The New Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph

Manufacture Vacheron Constantin continues to unveil new developments and 2016 is focused on the Overseas range of timepieces.

There are several intriguing timepieces in the range but I shall leave that for another post. Today, I feature another brand icon, the Overseas Chronograph. A quick look and the most obvious change is the date layout - the big date which was previously at the twelve is gone, replaced by a smaller date window between the four and five o'clock position.

Not promising for me - for a few reasons. One, I believe a date is not necessary in a chronograph. A chronograph is a time measuring machine. So why the need for a date? Secondly, replacing the big date for a small one? Hmm... not promising for me. But as I dived into the timepiece, more and more unique features brings out the new Overseas Chronograph. More positives than one negative...

What I like about today's sports chronograph is that they are versatile as both sport timepieces as well as a daily wear especially when it comes with a bracelet instead of a rubber or leather strap. This is where the new Overseas is exceptional! The new Overseas comes with a quick change feature and the integrated bracelet featuring the brand's Maltese cross pattern.

Not only is it quick change, but easy change too! Press the clip downwards away from the watch case and lift up the bracelet - its just that simple and ingenious! And to put it back, just click it back into place. So the timepiece has become more versatile - bracelet when you want and if you are ready to bring it in for a dip, replace it with a rubber strap and whenever you wish, change into a blue leather strap for a more casual look. One watch, three looks with a clever quick change mechanism - no tools required! A big plus!

And it does not end there - the bracelet also comes with a quick adjustor - what they call the Easy-Fit system. This is found in the bracelet model where one can pull bracelet up to 4mm without having to remove a link. A simply pull allows one to adjust the bracelet length.

What about the anti-magnetic properties? Well, the new Chronograph comes protected, thanks to a soft iron rings that protects the case. And as a true sports piece, the timepiece is also water resistant to 15 bars (150 metres). Previously, the words anti-magnetic were found on the counter at 6 o'clock. This time around, the dial is much cleaner. Even the minute and hours hands are more slender than the previous version.

The timepiece comes with a screwed-down crown and quarter-turn screw-lock pushpieces. This is something ingenious, the quarter turn screw-lock pushpieces for the chronograph movement. These features are to provide better water proofing for the timepiece.

The case size is only slightly bigger. The older model is 42mm and the 2016 version is 42.5mm to accommodate the movement. The case features appropriately polished portions (six sided bezel) as well as satin finished surfaces.

The new Overseas Chronograph houses a new column-wheel chronograph Caliber 5200 which was five years in the making. The new Overseas in-house Calibres are developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin and all featuring an automatic movement. Notice the quick change clip underneath the case. Finishing on the movement is as one would expect from the house of Vacheron Constantin - great level of finishing.

The Calibre 5200 for the Overseas Chronograph is a column-wheel chronograph movement with a power reserve of around 52 hours. Bearing the Geneva Seal, the automatic rotor is a 22 carat gold rotor adorn with a wind rose referencing the traveling spirit of the Overseas collection.

There are a few improvements on the movement of the 2016 Chronograph versus the older Calibre 1137. For one, the power reserve has been improve from around 40 hours to approximately 52 hours. Secondly, the new Calibre 5200 operates at 4 Hertz as opposed to 3 Hertz in the older movement. And the best part of the new Overseas Chronograph is the open case back displaying the movement for all to admire. Take a closer look and the column-wheel is designed to the shape of the Maltese Cross which was first featured in the Harmony collection - nice touch there!

Overall, a nice package.

And don't forget the white dial version too...

Despite the date drama for me, the new Overseas Chronograph is definitely an improvement over the older version. And the quick change mechanism is a clear winning proposition for me.

The Longines Heritage Chronograph

The Longines Heritage Chronograph is perhaps one of the most affordable single push button column wheel chronograph on the market.

I recently featured the Heritage Chronograph in another post. Here are two of the three models close up.

First the monopusher Chronograph featuring a pulsometric scale reference L2.800.4.23.2.

