Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watchmakers on the planet, having an uninterrupted history since 1755, and producing some of the most traditionally manufactured timepieces you can buy today. But just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it can’t a damn good sports watch. Vacheron Constantin reminded us of that today, with the launch of a pair of Overseas “Everest” limited editions, built to go where other watches can’t.
Back in 2019, Vacheron Constantin quietly produced a unique Overseas Dual Time prototype, that was to be worn by mountaineer Cory Richards while he summited Everest. Richards was attempting an entirely new route up Everest, approaching from the Tibetan/Chinese side and climbing the whole way without supplemental oxygen.
His prototype Overseas Dual Time was on his wrist for every step of the (eventually unsuccessful) attempt, bringing Vacheron Constantin into the fold of proper tool watches. Building on the 2019 prototype, Vacheron Constantin has debuted two new Overseas limited editions in titanium and steel, both inspired by the watch that attempted Everest.
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The first is the Dual Time, which is the same model as the prototype, and comes complete with the same granularly textured blue dial and orange highlights. Unlike the standard production models, the lightweight titanium case is a functional game-changer, as well as being less visually flashy than its stainless steel siblings.
The second limited edition is the Overseas Chronograph, also cased in the darkened tones of titanium. Just like the Dual Time, it has an intricately textured dial with high-contrast orange highlights. While it’s less of a functional travel watch than the Dual Time, it remains a serious sports chronograph, powered by the Vacheron Constantin in-house automatic column-wheel chronograph movement.
Both watches arrive with two strap options, in the Grey Cordura fabric strap and a matching grey rubber strap. Also, a feature of both watches is the skillfully engraved 22K pink gold rotor, which features an image of Everest based on a photo taken by Cory Richards, when he was wearing the prototype Dual Time. As is so often the case with Vacheron Constantin, the details are key to appreciating their watches.
Bothe the Vacheron Constantin Everest Overseas Dual Time and Chronograph are limited editions of 150 pieces worldwide. The Dual Time has an RRP of $44,900, while the Chronograph will set you back $53,500.
