Vacheron Constantin Overseas First Generation Ref. 42050 - Blue Sigma Dial
Year: 1999.
Movement: Vacheron Constantin automatic calibre 1310 which is chronometer certified.
Case Size: 35mm.
Dial: Blue sigma dial representing the use of white gold hands and markers.
Case: Steel case with Maltese cross style bezel.
Bracelet: Integrated steel bezel with slide lock clasp.
As with all watches purchased through Watts On Watches, this watch comes with a 12 month warranty.
This watch comes as watch only. Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation.
Want to pay with finance? Click here.
Year: 1999.
Movement: Vacheron Constantin automatic calibre 1310 which is chronometer certified.
Case Size: 35mm.
Dial: Blue sigma dial representing the use of white gold hands and markers.
Case: Steel case with Maltese cross style bezel.
Bracelet: Integrated steel bezel with slide lock clasp.
As with all watches purchased through Watts On Watches, this watch comes with a 12 month warranty.
This watch comes as watch only. Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation.
Want to pay with finance? Click here.
Year: 1999.
Movement: Vacheron Constantin automatic calibre 1310 which is chronometer certified.
Case Size: 35mm.
Dial: Blue sigma dial representing the use of white gold hands and markers.
Case: Steel case with Maltese cross style bezel.
Bracelet: Integrated steel bezel with slide lock clasp.
As with all watches purchased through Watts On Watches, this watch comes with a 12 month warranty.
This watch comes as watch only. Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation.
Want to pay with finance? Click here.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas First Generation Ref. 42050 is a distinguished timepiece that encapsulates nearly two decades of evolution in the realm of luxury sports watches. Introduced in 1996, almost 20 years after the iconic 222 model, the Overseas was crafted to redefine Vacheron Constantin’s approach to this dynamic segment, boasting production runs up until 2004. This model is emblematic of a strategic pivot towards a more contemporary and robust design, aligning with the lifestyle demands of the time without sacrificing elegance.
The design innovation behind the first generation Overseas was led by Dino Modolo, an independent designer, and Vincent Kaufmann, a promising in-house talent who went on to be at the helm of Vacheron Constantin's design team. Together, they developed a watch that not only succeeded upon its debut but also established a foundational aesthetic for subsequent generations of the Overseas collection, which continues to thrive today.
Ref. 42050, particularly in its 35mm case variant, strikes a perfect balance in size—akin to the nuanced differences between the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 4100 and 14790. This 'mid-size' option ensures a significant but comfortable presence on the wrist, catering to a variety of enthusiasts. Among the initial batch of these watches, the dials were adorned with the 'Sigma' mark at 6 o'clock—a historical nod denoting the use of gold on the indices and hands, a feature Vacheron Constantin, alongside Patek Philippe, persisted with into the late era of their applications.
Available in five dial color options over its production span, the Overseas Ref. 42050 offered variety but maintained a common thread of exquisite design and functionality. The most common hues were white and blue, followed by black, and more rare grey and 'Salmon'—a rosy beige shade that held a unique appeal and rarity.
A hallmark feature of the Overseas collection is its solid case-back, beautifully engraved with the Amerigo Vespucci three-masted ship, symbolizing adventure and exploration—echoing the essence of the Overseas narrative to traverse and conquer the vastness of the seven seas.
In terms of functionality, the first-generation Overseas featured a novel slide-lock clasp complemented by a clamshell Maltese flip-lock, ensuring robust security with a ceramic pin trigger locking mechanism. Underneath this refined exterior lies the heart of the watch—the Vacheron Constantin automatic calibre 1310. This movement, derived from a Girard Perregaux ebauche and rebranded for Vacheron Constantin, is chronometer certified, featuring a gold rotor, 27 jewels, quick-set date, hacking seconds, and a power reserve of 46 hours, encapsulated within an ultra-thin 3mm profile.
This particular model, produced in 1999, showcases a stunning blue sigma dial housed in a stainless steel case with the iconic Maltese cross bezel. The integrated steel bracelet, which includes the distinctive slide-lock clasp, adds a seamless elegance and security to the wearer’s experience. As is typical with vintage pieces, it does not come with the original box and papers but is accompanied by bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation, alongside a 12-month warranty, ensuring buyer confidence.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas First Generation Ref. 42050 is not just a timepiece; it is a testament to heritage, design evolution, and enduring craftsmanship, making it a coveted piece for collectors and connoisseurs alike.