Clean white lacquer dial...

Very legible and the glossy lacquer makes it even more so.

The accompanying brown leather strap has an orange backing. Very contrasting and very pretty!

Next comes the two toned dial version reference L2.800.4.26.2 which comes without the pulsometric scale.

I like this version the best... clean. And the slightly greyish blue toned lacquer dial is just perfectly executed.

Also comes with a leather strap and orange back.

So which one do you prefer? The white lacquered dial with a pulsometric scale or the clean two toned dial?

Then there is the black dial version (reference L2.800.4.53.0) which is also very versatile as a day time turned night formal timepiece. Head down to the Longines Boutique or to Watches of Switzerland to try one and perhaps get one for the Chinese New Year. I assure you the timepiece is very affordable. The white lacquered dial L2.800.4.23.2 retails for S$4,770 while the two toned L2.800.4.26.2 retails for S$4,930 inclusive of GST.

Vacheron Constantin - Historiques Cornes de vache 1955

Bold creativity and rigorous technicality for a legendary chronograph.

The Vacheron chronograph is one of the most iconic column wheel chronograph around.

Celebrating a heritage forged by 260 years of uninterrupted expertise and innovation, Manufacture Vacheron Constantin is enriching its Historiques collection with a classic chronograph fitted with iconic ‘cow-horn’ lugs. This contemporary interpretation of a legendary model created by Vacheron Constantin in 1955 embodies a remarkable blend of rigorous technicality and bold creativity. Featuring a central complication in line with the heritage of the Geneva-based Manufacture, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is powered by hand-wound Caliber 1142, housed in a 38.5 mm- diameter platinum case. This timepiece bearing the Hallmark of Geneva and issued in an exclusive production run is joining an exceptional collection dedicated to connoisseurs and which revives legendary Vacheron Constantin creations in a spirit of timeless excellence.

The new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 model - A reinvented legend, the new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 appears in a 950 platinum 38.5 mm- diameter case that is water resistant to 30 metres and features delicately polished ‘cow-horn’ lugs. The screwed-in caseback is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal serving to admire its entirely hand- decorated complex mechanical heart. The original layout of the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock is scrupulously reproduced on this reinterpreted version, while its more contemporary diameter enables an airier display ensuring optimal readability of its functions. This broader opening reveals a silver-toned opaline dial punctuated by Roman numerals, applied hour- markers and hands in 18-carat white gold, while the central seconds hand, the 30-minute counter hand and the tachometric scale feature a royal blue shade further enhancing the perfect legibility of its display. In addition to bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 chronograph also meets the numerous demanding criteria of this independent and sovereign label that is a guarantee of provenance, top-notch precision, durability and watchmaking expertise.

The case is a classic 38.5mm and in platinum. The open caseback features a manual winding calibre 1142. Fitted with two classic round pushpieces, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 model houses an exceptional mechanical heart, hand-wound Caliber 1142, beating at a frequency of 3 Hz to ensure the improved precision of the chronograph matched by greater better shock resistance of the balance wheel.

Endowed with a 48-hour power reserve, this movement comprising 164 entirely hand- decorated movements drives displays of the hours, minutes, small seconds and central chronograph seconds, complemented by a 30-minute counter. Like the other new chronograph movements by Vacheron Constantin, the column-wheel screw is shaped like the Maltese cross that has become the emblem of the Manufacture.

This timepiece will be on display at the Watches & Wonders Exhibition in Hong Kong. Be sure to see it for yourself when you are there.

Pictures and contents as provided by Vacheron Constantin.

Lange 1815 Chronograph - Just Enjoy the Beauty

What can I say - the 1815 Chronograph is perhaps the most beautiful in-house developed column wheel chronograph.

I was testing out my new contraption using the iPad as a light source and shooting this with my Leica D-Lux 6. First the sexy back...

Now the front.

And another view using a different angle and tool.

And finally coming back to the heart of the timepiece.

I hope you enjoyed the photos.