Vacheron Constantin Unveils Panda Dial Overseas Chronograph

Easily one of the most coveted Vacheron Constantin watches on the market in recent years is the stainless steel Overseas watch with integrated bracelet. In fact, this piece is so hot amongst collectors that one would be hard-pressed to find it in stores. For that very reason, watch lovers may have a chance at getting one of the newly released Overseas Chronograph watches with a new two-color dial.

The new watch, with frosted/satin finish on the bracelet and case, and a high-polished bezel, boasts a black-and-white panda dial that boasts a silvery white toned statin-finished dial with black subsidiary dials and an outer rich black seconds flange. The markers are made of 18-karat white gold and the hours, minutes, seconds and chronograph counter hands are all coated in Super-LumiNova for easy readability in the dark.

Panda dials became popular in the 20th century — around the 1960’s — when certain sought-after brands started releasing white dial chronograph with black subsidiary dials that recall the face — the eyes and nose — of the beloved panda bear.

The Overseas Chronograph in black and white is powered by an in-house-made 263-part self-winding mechanical movement, Caliber 5200. It features a column-wheel chronograph system and a 22-karat gold oscillating weight that is finished with a compass rose on it – signifying exploration and adventure. It is visible via a transparent sapphire case back. Additionally, the movement is equipped with a twin barrel that offers 52 hours of power reserve and is fitted with a column wheel with Maltese cross-shaped screw used to control the chronograph functions of start, stop and reset.

The 42.5mm watch is further endowed with a soft inner iron casing ring to protect against magnetism and the screwed-down crown and screw-lock pushpieces ensure water resistance to 150 meters. The watch is sold with the interchangeable stainless steel bracelet, as well as a calf leather and black rubber strap. The watch bears the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva certification attesting to the standards of its craftsmanship and finishing. The watch retails for $32,400.

The first Overseas chronograph watches were originally made in 1999 and later evolved a bit. It was in 2016, though, that Vacheron Constantin began a new chapter of the Overseas with a sporty chic appeal and a more contemporary flair.

“In a way, the Overseas chronographs have always marked, for the Manufacture, a desire for controlled yet subtly disruptive breakthroughs, a desire to explore other watchmaking territories and to experiment with new creative fields,” said Style & Heritage Director Christian Selmoni in a release issued by the brand.