Vacheron Constantin created a prototype version of their Overseas Dual Time in titanium and tantalum, designed for National Geographic photographer and climber, Cory Richards, who climbed Mount Everest this Spring with the watch on his wrist.
The prototype is not planned to be sold to the public although I suspect it may be offered as a limited edition in the future, especially considering they’ve already invested in R&D to create what appears to be a production-ready model.
The Overseas Dual Time Prototype features a titanium case measuring 41 mm x 12.8 mm and is reinforced by tantalum under the bezel, for the crown (at 3 o’clock), and around the screw-locked ribbed barrel of the date pusher (at 4 o’clock). The tantalum stands out against the light gray titanium case due to its grayish-blue hue, which also matches the granular textured (frosted) dial that’s has a very similar gray-blue color shade. The indices are made of 18K oxidized gold (that have a subtle darkened appearance) and have been applied by hand. The hour an minute hands are also in an 18K oxidized gold.
A thick Ventile technical fabric strap in a blue-gray (that matches the dial and the tantalum components) is included and has a bright orange contrast threading which matches highlights on the dial and the bezel as well. An additional gray rubber strap and a titanium bracelet are also included. The straps and bracelet all feature Vacheron Constantin’s toolless quick change system which makes changing out the look an effortless process that can be done on the fly. (Ref. 7910V/000T-B603)
The dual time zone watch is powered by an in-house Vacheron Constantin automatic movement caliber 5110 DT measures 30 mm x 6 mm, runs at 4Hz, has 234 components, 37 jewels, a 60-hour power reserve, and a 22K pink oscillating weight relief engraved with a motif of Everest based on a photo taken by Cory Richards. The movement has a NAC treatment that gives it a darker appearance than the more commonly used rhodium plating.
A day and night indication at 9 o’clock, with an orange hand in sync with the home time which is displayed by the arrow-tipped orange hand. The date is synchronized with the main primary hour hand (local time). Both time zones are set by the crown.
This is Vacheron Constantin’s sports watch and features a soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection, a screwed-down crown, and quarter-turn screw-lock push-piece, with a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Water-resistance is 150 meters.
There’s no plan to market the Overseas Dual Time Cory Richards commercially but it’s a great looking watch and they’ve already done the work so perhaps we’ll see it for sale one day.
