Vacheron Constantin Blues - The New Overseas 2016 models are stunning.

2016 for Vacheron will prove to be a watershed year. With the contraction of global demand for luxury watches every Swiss company needs to work harder and smarter to deal with economic challenges. Fortunately for VC, this year's Overseas models may prove to be a winning stroke. 

The Overseas model range is to VC as is the Nautilus to Patek and Royal Oak to Audemars Piguet. The Overseas watch represents the company's flagship sports watch line. The model series had been around for decades and has gone through small detail changes to appeal to market demand. It still retains its distinctive details in its design which includes the Maltese details on the bracelet and bezel. This year they released several new models but the most appealing are the new Blue dial models. Featured here in high resolution. While there is the Overseas Blue Chrono, it is felt that the classic three handed is by far the most interesting. 

The only small detail that tended to distract is the white date window. The watch would have done better as a date free watch allowing the beautiful blue to stretch across the dial unbroken. The accompanying automatic caliber keeps the watch super slim and sexy. 

The new clever innovation is the quick release mechanism that allows for bracelet change to strap with a simple click of the locking mechanism. Provided are blue leather and blue rubber straps that complement the blue dial perfectly. 

Here is the watch with the blue rubber strap.

Here is the same watch with blue leather straps.

The movement as before still handsome and well finished as one would expect from Vacheron at this price point. 

The new Overseas also has a complement ladies watch that was also launched. A smaller sized watch with a bezel embedded with top quality diamonds. 

But notwithstanding the blue straps that comes with the watch, the Overseas will always be measured against its competition Patek Nautilus and AP Royal Oak for its overall look and feel as a steel watch with steel bracelet. Seen here with its clasp closed showing its famous Maltese Cross. The bracelet as shown, is very well crafted and designed and continues to be improved on as the years go by. 

The overall new Blue Overseas is a winner for Vacheron. In real life the dial is stunning as it should be. Vacheron has always been a leader renowned for its dial work. The only disappointment is the retail pricing of the watch. Hopefully retailers will make their customers happy with a sizeable discount for this handsome timepiece. If that should happen, I am sure VC will be enjoying a resurgence this year despite all the economic gloom. 

- HT