In 1996, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Overseas 1st Generation, marking a new era for their luxury sports timepieces. The creative minds behind the 1st generation Overseas watch were Dino Modolo, an accomplished independent watch designer, and Vincent Kaufmann, a talented in-house designer who later led the VC design team.

Inspired by Tradition

Inspired by its predecessor, the 222, the Overseas featured a tonneau-shaped case with a fluted bezel reminiscent of the iconic Maltese cross. The bracelet's dynamic lines, adorned with geometric links, added to its allure. The 37mm Overseas watch featured a COSC certified cal 1310 (cal 1311) movement, a modified version of the ultra-flat automatic Girard-Perregaux 3100. This caliber offered a quickset date, 150M water resistance, and hacking seconds for added convenience.

Vacheron Constantin also released a more compact 35mm 'mid-size' edition, a delicate 24mm ladies model in Quartz and automatic versions, and an extremely rare left-hand version with only three pieces made. To meet growing demand, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Overseas Chronograph in 1999, adding to the collection's appeal and versatility.

Color & Clasp Variations

During its production, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 1st Generation watch was offered in five different color variations. The most common ones were White and Blue, closely followed by Black. A more unique option was the Grey color, but the most rare variation was the 'Salmon' dial. Regarding the clasp, most 1st Generation Overseas watches were originally equipped with an interesting slide-lock clasp. However, towards the end of production, Vacheron Constantin upgraded the clasp to a butterfly closure clasp.

The launch of the Overseas watch was a great success. It represented a pivotal moment for Vacheron Constantin's sports watches, coinciding with the brand's acquisition by the Vendôme Luxury Group, with Richemont holding a 70% stake.