Vacheron Constantin has released a new interpretation of the Overseas ultra-thin perpetual calendar model. This new skeletonised interpretation in 18K 5N pink gold comes with a blue dial.
The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin was the winner of the Calendar and Astronomy Watch prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2020.
In order to keep track of the Gregorian calendar’s distinctive features, a perpetual calendar must be equipped with a mechanical memory of 1,461 days, taking the form of a cam on which, the different monthly durations are duly programmed. The mechanism can thus indicate without any need for correction months of 28, 30 and 31 days, as well as leap years.
On the Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin model, the day and date display along the horizontal axis is complemented on the vertical axis by the month indication across four years, while the moon-phase indication is symmetrically positioned at 6 o’clock beneath an opaque glass. The next adjustment of the date will only take place in 2100, a secular year divisible by four but not by 400 and therefore not a leap year – another singularity of the Gregorian calendar.
The Manufacture self-winding Calibre 1120 measuring just 2.45 mm thick is already considered a classic in the world of mechanical watches.
Complemented by a perpetual calendar module to form a total thickness of 4.05 mm, it nestles at the heart of the 18K 5N pink gold case with a total 8.1 mm thickness. Greatly appreciated by collectors for its reliability and performance, Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1 has been entirely skeletonised.
All parts of Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1 have been hollowed out, finished and decorated. The technical and aesthetic attention paid to the architecture of the calibre and to the surface finishes – including those that remain hidden from sight – stems from expertise in which the smallest details compose the anatomy of beauty characterising the timepieces from the Maison.
The movement has benefited from haute horlogerie finishing work entirely done by hand on all its components, which have been hand-drawn to create a satin-brushed appearance, chamfered to enhance the play of light and given a circular-brushed, sunburst or circular-grained decoration according to their place in the heart of the calibre.
The care devoted to these finishes is accentuated by the anthracite grey tone given by NAC (N-acetylcysteine) electrolytic treatment of the mainplate, bridges and open-worked oscillating weight shaped like a Maltese cross with a segment in 22K gold.
Operating at a rate of 19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz) and endowed with a 40-hour power reserve, the movement can be admired through the sapphire back of the 41.5 mm diameter case.
On the dial side, the thin blue calendar display rings and the same colour flange also provide a clear view of the calibre, while ensuring perfect legibility.
Thanks to its simple and practical interchangeable bracelet/strap system, the Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton watch can be adapted to any situation. It comes on an 18K 5N pink gold bracelet and is accompanied by two additional calfskin leather and rubber straps, each with an 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle.
The Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton watch is entirely in tune with Vacheron Constantin’s 2022 ‘Anatomy of Beauty®’ theme, which highlights the extraordinary attention involved to details all the way to the smallest component.
Technical details
Model: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Reference 4300V/120R-B642
Movement
Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
Open-worked oscillating weight inspired by the shape of a Maltese cross with a segment in 22K gold
NAC treatment
29.6 mm (12½’’’) diameter, 4.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour)
276 components
36 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications
Hours and minutes
Perpetual calendar (date, day of the week, month, leap year)
Moon phases
Case
18K 5N pink gold
41.5 mm diameter, 8.1 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial
Sapphire
18K 5N pink gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with Super-LumiNova®
Bracelet
18K 5N pink gold bracelet (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 calf leather strap with white stitches
Blue rubber
Buckles: Each additional strap comes with an 18K 5N pink gold buckle
Availability
Model exclusively available from Vacheron Constantin boutiques