel and exploration. The moon phases are displayed through a 6 o’clock aperture graduated from 0 to 29½ and thus serving to read off the number of days elapsed since the last new moon. This complication, known as the age of the moon, corresponds to the actual cycle of this heavenly body which completes one full rotation around the Earth in exactly 29 days, 12 hours and 45 minutes. The precision moon-phase mechanism requires a one-day correction only every 122 years. The retrograde date indication by central hand occupies the upper part of the dial.

At the crossroads between technical sophistication and the pursuit of aesthetic principles, the new Overseas moon phase retrograde date succeeds in incorporating an astronomical complication by combining it with a retrograde date display, a true signature of the Maison, within a sporty-elegant case. Equipped with in-house 5.4 mm-thick Calibre 2460 R31L/2, this timepiece reflects the grand watchmaking traditions in the inherently modern and contemporary spirit of the Overseas collection.

Technical Specifications:

Overseas moon phase retrograde date

Reference 4000V/210A-B911
Calibre 2460 R31L/2
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
22K gold Overseas oscillating weight
27.2 mm (11½’’’) diameter, 5.4 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour)
275 components
27 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications Hours, minutes
Retrograde date
Precision moon phase, age of the moon
Case Steel
41 mm diameter, 10.48 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Screwed-down crown
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistant tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial Translucent blue-lacquered, sunburst satin-brushed base with velvet-finished flange
18K white gold hour-markers and hours, minutes, date hands highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®
Straps Steel, half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links, secured by a 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
Additional straps Blue calfskin leather with grey stitches
Blue rubber
Delivered with a second steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and interchangeable system, compatible with both additional straps.