Vacheron Constantin Unveils Two New Overseas “Everest” Limited Editions
After unprecedented demand for its Overseas prototype model which scaled Mount Everest, the Genevan watchmaker has brought two special edition “Everest” models into production.
The world’s oldest continuously operating watchmaker redefines its estimable heritage and gravitas with a bold new timepiece that breaks Haute horology out of the vitrine and puts it onto the challenging mountain face.
As a watchmaker, Geneva-based Vacheron Constantin dates back to 1755, making it the longest-running fine watchmaker in the world. As such, its wares have provided a source of fascination and obsession for fans of the best of Haute horology. Craftsmanship, innovation, finishing, intricacy – these are all things of legend when it comes to Vacheron Constantin. Today, however, with the introduction of two versions of a limited-edition "Everest" run to its popular Overseas timepiece line, Vacheron Constantin writes a rugged new chapter in its story. A watch fit for high – and we mean high with a capital “H" – adventure.
These releases take inspiration from the prototype dual time watch that accompanied American photographer, adventurer, and alpine climber, Cory Richards, on his Everest-conquering expedition in 2019. That prototype, by the way, went for $106,250, double its estimate, at a Phillips auction six months after Richards' daring third successful attempt on Mt. Everest.
Today the brand introduces the Overseas Chronograph "Everest" and the Overseas Dual Time "Everest." Both of which embody unexpected robustness, and drive to achieve, for the storied and sophisticated watch brand.
Lofty Inspiration
“Wearing an Overseas ‘Everest,’ I’m reminded of everything from my childhood and everything that brought me to this moment in time...the trials, the seemingly endless learning through trial and error. The failures balanced against the successes,” adventurer Richards shares. “I’m actually emotional when I stop and contemplate what this watch actually says...about my life and what it can mean to others who wear it. I guess what I feel most is gratitude...I’ve always loved watches, but this is much more than that.”
The Overseas line has always been one of Vacheron Constantin’s sportiest, but these "Everest" editions were purpose-built to withstand some of the planet's harshest environments. A titanium and steel case ensures durability and lighter weight for both models. Bright orange accents punch up critical dial visibility, popping off the elegantly grained anthracite canvas for the sweep seconds and 30-minute and 12-hour sub-dial hands on the chronograph, and the home time zone and am/pm indicator for the dual-time execution. That bold hue is also picked up in the band stitching on the rugged Cordura nubuck calfskin-lined strap. Both sport the brand's easy, tool-free strap-swapping system, making it a breeze to switch to the included textured grey rubber band, as well. And both versions also counter bad weather and night-time visibility with blue Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indices. Like Richards said, this is much more than a watch.
Two Adventure-Ready Versions
In the 42.5mm chronograph, the self-winding Calibre 5200/2 movement features a twin-barrel power source with a column wheel synced to the start/stop and reset functions of the timepiece’s chronograph functions, as well as a 52-hour power reserve. The 22K pink gold oscillating weight is engraved with an image of Mt. Everest, based on a photograph Richards took during one of his expeditions.
The 41mm dual time version takes the Overseas line's designation as a travel watch to new heights. Based on a self-winding 5110 DT/2, this movement enables simultaneous reading of two time zones. A local-time-synced circular date indicator rides at 6 o'clock, with a dedicated pusher at 4 o'clock. Again, an image of Everest, inspired by a photograph taken by Richards, is engraved on the 22K pink gold oscillating weight viewable through the caseback. The Overseas Dual Time "Everest" packs a 60-hour power reserve.
Pricing & Availability
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph "Everest" and Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time "Everest" timepieces are produced in a numbered limited edition of 150 examples of each execution. Both are available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin retailers worldwide; the chronograph lists $37,000 and the dual time, $31,300. You can learn more by visiting Vacheron Constantin.
(Photography © Vacheron Constantin)