Hands-On With the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

Nowadays, it almost seems that every order for an (iconic) sports watch is in any material other than precious metals. Ceramic, sapphire, forged carbon, titanium, or stainless steel are all held in high regard, evoking a high want factor among watch enthusiasts. Call me old-fashioned, but I love a watch in precious metal, particularly those (iconic) sports watches like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas.

This specific model, which was launched earlier this year at Watches & Wonders in Geneva, combines a pink gold case and bracelet with an ultra-thin skeleton movement, offering a perpetual calendar highlighted by blue details. The contrast of colors is striking and gives the Overseas a rich look, while at the same time being quite legible for a skeleton watch. This is also somewhat mandatory, as the perpetual calendar has quite a bit of information to display.

With a diameter of 21.5mm, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar commands attention without becoming too much of a good thing. The latter is also thanks to an overall height of just 8.1mm, which contributes in a pleasant way to the wearability of the watch. The reference is powered by caliber 1120 QPSQ/1 which showcases a refined finishing that earns it the Geneva Seal.

The movement offers a 40-hour power reserve and is capable of indicating hour and minutes in addition to the current phase of the moon, day, month, and leap year. Vacheron Constantin opts for a compass rose decoration on the oscillating weight, which also makes the back beautiful to look at.

As is standard with all Overseas watches in the current collection, the pink gold bracelet can be swapped between a leather or rubber strap in a matter of seconds, without the use of tools to do so. This increases the versatility of the perpetual calendar but also allows it to embody different characteristics.

While many may still prefer a less precious material, to me, this Vacheron Constantin brings together a coveted complication in skeletonized form with one of the brand's signature designs, and it feels only proper to use gold to do so. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin retails for 96,500 € (approximately ($93,100).

For more information, visit Vacheron Constantin, here

Do you prefer (iconic) sports watches in gold or rather enjoy them in a less precious material? Let us know in the comments.