Omega’s big hit at Baselworld this year was unquestionably the 1957 trilogy watches. These are essentially modern reissues of their first Speedmaster, Seamaster 300, and Railmaster watches. In accordance with Omega, they worked really closely with the Omega Museum to ensure that they faithfully recreate the look and texture of the original watches. For lovers of vintage Omega watches, it will not get better than these 3 watches. What you are getting is a completely modern Omega, which is to say superbly made and highly reliable, but with the look and feel of three of Omega’s most crucial antique bits. It’s a proposition that many watch fans will find highly tempting.Vintage-inspired watches are still going strong now and it’s any wonder why – especially when sales of classic watches are doing so well. At least when compared to the earnings of brand new watches. For watch fans like me, who enjoy the look of vintage watches but don’t enjoy the related hassle of tracking one down and fretting about credibility and reliability, vintage-inspired watches are literally a godsend. Anyhow, with summer now upon us, here are five really trendy vintage-inspired watches.For frequent aBlogtoWatch hardcore and readers watch fans, the name Vianney Halter needs no introduction. This is the man behind horological masterpieces such as the iconic Antiqua, the sublime Harry Winston Opus 3, and more recently, the Deep Space Tourbillon. There a few reasons why this guy is so revered. For starters, his watches are really spectacular, not only in terms of design, but also in execution. But it is also equally due to his devotion to his craft. He makes many of the components in his watches by himself. Here is a look at the workshop at which this guy creates his masterpieces.
Last Friday November 17th, 2017 a new iteration of the classic Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time was released at the Dubai Watch Week. After looking at the differences between the new reference we announced here and the discontinued reference 47450 we have on this feature, we really think that the discontinued model is much nicer as it comes with a stronger Vacheron Constantin aura and a way more classic and intricate design —perhaps we are biased as we own the earlier reference.
While the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450/B01A-9226 is not powered by an in-house movement like the new model ref. 7900V, the calibre 1222 SC powering the Overseas Dual Time reference 47450 is still an amazing movement derived from the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 929/3.
The Dial
As far as the dial, the previous iteration is simply more complex as the silvered white dial features an intricate and elaborated Overseas guilloché pattern, opposed to a smooth surface on the new models. Additionally, while the dial seems more cluttered on the earlier reference, having a power reserve indicator an a full subdial to indicate the second time zone seems much more refined and elegant. Would anyone argue about how much information is given on perpetual calendars with three to four subdials? Not really.
While the date indicator between 1 and 3 o’clock is more prominent than the other indications, the dial is well balanced with a gauge-type power reserve indicator between 8 and 11 o’clock and a second time zone subdial with day and night indicator in dark blue and silvered white.
With 18K white gold black oxidized hands and faceted 18K white gold markers with superluminova, the second time zone subdial and the date subdial are snailed with diamond filets while the power reserve indicator is smooth finished with an 18K white gold curved insert that is highly polished.
Thanks to the black oxidized hands, the legibility is never compromised and regardless of the many indications on the dial, all information is easy to read at a quick glimpse. One other thing we particularly like about the dual time function on this watch, is that the second time zone subdial only features an hour hand opposed to a minute and hour hand as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time does —keep in mind that both AP and VC utilize the same calibre developed by JLC.
The Case
Fitted with a robust 42.5 x 12.5 mm case in stainless steel, the case is highly polished on its caseband and bezel and satin brushed finished elsewhere. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450 features a screw-down crown with Maltese cross and a screw-down pusher to adjust the calendar. Pulling the winding crown to the first position allows for adjustment of the second time zone —synced to the day/night indicator—, while the second position allows for adjustment of the local time.
The Bracelet
One of our favorite elements in the design of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450 is the bracelet with its half Maltese cross links and its satin brushed and highly polished areas between each link. A true work of art, this bracelet is not only very solid and comfortable but exquisitely crafted.
Equipped with a deployant double folding clasp, the bracelet features Vacheron’s Maltese cross. The clasp is very comfortable, sturdy and well made.
The Movement
Protected by a solid case back with the Overseas Galleon on bas-relief and by an interior anti-magnetic protective casing, the Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450 is not powered by an in-house movement but by a modified Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 929/3. Regardless, there is plenty good stuff to be said about the calibre 1222 SC that is powering this watch. This 37-jewel movement which beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound, includes four gentle complications —Date, Power Reserve, Dual Time and Day/Night Indication— and is extremely accurate running at COSC standards.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450 wears more like a 41 mm watch and quite comfortably. A very refined timepiece that is extremely useful for those traveling around the world or those simply wanting to keep track of the local and home times. One of those discontinued rare birds where you get a lot of watch for the money.
If you find one, expect to pay anywhere between $12,000-14,500 USD depending on condition and availability of box and papers. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
