SPECIFICATIONS
Amazing Vacheron Constantin Overseas ref 42040 Jumbo 18k solid yellow gold first series sigma dial from 1990’s never polish in excellent conditions.
18k heavy solid yellow of gold Jumbo case diameter 37mm never polish in great conditions.
215 g. total weight with bracelet.
Original Vacheron crown.
Sapphire crystal.
Perfect sigma ghillochè dial first generation like new.
Automatic movement Vacheron Constantin caliber 1310.
ANALYSIS
This is an iconic watch, a cornerstone of Vacheron Constantin’s history from the second half of the 90s.
This reference is the very first series of the Overseas model that was released in 1996.
This watch features a very solid and compact 37 mm circular profile case on which a very characteristic bezel is integrated: it has a round shape with eight protruding geometric elements. The “rhythm” in the design of this amazing case is given by these elements that play with the respective negative eights, giving a light and dark effect on the entire upper and lateral surface of the case. On the right side there is the beautiful original screw crown with the Maltese Cross logo, which is inserted between the protective shoulders typical of diver’s watches.
The Overseas is in fact an elegant timepiece but with strong sporty connotations. The water resistance of the case is guaranteed up to 150 m (500 ft /15 atm) and is ensured by a case back with eight screws. It is the mirror image of the bezel and creates a formal cohesion of great constructive and design intelligence. At the center of the outer case back is the fantastic engraving of the Amerigo Vespucci sailing ship, one of the most beautiful and important ships ever built. It ploughs through the waves of the sea on which the word “Overseas” stands out in a very elegant cursive graphic. On the disc-shaped frame that encloses the engraving, there is the writing that reminds us that the movement is officially certified as a chronometer (COSC).
The Sigma dial is another strong point of this first-generation masterpiece. It has a clean and light white tone, which is enlivened by an incredible guilloché surface workmanship. It features pseudo-arrow indexes in gold, flanked by triangular dots with luminescent paste. The date window is framed at 3 o’clock. At the center of the dial at 12 o’clock is the arch-shaped writing “Vacheron Constantin Geneve” placed under the gold Maltese Cross. At 6 o’clock the juxtaposed writing “Chronometer Automatic”. At the bottom of the dial is the writing “Swiss Made” between the Sigma symbols. The hour and minute hands are baton-shaped with sloping profiles and have an insert for the luminescent paste. The seconds hand is flush with a large rectangular counterweight.
This composition makes the face of the watch very modern. A perfect fusion of sportiness and elegance.
Of course, another important design element is the integrated bracelet in solid 18K yellow gold, which is tightened to the short and folded lugs by slotted screws. It is composed of three links with a satin-finished surface and a mirror-polished profile, and is structured to softly wrap the wrist. The clasp is the rare first generation one, with a “flip and slide-lock” system that ends in an “open/closed” mechanism and embellished with a sliding button with the Maltese Cross logo. An absolutely obsessive attention to detail.
The automatic movement is the 1310 derived from Girard Perregaux, with 27 jewels and a bi-directional winding rotor with a solid gold semi-arch. The finishes are of high quality, with a cote de geneve surface and perlage on the base plate.
This Vacheron Constantin Overseas ref. 42040, original in all its parts, is one of the most iconic and sought-after models, and it is very rare to find it in never-touched condition. A milestone in watchmaking of all time, powerful and elegant.
