The Vacheron Constantin Overseas has its roots in the 1970s when the company introduced a sports model to compete with the Royal Oak and Nautilus. This led to the creation of the ref.222, a groundbreaking departure from Vacheron's traditional timepieces. It boasted a slender barrel-shaped case, a notched round bezel, and a distinctive Maltese cross embedded on the case at 5 o'clock. The watch also featured an integrated bracelet.

In 1996, Vacheron launched the Overseas collection, taking inspiration from the 222 model of the '70s. The collection featured a tonneau-shaped case with a fluted bezel reminiscent of the Maltese cross. It also incorporated crown guards and an integrated bracelet with geometric links. Later, in 1999, they introduced the first chronograph version in the collection, featuring a grand date aperture.