Brand
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref. 42042/423A-8890
While the Overseas is a relatively new addition to the Vacheron Constantin catalog, first launching in 1996, its design is rooted in the brand's history. In 1977, a designer named Jorg Hysek created a new watch to honor Vacheron's 222nd anniversary. The aptly named 222 reflected the era but was unlike any other model in the brand's history. It featured a stainless steel build, uniquely detailed bezel, and integrated bracelet as well as a date window. Ultimately, this rugged and straightforward sport model served as the precursor for the development of an entirely new collection for the brand two decades later: the Overseas. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref. 42042/423A-8890
The '90s marked an important moment for the mechanical watch industry, which was still in the process of recovering from the Quartz Revolution. Vacheron Constantin was no exception. By the mid-1990s, the brand was in the midst of being acquired by the Vendome Group, now Richemont, and with new leadership, it needed a powerful release to make waves in the market. Why not return to the sport model that served as a welcome departure for the brand back in the 1970s? And thus, inspired by the disruptive nature of the 222, the Overseas was born.
The first generation of the Overseas largely pulled from the 222 with a 37mm tonneau shaped case and integrated bracelet. However, the bezel design differed slightly with a unique pattern that drew from the shapes of the brand's iconic Maltese Cross logo. The second generation of the Overseas came in 2004 and marked a bit of a departure from the original and the 222. Everything about the watch was thoroughly modern from the oversized 42mm case to the textured dial and addition of a chronograph function. However, the second generation notably retained the Maltese Cross inspired bezel design, but this time, it extended to the bracelet construction as well.
Over the next few years, Vacheron continued to update the Overseas with additional complications, like a dual time-zone indicator, perpetual calendar, and world timer, until the brand launched a third generation of the model in 2016. Here, the Overseas received slightly more modest sizing down to the option of either 41mm or the original 37mm alongside 42.5mm chronograph models. Still, the most significant update came in the form of an in-house movement, which marked a first for the collection.
This particular "First Generation" Vacheron Overseas dates to the first few years of the 2000s and is in overall clean and excellent pre-owned condition. The case has been professionally refinished. There are a few scratches in the bezel that are most noticeable when viewed through a loupe. The caseback is marked with an Overseas ship logo medallion, information about the watch, and the case serial number "741XXX." There is light scratching to the stainless steel caseback as well as the rear of the lugs. The bracelet fits a max wrist size of 6.5 inches which may be smaller than some wrists, please note this fact. The clasp is marked "423/2" and "TFGA." During our quality control check, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the watch is functioning as intended.
Founded in 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker in the world. Over its more than 260-year history, the watchmaker has gone from strength, having its watches certified by the prestigious Geneva Seal. Astute watch collectors hold Vacheron Constantin in the highest regard. It is considered one of the “holy trinity” of Swiss watchmakers, along with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.
