Lifestyle
Tick Talk's detailed photo essay on changing straps and bracelets on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas remains an invaluable resource for owners. This guide, created over a decade ago, demystifies a process that can seem daunting, empowering collectors to customize their watches at home. It highlights the practical aspects of ownership and the enduring design of the Overseas's interchangeable system.
Discussions on swapping the Overseas straps and bracelets around led me to create this little photo essay describing the process. Its easily accomplished without resorting to a watchmaker 
Begin with a comfortable spot, good lighting, and your reading glasses on. Put a soft cloth down to organize your bits and keep any tiny screws you drop from bouncing to kingdom come. Assemble your tools.
I prefer to start with the deployant buckle. The OS design features a set-screw that holds the buckle firmly to the strap. A proper-sized screwdriver can be inserted through a cut-out in the deployant to unfasten this screw.
Having released the opening or long side of the strap, we address the short side. This end has a single set-screw which secures a pin that attaches the deployant to the strap. The very small screw must be removed - be careful not to misplace it.
Once this screw is removed, the pin can then be pushed through to separate the buckle from the watch.
Now we head over to the lugs. A short screw must be removed from each side to access the pin that actually holds the strap to the case. Once the screws are removed, you push the pin out with the proper tool; a narrow screwdriver will do but be gentle around the lugs as the polished surface is unforgiving.
To reverse the process, a bit of Loctite 242 or similar low or medium-strength "threadlocker" adhesive is STRONGLY advised. Its easy to use and any excess wipes away with a tissue. Keep in mind that when you go to release the screws next time, you must first break the adhesion with a firm twist. Hence the need for a properly sized screwdriver to prevent damage to the screw head or surrounding case. A blue residue will remain on the threads, which is a good reminder to use the Loctite again. Notice a bit of tape on the table for easy clean-up.
We are done! I don't use adhesive on the large screw that secures the buckle to the long strap - just don't feel its necessary. But that little screw on the short end definately needs some. Enjoy the "new" look of your old watch
this is a great reference for people, and I will put it on the VC Blog for easier reference for readers. Bill
I love the comfort of the rubber strap so much that the grey alligator came off when it arrived and hasn't been back on yet. Well-fitting for its size; the largest I'd previously owned was 40mm so there was a bit of apprehension until first worn but that turned out to be a non-issue. I'm shocked to relate this, but the Gen II chrono on rubber strap is more comfortable than the Gen I, which was only available on bracelet. And I'd forgotten what a little gem the 1137 caliber is; just a flick of th
I agree with everything you wrote in your mini-review of the VCOS. This watch is so comfortable on the rubber strap. I, too, never wear it on the leather strap, but I do like it on the beautiful bracelet. I won't say it is as comfortable as the rubber strap, but it is gorgeous and still quite comfortable. I love the cal. 1137 as well. It always performs beautifully, just as you described. That is why I am not in a hurry to see it replaced with an in-house movement for the Overseas Chrono. So gla
Hi respo. Yes, for a sports watch it would be hard to improve upon such a robust and servicable movement as the FP 1185. I believe VC is deep into development of a column-wheel chronograph and eagerly await this but wouldn't consider it heresy to see the lovely 1120 used as a base caliber for a chronograph module either ;-)
and I can't see that happening under any scenario! Calibre 1120 watches are so expensive that it would be completely unrealistic to put a highly modified (module chronograph) version in an Overseas, VC's "entry level" watches. Bill
who would have though of an OS Perpetual Calendar until VC did it? And the 18k gold watch & bracelet OS isn't exactly entry-priced :-0 The Overseas has proven to be an extremely flexibile line, from tool watches to haute horlogerie! What I'm sayin here is if they don't launch a Historiques 222 then an 1120-powered OS would do ;-)
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