Vacheron Constantin has been producing robust sports wristwatches since the 1930s. With their ‘form’ cases, they prefigured the integrated design that became firmly established from the 1970s onwards. During that decade, in 1977, the brand celebrated the 222nd anniversary of its founding with a model featuring a notched bezel and simply named “222”, which clearly inspired the Overseas collection. Right from its launch in 1996, it highlighted the theme of Vacheron Constantin’s emblematic Maltese cross symbol, first in the bezel and later also picked up in the bracelet as of 2004. The first Overseas models evoked travel through a depiction of the Amerigo Vespucci three-master on the caseback. Like its predecessor, the new Overseas is distinguished by its bezel with flared projections and the three-part bracelet links – all evoking the Maltese cross in a manner that adds a particularly refined touch. The same goes for the dial whose sunburst, snailed or velvet-finished base is coated with translucent lacquer and swept over by slender hands and hour-markers in gold, including on steel models. They echo the gold border around the inner bezel ring. In addition, Vacheron Constantin provides two alternatives to its metal bracelet: a nubuck-lined alligator leather strap and a rubber strap with a Maltese cross motif. All three are delivered with the watch and wearers can use the tool-free interchangeability system to change style as they wish. Like its predecessor, the new Overseas is also water-resistant to 150 metres – apart from the ultra-thin models – and protected from magnetic fields. For the latter feature, the inner case has been replaced by a soft iron ring, thus making it possible to fit a sapphire caseback for a pleasing view of the movement – including the oscillating weight whose wind rose design serves as a visual messenger of the model’s enduring invitation to journey towards far horizons. Made in gold, steel, even titanium, and bearing the Poinçon de Genève, the Overseas collection comprises hours-minutes-seconds models as well as others with horological complications such as the tourbillon, the chronograph, the perpetual calendar and dual time. Vacheron Constantin has also developed skeleton and extra-thin versions, alongside small seconds models, with or without diamonds, for women.

• Vacheron Constantin sports watch collection, redesigned in 2016 • A design evoking the emblematic Maltese cross shape