Vacheron Constantin Overseas

The Holy Trinity of watch brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin.

Far less understood than either of its respected compatriots, Vacheron Constantin has a legacy of producing some of the very finest high horology complications in history — and some of the loveliest.

Sports watches came later to VC, as pressure from the new 'luxury sports watch' category introduced in the early 1970s forced the storied brand to evolve. Its entry arrived in the form of the Reference 222, whose design language would form the inspiration for the current Overseas collection. 

The Overseas — which competes with other watches such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, IWC Ingenieur, and Piaget Polo in the 'luxury sports watch' category — often finds itself favored by collectors who value a certain je ne sais quoi in their watches. After all, this is one of few 1970s icons not designed by the famed Gérald Genta!

This particular example, an Overseas Reference 42040J, is sized at 37mm — the perfect diameter for a wide range of wrist sizes. Dating to the late 1990s, this early execution features an 18k yellow gold case with an integrated-style bracelet, a notched bezel, a date complication, and a beautiful silver guilloché 'sigma' dial with applied 'wedge' indices, luminous tritium plots, and a luminous 'sword' handset.

Powered by the Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1310 automatic movement — a highly modified version of the Girard-Perregaux Caliber 3100 that measures roughly 3mm thick — the Ref. 42040J is wonderously slim, clocking in at just 8.5mm. Elegant and emblematic of neo-vintage 1990s design codes, it's an idea city-slicking watch for the discerning collector.  

Few watchmakers can claim a lineage as long or as rich as that of Vacheron Constantin.

Established in 1755, the manufacture soon had a reputation for the elegance of its products, which included pocket watches with complicated movements and engine-turned dials. Even today, these are marks of a watchmaker’s expertise due to the skill and precision involved in crafting them. For Vacheron Constantin to have achieved such a feat in the eighteenth century is nothing short of remarkable.
This expertise carried the firm through the 19th century, earning it gold medals at National Exhibitions and blazing trails in the area of anti-magnetic timepieces. The 20th century saw further achievements, such as the opening of its boutique on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it still resides today.

Even through the Depression and the Second World War, when many watch companies were forced to band together with competitors or else face closure, the manufacture continued to thrive. Whether via its vintage-inspired Historiques collection or its adventurous Overseas line, modern Vacheron Constantin is a horological force to be reckoned with.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.