WHL's comprehensive overview of Vacheron Constantin's Overseas Chronograph with a blue dial highlights the evolution of this sought-after configuration. His personal journey with the Overseas collection provides a unique perspective on the brand's design choices and the rarity of blue-dialed chronographs over the years. This article is a valuable resource for collectors interested in the historical context and various iterations of this specific Vacheron Constantin model.
Vacheron Constantin�s Overseas collection has been one of the premiere luxury sport watches ever since its introduction in 1996. The original design was offered in 35 mm and 37 mm sizes for me, and features dials in various colors (blue, silver, salmon, black). It was a 37 mm model with blue dial and Arabic numbers that entered my collection as my first Vacheron Constantin timepiece, and so the line has always had a prized place in my horological heart.
This particular model was made in an edition of 75 pieces for the North American market. I would later add the 40 mm Overseas Chronograph to my collection in both the silver dial:
and black �military� dial:
Ideally Vacheron Constantin would have made a blue dial Overseas Chronograph to match my automatic. I finally found out in 2005 that they did make one (quite literally one!), and that it was a prototype never approved for production.
Courtesy of TheHourLounge
Vacheron Constantin redesigned the Overseas collection in 2006, augmenting the case size to 42 mm for both the automatic and chronograph, and also adding a dual time model to the range. Alas, no blue dial was to be found, though that didn�t stop me from enjoying the silver dial automatic:
and the limited edition North American edition of the Overseas Chronograph:
However, you can�t keep a good idea down for long! Vacheron Constantin made its first blue dial for the second generation of the Overseas in a limited edition for the Greek Market:
This series of 100 pieces clearly takes its inspiration from the prototype older model shown above.
Another special edition, adding the perpetual calendar complication to the chronograph, was made with a blue dial for the grand opening of Vacheron Constantin�s New York boutique.
There are only 20 out there for lucky collectors (I saw it again recently on when I was in NY)
In 2012 Vacheron Constantin finally brought out a non-limited edition of the Overseas Chronograph for collectors.
Like with the NY Boutique edition, the dial eschews the textured finish of the standard models in favor of a flat, deep, rich blue, which is stunning in person, though hard to capture accurately in photographs, try as I might:
I find the combination of a deep blue dial with a stainless steel case to be very attractive, and a versatile look that partners well for both dress and casual attire.
Those who prefer leather or rubber straps over steel bracelets will be pleased to learn that Vacheron Constantin has very quietly announced that it will be making a version that will come with both a blue rubber and as well as a blue alligator strap:
And for those who already have the bracelet model and would like to add the strap and buckle, those are easily acquired accessories to give the watch a new look.
Bill Lind
VC Forum Moderator
This message has been edited by WHL on 2013-10-31 08:49:41 
