hs111
16539
Sharing a recent arrival - The case of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500..
Friends, Many of you, including myself have witnessed that an increasing number of
brands, but also of specific model - and watch-lines are having one or more
blue dials in their portfolios. - Sometimes the slogan „Blue is the new Black“ was
recently prevailing at certain times within the watch community.
As to myself, I in general prefer black dials over silver/white. One part because of the
higher contrast, but also due to a certain coolness factor.
Now, today with these lines and covering a very recent new arrival for me, I just wanted to
submit some initial, rather quickly taken pics to share my joy and fondness with a
brand, into which I so far had not taken action, before this occasion..
Although I own several blue-dialled time-pieces, vintage and some modern as well
(eg: JLC Memovox E875, and such as the last year issued JLC Memovox Blue Boutique Edition,
which I truly love as a versatile watch with an elegant touch, or the more eclectic Geophysic Universal Time.
They should be good for a casual encounter but also to attend a theatre performance;
thus it occurred to me that I wanted another sports-time watch, three hands,
a date ( yes, a date !) but also with some sort of sophisticated twist. It should also have possibilities
to dress it up or down, ideally with variable straps to go with it.
After having seen several contenders ( eg: GP Laureato, Ulysse Nardin), I attended a nice
invitational show by the Richemont group brands. This was organized with the good opportunity
to handle and try on several pieces of different manufacturers, some of which
had appeared in my peripheral vision.
And there it was, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Automatic 4500V, (introduced in 2016)
with a lovely blue dial, rendering different hues with different rays of light.
Sun-burst finish in the centre and velvet type on the flange.
Unobtrusive, yet elegant sportiness
The nice welcome set ( accompanied by 2 straps+ 1 bracelet)
The indices, 18k WG baton type; trapezoid for 6,9,12, sleek & linear for the others.
There is a double track around the dial, one on the periphery for the minutes and one on the inner
flange for the seconds. The case also has some interesting DNA in the design codes
of the hexagonal „wide cut“ bezel, with the typical Maltese cross; a lovely almost
Tonneau shaped case, where the hexagonal part sits on.
This results in different types of finish: brushed, polished & velvet/satinated type.
Another feature I like a lot is VC’s modularity concept for strap/ bracelet switching: this proves to be a
very attractive solution for an intelligent, easily exchangable strap changing feature.
The bracelet shows brushed & polished finish, again featuring the „Malte cross“ & a double clasp
Thus switching from the steel bracelet, with a special, easily to operate click & clip-in lever, which makes
changing of the strap really a snap. The watch is equipped with 3 straps (bracelet, blue rubber
and dark blue alligator), which I appreciate quite a bit.
– Thus, you practically get 3 variants or characters in one watch..
I was also pretty taken in the first place: 41mm diameter, height 11mm, ss, 60 hrs
power reserve, Frequency 28.000 (4 Hz); also a really nice movement (5100) featuring
look-through the saphire glass caseback, exhibiting a very attractive 22 carat gold rotor
with a lovely finish: partial (semi- circular) brush, then an inside ring of partially a grainy pattern.
This golden rotor-weight also has an attractive VC compass-type rose emanating from the central axis point.
Taken all- together it took me not long to decide for this „straightforward & classical“ time & date watch,
and meanwhile it’s a frequently taken timepiece in my rotation;
And I still smile when I look at it..
Hope you enjoy some early pics of it; thus, here my most recent arrival !
Hues from Intense blue to very dark one
For me 41mm pleasure on the wrist
Intense blue hues
A good fit on my wrist. - Also note the two rails: mins (inner) & secs (outer)
Attractive movement with 22k gold rotor with „compass rose“ & clip-on/off for rapid strap exchange with lever on bracelet end
A good fit of case and bracelet & intense blue
Here with the alternate blue rubber strap - easy & intelligent
Unobtrusive sportive elegance
Multilink bracelet with Maltese cross & double clasp.
Cheers & wishing you all a good upcoming week,
hs. 
Sharing a recent arrival - The case of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500..
Friends, Many of you, including myself have witnessed that an increasing number of brands, but also of specific model - and watch-lines are having one or more blue dials in their portfolios. - Sometimes the slogan „Blue is the new Black“ was recently prev...
Congratulations hs!!
I evaluated all the alternatives as you did and decided on the 4500v brown dial, which is now discontinued. I loved the blue dial very much as well. Cheers! ...
Thanks for your review, HS111!
While I fully understand your decision, I was just curious about your comparison of the watch to the GP Laureato and the UN you were also looking at. Was there a specific element that made you choose the Overseas or a general feel? Thanks in advance!
Well, there were several points in fact: While the Laureato DM 42 ( vs 41 VC), deemed to me bolder and the octogonal shape..
..a bit stronger, edgier, while the VC has that rounded Tonneau and on top the serrated & wide cut round upper part, in the shape of a Maltese cross, and also with very nice shape & finish. The GP bracelet also appears stronger in appeal, vs a more „mello...
Thanks a lot for this thorough explanation :)
Really helpful to understand your reasoning here and looking forward to seeing that brown dial Laureato on your wrist soon, as a complement to the Overseas! Have a great week!
Very nice!
A worthy successor in the Overseas lineage. Alas, a bit too big for my wrist :-(
SUPERB watch !!!
Huge congrats to you !! For me the new Overseas 3. Gen are all pure winners -- same level than any PP RO or Nautilus, but more sporty !! Thanks for the very nice post and lots of fun with your beauty ! Werner PS: decided for the 7900 Dual Time, but love t...
Great review!
Until you try one on, it’s hard to communicate what makes this watch special. The size, thickness, dial, and comfort of the steel bracelet work together so well.
Could this possibly be the original watch that inspired the 222 / Overseas line??
From 1933, according to "L'Univers de Vacheron Constantin Genève" by Lambelet & Coen (1996) ...
If you start a separate thread
I'll share some obscure details about that model from 1933.
