Vacheron Constantin introduced the Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton at this year’s Watches & Wonders. Available in platinum and rose gold, the haute horlogerie timepiece does not only represent top-notch craftsmanship and technical prowess, but also mark some premieres for the Geneva-based manufacture. Firstly, it introduces the tourbillon complication to the Overseas collection. Secondly, it is also the first Vacheron Constantin watch made entirely of Grade 5 titanium, including the bezel and crown. Last but not least, it is equipped with a new in-house regulating organ featuring a balance-spring with a Breguet overcoil. There are only a handful of manufacturers that can pride themselves with producing their own balance-spring.
Vacheron Constantin embarks on a new journey with this Overseas tourbillon skeleton model, a first in this collection that debuted in 1996. The skeletonization work carried out on the selfwinding Calibre 2160 which offers a three-day power reserve has enabled not only a 20% reduction in the movement’s weight but also a complete rethinking of its architecture. Its curvature is thus very slender, at barely 5.65 mm thick ? a real technical feat considering the requirements linked to the integration of a tourbillon carriage.

This thinness is notably due to the choice of a peripheral gold oscillating weight, which also enables a completely clear view of the rear of the movement. The work done on the baseplate and the four bridg...