Vacheron Constantin Celebrates Exploration with the Overseas Collection

p/p pandnbsp;/p pThrough a special event in Kyoto and Tokyo in Japan, Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin celebrates the spirit of exploration that the new Overseas collection embodies. Find out how the collection lives up to its name./p pandnbsp;/p pspan /span/p pThe first time we were granted a ringside view to the unveiling of the revamped Overseas collection was in January at SIHH in Geneva. This pivotal occasion was also marked by other newsandmdash;the collaboration between the Swiss manufacturer and legendary photographer Steve McCurry. While much has been documented about the images that emerged from this partnership, itandrsquo;s now time to talk about what started it allandmdash;the watches. An authority on the subject, Artistic Director Christian Selmoni says, andldquo;The Overseas collection is the expression of an active, travelling, urban life. [Of course] all of our collections demonstrate our watchmaking know-howandmdash;decorative crafts, technicality, design, creativity...and they all have in common the Vacheron Constantin styleandmdash;fundamentally based on traditions, [expertise] and authenticity.andrdquo;/p pandnbsp;/p pstrongVisionary Designs/strong/p pandnbsp;/p pIt was during our visit to Kyoto that the watchmaker drew parallels between not only the spirit of travel, but also the heritage of various Japanese arts and Swiss watchmaking. Like the ancient traditions in Japanandmdash;for instance, tea ceremonies and ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement)andmdash;the art of watchmaking and the brandandrsquo;s many creations have withstood the test of time and fleeting trends. Another aspect to the history of these arts is the passion with which they have been pursued and mastered over time. In the words of McCurry, who recalls his first-ever visit to the factory: andldquo;I discovered a new andlsquo;mandeacute;tierandrsquo;, the one of fine watchmaking. The precision and patience it takes to create a timepiece is fascinating. I never would have imagined that such passion goes into each watch.andrdquo; The five new modelsandmdash;12 references in allandmdash;are the outcome of years of labour. In addition to a traditional hours-minutes-seconds display (with or without date), the collection also includes chronographs and ultra-slim timepieces. With the introduction of three new calibres, the endeavour proved to be a milestone for the brand, as Selmoni recalls, andldquo;We wanted to install Overseas as a casual, elegant, versatile timepiece, in line with our 21stcentury way of life.andrdquo; And as we know, the contemporary way is a life filled with travel, whether for work or leisure. He adds, andldquo;Today, many people live in big cities around the worldandmdash;with an urban lifestyleandmdash;and travel much more than in the past.andrdquo;/p p style="text-align: center;"andnbsp;/p p style="text-align: center;"/p pandnbsp;/p pstrongThe spirit of travel/strong/p pandnbsp;/p pTravel is a leitmotif in the collection, illustrating the idea through practical functions and design. And within the collection, the one watch that truly articulates the spirit of travel is the Overseas World Time, with a world time complication. It is set in a steel case, with three dial optionsandmdash;blue, brown and silver, all of which feature a map of the northern hemisphere. More importantly, it manages to showcase 37 time zones without appearing clutteredandmdash;a laudable feat in itself. The image of the map is decorated with different finishes to represent the oceans and land, along with other details to symbolise day and night. For instance, the 24-hour scale is categorised into black and white for am/pm, and a minute track. A patented mechanism is set within the movementandmdash;composed of 255 componentsandmdash;and offers a 40-hour power reserve. The caseback holds its own with its sapphire crystal detail showcasing the andlsquo;wind roseandrsquo; motif often seen on maps.andnbsp;/p pandnbsp;/p pstrongThe journey is the destination/strong/p pstrongbr //strong/p pThis strong expression of travel is mirrored by Selmoni, perhaps making his task of redesigning the collection somewhat easier. He admits, andldquo;Travelling is the best way to connect with other cultures and origins. It is an essential activity, an essential attitude. Through travelling, we may have a better comprehension of todayandrsquo;s world in its diversity and complexity. And itandrsquo;s also fun!andrdquo; His passion for travel is palpable and underlines his motivation for the redesign. He even draws your attention to the qualities of the Overseas that qualify it as the perfect travel companion: andldquo;The new Overseas captures the spirit of travel and bears a casual-chic design. The unique system for changing the bracelets demonstrates its versatility and strong travel spirit.andrdquo; Of course, all models bear the Hallmark of Geneva seal and are fitted with easily interchangeable strapsandmdash;done without toolsandmdash;for convenience and comfort. Having had the pleasure of being kitted out in an Overseas Ladies watch for a day, what was notable about the experience is itandrsquo;s actually quite comfortable. While the slender pink gold form and rosy beige rubber strap made it evident while perfectly suited to be a travellerandrsquo;s watch, it doesnandrsquo;t compromise on style.span /spanandnbsp;/p pandnbsp;/p pstrongMore On andgt;andgt; a href="http://www.luxpresso.com/watches" target="_blank"Watchesandnbsp;/a/strong/p

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