The Bejewelled Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Is a Vision in White Gold

High jewellery timepieces are known for their generous use of precious gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. These gemstones can be set into watch dials, bezels, cases, and bracelets, adding a touch of opulence. High-quality craftsmanship is needed to create high jewellery timepieces. Along with the focus on aesthetics, these timepieces often incorporate advanced watchmaking technology; they may include complex movements, complications, and other innovative features. Demonstrating such a balance between form and function, the newly launched Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon high jewellery watch (Ref. 6007V/210G-B955) marks the debut of white gold and the signature blue dial, with 85 baguette-cut diamonds, in the collection.

White gold, which has a lustrous and sophisticated appearance, is often compared to platinum. It provides a neutral and versatile backdrop for various dial and strap designs. The material is a popular one in the jewellery and watchmaking industries. Essentially, it is an alloy of gold and other white metals, such as palladium, nickel, and zinc, which gives it a silvery white colour. It is more scratch-resistant, compared with other metals, and generally lighter than materials like stainless steel and platinum, thereby making it comfortable for the wrist.

With a diameter of 42.5 mm and a thickness of 10.39 mm, the white gold case of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon has a soft iron casing ring to protect the movement from magnetism and a screw-down crown at 3 o’clock. The signature six-sided bezel, usually polished to contrast with the matte satin-brushed surfaces, is set for the first time with 60 baguette-cut diamonds. With their 25 facets, flat surfaces, and sharp edges, the choice of invisible-set baguette-cut diamonds – as opposed to round brilliant-cut diamonds – reinforces the architectural design of the Overseas.

The translucent blue-lacquered dial gets a sunburst satin-finished base with a velvet-finish flange and 18 ct white gold, trapezoidal hour-markers, each with nine baguette-cut diamonds in a closed setting. What’s more, 18 ct white gold is also incorporated into the hours and minutes hands, highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova®. From 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock, there is a tourbillon cage, just 5.65 mm thick and shaped like a Maltese cross; it gets 565 exclusive baguette-cut diamonds, totalling 19 carats. The bridge is black polished by hand to produce a mirror-like effect.

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The Overseas Tourbillon is powered by Vacheron Constatin’s ultra-thin automatic tourbillon, self-winding Calibre 2160, delivering a robust 80-hour power reserve. Turning the watch over showcases the transparent sapphire crystal caseback with a 22ct gold peripheral rotor. The movement is decorated in line with the Hallmark of Geneva standards. On the caseback, wearers can also view the tourbillon cage. This Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon timepiece also comes with an integrated white gold bracelet with a folding clasp, and two additional straps, one in blue calfskin rubber and a sportier one in blue rubber. The extra straps are fitted with white gold pin buckles, each set with 16 baguette-cut diamonds.