For the first time in the Overseas sports collection, a model with the classic complications of an analog retrograde date display and a precise indication of the phases of the moon appears.
Adding classic complications to sports replica watches brings various, usually not very successful, results. The nature of a sports timepiece dictates that it should be ready for any circumstances, i.e. functional and rather free of unnecessary accessories. So much for the theory, because in practice, watch brands expand their sports collections with various, often “non-sports” complications. Vacheron added a retrograde date display to the Overseas model, and if that wasn’t enough, it added the ability to check what phase the Moon is in.
The new Overseas has not undergone any modifications from the outside, so it still has the model’s characteristic shape with a barrel-shaped case, a polished bezel whose form is taken from the Maltese cross, a mostly satin finish and a screw-down crown. The watch is 41 mm in diameter, 10.48 mm thick, WR 50 m and two sapphire glasses. Vacheron installs a beautifully finished steel bracelet in the integrated lugs, which can be easily replaced with a leather or rubber strap (quick change system). Both are included with the watch.
The main focus of the project is, of course, the mechanism (about which in a moment) and the dial on which its functions are planned. Vacheron chose an intense, lacquered navy blue color, finished in a velvet semi-matt outside and decorated with a sunburst inside. The date indication occupies the upper half of the dial and is equipped with a blue hand. For balance, the Moon phase window is located in the lower part and surrounded by an appropriate scale, reminding us that one full cycle lasts exactly 29 days 12 hours and 45 minutes (i.e. rounded 29.5 days). The disc itself shows an engraved constellation and two gold (white gold), polished moons. The applied hour markers and hands are filled with a small amount of luminous material.
The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 2460 R31L/2. The mechanism, composed of 275 components, has a power reserve of 40 hours. It is generated by a rotor made of 22 ct gold, embossed with the manufacturer’s name. Vacheron made sure that the indication of the moon phases was precise enough to require a correction of 1 day every 122 years. All settings are adjusted directly from the crown.
Like all current Overseas models, the Moon Phase Retrograde Date will be sold with a set of three straps. The watch will be sold only in the manufacturer’s boutiques, and the price is available only on request.