Previously reserved only for gentlemen, the gorgeous magnetically-shielded Overseas collection has recently received a pair of new members designed specifically for ladies. To be more precise, the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding is just one model that is delivered in two versions. The variation that will soon appear in the Swiss brand’s product catalog as ref. 47560/D10R-9672 is briefly reviewed here. It has got my attention as the most organic-looking, although I have the impression that even the less expensive one will be popular among those willing to replace their leather straps every couple of years.
Yes, depending on your preferences, you can get one either on a high-quality leather strap (with a spare rubber band to be used in humid conditions like, say, on a boat trip from Nice to Cannes) or on a more ahem practical bracelet crafted from satin-finished 18-karat rose gold, which is of the most interest to us (by “us” I mean not only the team behind worldwatchreview.com but also you as a person, too, since you are reading or at least scanning this article right now.)
Presented in an 18-karat 36 millimeter rose gold case, the new Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding (Ref. 47560/D10R-9672) has its signature, Maltese Cross-inspired bezel set with whole 88 (a lucky number, that) brilliant-cut diamonds tipping the scale at approximately 0.36 carats.
The old brand was wise enough to limit the use of diamonds to the bezel, leaving the silver-toned dial and the compact setting crown intact.
As you can see, the dial is offered in a clean, sober design.
It is decorated only with 11 applied Arabic numerals (the numeral “3” was traditionally replaced in a proportionately-sized date aperture with a nice rose gold frame,) while the minute track and the 8 (again, the lucky number) black-painted round hour-markers with dots of white luminescent substance on them were transferred to the bezel flange.
Although being considerably smaller than the older Overseas Gray Automatic that was crafted from lightweight titanium alloy, the new trinket is still powered by the same VC Caliber 1226 automatic movement.
Well, the feat wasn’t particularly difficult.
Being only 26.60 millimeters in diameter and impressive 3.25 millimeters thin (it is 0.35 mm thinner than the industry work-horse ETA 2892-A2,) the movement is as versatile, as it is compact.
To make it more accurate as well, the Swiss watchmaker put it inside a special cage, which is made of soft iron and offers superb magnetic shielding: a nice thing to have, when we are virtually wrapped in magnetic fields of different intensity.
Alas, this little technical marvel is hidden from our eyes with a solid case back that, as a small compensation for the inconvenience, offers us a brilliantly executed “Overseas” medallion.
There is still no info regarding the timekeeper’s price, but I expect the Small Model Date to retail at some $45,000 USD. Gold is expensive these days, you know.
See also: DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Ladies in Rose Gold (Ref. T8.AU.53.003)
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding (Ref. 47560/D10R-9672) specification
Price: $42,000 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 1226, 28,800 vph, 36 jewels, 143 components, in-house, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Geneva stripes, polished screws, oscillating weight in rose gold
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case and Crown: 18-karat rose gold
Bezel: 18-karat rose gold set with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds (approximately 0.36 carats)
Shape: Tonneau
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 36.00 mm
Case height: 9.50 mm
Dial: Silver-toned, sunburst pattern
Numerals: Arabic, applied
Hands: Rose gold, luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: 18-karat rose gold bracelet with triple-blade double-safety folding clasp with rose gold pushers, polished half Maltese Cross
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid, screw-fastened, with traditional “Overseas” medallion