Inspired by the adventures of explorer and photographer Cory Richards, Vacheron Constantin has added two new Everest timepieces to its Overseas collection.
Everest. It may not be on your personal bucket list but that doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate it for its staggering height or the endurance and determination it takes to get to its summit. Inspired by American explorer and photographer Cory Richards’ 2019 ascent, Vacheron Constantin has added two limited-edition ‘Everest’ timepieces to its Overseas collection, a chronograph and a dual-time model, each limited to 150 pieces.
READ: We Pay Tribute to a Modern Mixology Classic
The new Overseas Chronograph “Everest” and Overseas Dual Time “Everest” are ideal for everyday wear as well as for the most daring feats, whether its climbing the world’s tallest mountain or simply getting a martini through the happy hour throngs at Frank’s on the first Friday after lockdown.
A symbol of discovery and openness to the world, the Overseas collection explores new heights of elegance and robustness with the two models radiating a resolutely sporting temperament, one personified by Richards, who in 2019, undertook his third ascent of the ‘roof of the world’ via the North-East Ridge – considered the most difficult and perilous route – with an Overseas Dual Time prototype on his wrist. This unique watch now lends its aesthetic codes to the two new Overseas Limited Editions “Everest”, photographed for the occasion by Cory Richards himself.
READ: Your Next Razor Could be By Bugatti
The new models, all of which are recognisable by the famous six-sided bezel evoking the Maltese cross, are distinguished by a powerful and distinctive style expressed through a skilful combination of materials, alternating between titanium and steel. The case, the bezel, the pushers and pusher guards are made of titanium, with the only differences found in the finishes: satin-brushed and polished for the case; polished for the pushers; bead blasted for the bezel, crown and pusher guards, reflecting the grained dial finish.
The anthracite grey tones contrast with the shimmering gleam of the stainless-steel bezel ring. On the dial side, these watches opt for an elegantly grained finish punctuated by bright orange accents, a dynamic colour matching the shade of the stitching on the Cordura strap with nubuck calfskin lining, providing a blend of sturdiness and softness on the wrist.
READ: Leica Creates 007 Limited Edition Camera
To ensure their versatile elegance, both models are equipped with Overseas collection’s self-interchangeable strap system, which enables tool-free swaps between the the Cordura and rubber straps supplied with the watches.
The light and versatile Overseas “Everest” Chronograph (above and below) is equally suited to adventure and everyday challenges. Its 42.5 mm case features a contrasting combination of titanium and stainless steel, while its harmoniously dial composition ensures optimal legibility of the chronograph indications, particularly thanks to the bright orange colour of its central chronograph hand.
At its heart is the self-winding Calibre 5200/2 twin-barrel in-house movement which is fitted with a column wheel orchestrating the chronograph function’s start, stop and reset operations. This accurate and reliable mechanism also features a vertical clutch to prevent any potential hand stuttering when the chronograph is started.
READ: This Could Be Nike’s Most Sustainable Sneaker Yet
The NAC treatment on the baseplate echoes the anthracite grey shades of this model, while the 22 karat pink gold oscillating weight bears an engraving of Mount “Everest” based on a photograph taken by Cory Richards during one of his expeditions to the Himalayan summit.
At the exact intersection between performance and style, the Overseas Dual Time “Everest” watch (below) is an open travel invitation. Directly inspired by the prototype built to accompany Cory Richards on his latest ascent, this timepiece provides all the functions useful to globetrotters and experienced explorers.
At the heart of its 41 mm case, carved from a combination of titanium and stainless steel, beats the in-house self-winding 5110 DT/2 movement, enabling simultaneous reading of two time zones. In addition to the classic local-time indications, an arrow-tipped fourth orange hand displays the original (home) time, coupled with a matching-coloured day/night indicator. The pointer-type date display at 6 o’clock is synchronised with local time, which can be adjusted by a dedicated pusher.
READ: You’re Gonna Love Hue’s New Michter’s Whiskey Supper Menu
The two time zones at 12 o’clock can be corrected by turning the crown in either direction. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the anthracite grey NAC treatment on the baseplate gives the movement a decidedly contemporary character. Setting the signature touch to this model, the 22 karat pink gold oscillating weight is adorned with the same Most Everest engraving.
For more Collectables inspiration click here.