The pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, the Republic of Croatia’s magnificent and ancient walled city, was the setting for the launch of the updated Overseas timepieces by Vacheron Constantin.
Chosen by Vacheron Constantin for its beauty and its association with the sea, Dubrovnik is bursting at the seams with both ancient and modern history – the latest being the War of Liberation (1991-1992), in which the city was bombarded. Today, calm reigns and there are very few visible signs of the extensive war damage Dubrovnik suffered, pride of their heritage ensured that the people immediately restored the city’s majestic appearance.
In a specially decorated section of the old fort at the western entrance to the city, cocktails, dinner and a brief welcoming speech from the Mayor of Dubrovnik began the proceedings. This was followed by the shortest of humorous eulogies between courses from the Richemont-Vacheron tandem of Franco Cologni and Claude Proellochs, both of whom need no introduction. Maintaining a remarkable self-control, Proellochs suggested that instead of talking volumes about the beauty and remarkable workmanship of the latest watches in the Overseas collection, everyone should move to the adjacent section of the fort, partake of a coffee and/or a recuperative tipple and actually try on the various models since the only true judgement of them is when they are on the wrist.




Overseas Chronograph and ladies’ model.


Overseas
The first watch to grab my attention was the 42 mm Chronograph. Boldly elegant, the watch’s bezel is reminiscent of the brand’s Maltese cross logo and the newly designed stainless steel bracelet offers an intriguing play of light. With the introduction of a screw-down caseback and numerous watertight gaskets, the watch is water-resistant to 150 metres and the Calibre 1137 self-winding mechanical movement is encapsulated in a three-part, soft-iron anti-magnetic screen. There is also a three-hand men’s wristwatch with a date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock, equipped with a Calibre 1126/1 self-winding mechanical movement.
The Overseas lady’s model (34 mm) comes with either a mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds or a patterned silver dial. Both have the Maltese cross bezel and it comes in either plain stainless steel or diamond-set. There is a date aperture at 4 o’clock and the bracelet is a smaller version of the men’s model. These models are equipped with a V.C Calibre 1207 quartz movement, which like the men’s models is protected by a soft-iron anti-magnetic screen.
Dubrovnik has been a major source of artistic and maritime culture for more than a thousand years. Vacheron Constantin has been a source of horological culture since 1755. Both are, by tradition, unique and treasured. The skilful organization of Vacheron Constantin’s Pascal Brandt in associating one with the other was nothing short of a magnum opus.


Click here to subscribe to Europa Star Magazine.